✔Vengeful Valentine

Thirty Two: Everly

The car door slam made me jump out of my skin. Fear wouldn't hold me hostage anymore. I wasn't going to hide from her either. Having Emmett by my side gave me the upper hand. She couldn't attack us both. Emmett would keep me safe.

"Let's confront the bitch," I said. "No more games. I'm not going to hide like a frightened little girl anymore."

We waited in the living room for Layla, who didn't show much surprise as she kicked her shoes off at the door. Emmett kept hidden behind the couch, keeping a close eye on us in case I needed him. I knew Layla would be more willing to open up when it was just me. Emmett had his phone on, recording everything too.

Layla dropped her purse down on the table, smiling like nothing was wrong. "I thought we were going to meet at Magnolia Cafe, Everly. You didn't tell me you'd be dropping by."

"Cut the bullshit. I know it's been you." I snapped, jabbing a finger in her chest. "This whole damn time, you pretended to be my friend. You've been trying to kill me. Hell, you almost killed Adam's mom too."

"That old bitch never liked me." Layla rolled her eyes. "Would've been better off if she was out of the picture. You act so fucking high and mighty. I loved knocking you down. Bitches like you think you can do whatever you want. You stole Adam from me. When I was miscarrying his baby. That's fucking twisted. People look down at me for my job all the time, but the real whores are bitches like you. Fucking men with girlfriends who love them."

"Adam lost interest in you. That's not my fault. I've been nothing but nice to you too. I never looked down on you, not until now. You're a psychotic bitch. I'm glad Adam left you. He deserved so much better."

That earned me a slap to the face. Which I expected. In return, I punched her back.

Layla shoved me off her and sent a painful blow to my nose. Her blows didn't stop. She went for my stomach next. I collided back with the lamp, letting it clatter to the floor behind me. She pushed me up against the wall and lunged for my neck. It got harder to breathe. I writhed and scratched at her face. I'd fight for my last breath. I didn't want to die and leave Adam all alone. I wanted us to have the family we deserved someday.

I went for my brother's signature move and jabbed my thumb in her eye. She winced, cussing as she reeled back. It gave me enough time to throw a few punches. I let all my rage out into every blow I delivered to her face and chest. She retaliated by bashing a framed picture over my head. Glass rained down on me, but I ignored it and pounced on her. Layla's a lightweight, so it wasn't difficult to knock her off her feet.

She struggled beneath me. I didn't let up. I kept her pinned down and punched her until my knuckles got sore. Blood covered my skin, but I didn't stop.

"Emmett! Give me the gun!" I yelled. "Now!"

Layla's sinister expression morphed into pure terror. She knew exactly how I'd felt the entire month. Her tears and desperate plea brought inexplicable pleasure to me. I wanted her to suffer. I wanted her to beg for forgiveness before I sent her straight to hell.

"Everly, don't do this."

"Why the fuck should I not?" I spat. "You've been trying to kill me for over a month! You killed our baby out at the aquarium on Valentine's day. . Give me one good reason why I shouldn't put a bullet in you?"

"Please.... I need help. I know that now. I'll seek treatment and stay away from you. You'll never hear from me again."

"Shut up, you lying whore."

The world around me faded away. It was just the two of us now. I could kill her and get away with it. I knew where Emmett buried his victims. Out of town, deep in the woods, where she'd never be found. She could never hurt us again if I chopped her body up and disposed of it like trash. I didn't believe her bullshit about getting better. People rarely changed. Layla didn't deserve a second chance.