A Twist Of Fate [3]

Chapter 12

I tapped away on my laptop at the kitchen counter, nibbling my bottom lip from the anxiousness I felt. The house was quiet with mostly everybody hanging out on the veranda out back in the sunshine, so I was taking the opportunity to do a quick Google search.

It didn't take long for me to find an article in the Leiper Falls Journal about Archie's release. Back when he had told me himself he'd been getting out soon, part of me had believed it was just mind games but it was the truth; it was in front of me in black and white that he was walking free now.

'Hey, bab-.' Cal's words were cut short as the slamming of my laptop startled him. He paused in the kitchen and frowned at me deeply. 'Okaaaay? What was that all about?'

I shook my head quickly and waved my hand at him. 'Nothing, sorry. You just gave me a fright there.'

'Well, apologies for giving you a fright,' he said, taking a seat opposite me. 'However, I know you're lying to me.'

Guilt filled me up and I knew I couldn't go on pretending. I had promised him no more lies and he read me so easily these days. 'Sorry. You're right, I am lying.'

He closed his eyes softly and shook his head. 'What's wrong, Bethan? Don't make me worry any more than I am just now...'

I sighed and reopened my laptop. 'Archie got out. My Mom called and told me. I needed to confirm it for myself so I googled it and...' I turned the screen around to show him. 'It's really true.'

Cal studied the headline and pressed his lips into a thin line. 'This is not a cause for concern, Bethan. He is never going to get close to hurting you ever again. You have nothing to worry about.'

My heart soared with love for my perfect other half who I knew would protect me with all of his might. He would never let anybody hurt me, let alone Archie Lane. 'I'm not worried, Cal. I just needed to see for myself that it was true. I hope Archie has learnt something from his time in prison and I hope he just moves on with his life quietly without another thought of me.'

'And if he doesn't,' Cal pressed on. 'If he even thinks about attempting to disrupt your life, our life...I will make sure he fucking regrets it for the rest of his.'

I swallowed hard. I didn't want it to come to the point of Cal having to get into things with Archie, but I knew if he had to he would and I also knew that if it happened, I would need him to.

'I love you,' I told him, reaching forward for his hand.

He took it and squeezed it hard. 'I love you more. Can I get you anything? What would make you feel better right now?'

I smiled softly. 'A cherry coke.'

He chuckled and nodded, sliding out of his seat and heading for the fridge.

I sat back in my chair and studied the headline one more time before scrolling down to the mugshot image of Archie. How I had ever felt anything for him was beyond me. I had come so far since those times and I would not let any further thoughts of him drag me back to a dark place.

I closed the webpage and slammed the laptop shut as Cal came up behind me and placed the soda can down.

He kissed my temple gently and sighed. 'No more thoughts of him, okay? We're on vacation. Unless he gives you a reason to, you don't need to waste another moment thinking about him.'

'I know.' I nodded, picking up my coke and taking a sip. 'No more thoughts of him.'

'Besides,' Cal sighed, squeezing the back of my neck softly. 'We have a whole other asshole to deal with right now.'