Love's Paradox

Chapter 34: House of Horrors

Outside the hospital, wind lashes out at me. My long, dark hair whips across my face like lethal ribbons, blinding me as I walk. Leaves and trash scatter over the parking lot, and newly planted trees undulate with each vicious jerk of the wind. I hold my key fob above my head, pressing the alarm button in an attempt to locate my car. The persistent blaring of a horn dissolves into the night's breeze, but it's loud enough to capture my attention.

Even though my brain tells me I should be feeling a whole range of emotions, my heart beats steadily, and my muscles remain oddly relaxed as I slide into my car. I sit there for a long time, my mind whirling with ideas and possibilities on how to stop Ian from interfering with our lives any further.

Since I've met Parker, Ian's assholery has escalated to dangerous and possibly deadly levels. As I sit here and try to deliberate on which way I will end this brutal battle with my ex, I tick off the things he's done to me in the past few weeks.

One: After Ian attempted to attack me at Loretta's Bar, Parker came to my rescue and punched him in the nose. Then, I had to threaten Ian for Parker's release from jail.

Two: He kidnapped me, and I had to jump from his truck while it was in motion to get away.

Three: The police questioned me as if I was the suspect and not the victim after the kidnapping event, thanks to his holier-than-thou father and his connections.

Four: He sat, waited, then followed Parker and me after we left the farm where my mom boards her horses.

Five: I had to file an emergency protection order against him in a futile attempt to keep him at bay.

Six: He decided the EPO wasn't worth obeying; he broke into my apartment and left a wedding dress, an engagement ring, and a note that obscurely threatened Parker.

Seven: He placed a rose on my car and blackmailed me into keeping quiet by threatening to kill Parker's dog.

Eight: He attempted to murder Parker by running him off the road.

The last makes me see red.

I've been the victim of Ian's abuse for far too long. What's worse? I just let him get away with it. Let him slide by without consequence. I might as well have rolled on my back and handed him a leash. But now it's not just about me. My inactivity has led to this pivotal moment, and I curse myself for letting it go this far. I've suffered enough, and I refuse to let anyone else fall prey to Ian's need to possess and conquer me. Especially Parker.

I turn the key in the ignition and back out. My phone vibrates, the screen lighting up and displaying the name "Hunter McCoy."

"Hey," I answer.

"Fill me in," he says without preamble.

"Parker has some nasty road rash and a deep gash on his thigh, but he'll be fine."

He lets out a relieved breath. "So what happened?"

"I was right. Ian rammed his truck into Parker's bike. He tried to kill him."

There's a brief pause as he takes a moment to absorb the reality of my words. "Fuck. You know, I knew Ian was an abusive asshole, but he's gone too far."

"I know." My voice is emotionless. "He won't get away with it; I don't care if his father is a judge." A car pulls out in front of me; I honk and curse, christening the blue Honda with a new, slightly pornographic name.

"Where are you?" Hunter asks, voice turning suspicious. "Sounds like you're driving."

"I am." I don't elaborate.