Dangerous Lies(18)

“It is. Crazy to think I see the same moon on the other side of the world.”

Jake’s hand skimmed down Shepley’s fur to cover mine. “You’re still worried.”

I met his gentle eyes. His face was still so new to me. “I don’t think I’ll ever not be afraid.”

He pulled my hand from the cat and brought me to his side, grasping my bicep and holding me against him. I found myself curling into him, nuzzling his shoulder and wrapping my arms around his waist.

How did I fit into him so easily? Why wasn’t I hesitant to touch him? We were comfortable with each other on the phone, but wouldn’t it take time to build a physical relationship in person? Hell, we’d been in each other’s company for only a few hours. It took me months to kiss Martin, and even longer to get into bed with him.

“What did he do to you?” He whispered against my temple, giving me a tight squeeze with both his hands.

A tremor ran throughout my body as the vivid image of Martin smacking me across the face then shoving me down the stairs. My eyelids clamped closed, tears threatening to spill. I had shoved the memory away in my brain, never wanting to relive it again.

One simple text message brought it all back to life.

I sniffled into his shirt, desperately pushing back the fountain of water works.

Jake turned into me, hugging me tightly to his chest. His head rested against mine, both his hands cradling me protectively.

“There’s more, isn’t there?” He whispered into the calm night. “He hurt you, didn’t he? More than breaking your heart by keeping you in a loveless marriage?”

I nodded in between his pecs, palming his back with my shaking hands.

He cupped the nape of my neck, running his nose along my cheek. “Oh, Cora, why didn’t you tell me what was really happening?”

“It shocked me,” I whimpered into his chest. “I didn’t think what he did was wrong at first.”

His hand tightened on my scalp. “Laying a hand on a woman, especially one you love, is inexcusable.”

Unlatching my hands from around his waist, I squirmed so he would loosen his grip around me enough so I could rub my eyes. “I didn’t have anywhere else to go.”

Jake’s eyebrows scrunched together. “There’s always somewhere to go.”

I shook my head. “I haven’t spoken to my parents since I chose Martin over them. It’s been nearly seven years since we’ve talked.”

Jake’s hand stroked my jaw. “You really don’t have any other family? Friends?”

I sniffed. “Only Martin’s family.”

“How long was he abusive?”

Taking a deep breath, I shrugged. “A few years? It wasn’t bad until the last month. It was little things at first, holding my arms too tightly, grabbing my chin and screaming in my face. He’d get aggressive in the bedroom, but would blame it on ‘being in the moment’ and said he didn’t realize he was hurting me.”

Jake studied me, his eyes filled with compassion. “What made him mad?”

I swallowed, darting my eyes to his chest. “Anything, really. He was a ticking time bomb, the rope getting shorter with each disappointment he found in me.”

Jake trailed two gentle fingers across my cheek. “Nothing could be disappointing about you, Love.”

My eyelids fluttered open, finding his gaze again. “I know that now. I was in a low place with my self-confidence and self-worth, but I’m much better now. I knew I was worth saving and chose to end the relationship. I only wish I would have figured it out sooner.”

The soft pads of Jake’s fingers traced along my cheek and to my forehead, smoothing over a small scar. It must have glowed in the moonlight.

I watched him swallow. “Was this from him?”

I nodded, squeezing my eyes shut. “He was mad I bought the wrong type of pickles and threw the glass jar at me. Thankfully he missed, but hit the doorframe. Glass went everywhere, including my forehead.” I looked to the inside of my forearm where a few other shards left their mark. “I tried to block it, but I couldn’t move my arm in time to shield all of my face.”

Jake followed my gaze, moving his hand from my back to trace the faint lines.

He shook his head, his jaw tightening with anger. “He’ll never hurt you again.”

I offered him a smile, grateful for his protectiveness, but deep down, I knew he wouldn’t be able to protect me from Martin. My ex-husband had too many resources, and most likely he was already on his way here to get me.

I was being irresponsible by staying with Jake. The moment that text came through, I should have found my way back to the States to file a restraining order, but it felt good being in Jake’s arms.

He tenderly kissed the scar on my forehead, letting his lips linger on my skin. I sighed into the cool night air, leaning into his touch. A hint of relief washed over me from revealing some of the ugly between Martin and me.

He removed his lips, holding my face in his hands so he could look at me. “I was out of line kissing you in there,” he murmured.

I stared at his mouth, licking my own lips. “No, you most definitely weren’t.”

He cocked his head slightly, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. “No?”

I slowly shook my head. “Pretty sure that was the most alive I’ve felt in a long time.”