Astray (A Birch Falls Novel Book 1) by Poppy Fitzgerald

Author:Poppy Fitzgerald [Fitzgerald, Poppy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-11-02T16:00:00+00:00

Later, I find myself back in Birch Falls walking into Brewed Awakening, looking for some caffeine to help me power through this epically shitty day. Apparently, there is some sort of major softball tournament happening on campus this weekend, so all of the local hotels are booked up. I’m not completely without options. I know I could call Sara or Olivia and they would gladly open their homes to me, but the thought of having to answer their questions or deal with their pity makes my stomach squirm.

I’m standing in line, staring blankly at the menu boards listing the specialty coffee drinks, when I feel a warm, hard body press against my back. I tense up and for the briefest of seconds let my mind hope that it is Caleb. But when two tattooed hands donned in silver rings and leather cuffs grasp my shoulders, I know it isn’t him. Drew leans in next to my ear and inhales my scent.

“There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you, darlin’.” His grip on my upper arms is bruising, his voice a low admonishment. “I even stopped by your house to check on you this morning.”

The person in front of me finishes placing his order and steps out of the way. Drew walks me forward to the counter. I find myself completely unable to form coherent words as I process what he just told me. He stopped by my house. He stopped by my house. Oh god…he stopped by my house. My house, where my husband is. Drew orders us two iced coffees and steers me off to the side where there is a couch to sit on. He sits down and pulls me down, practically in his lap. I try to squirm out of his hold to get some space, but he keeps one arm wrapped around my shoulders while placing the other hand possessively on my inner thigh.

My posture is stiff, and I’m not entirely sure I remember how to breathe. Is this why I haven’t heard from Caleb today? Because of Drew? What did he say to Caleb? “W-why did you g-go to my house?” I hate how my voice wavers. I can hear how close I am to breaking. This man is insidious. He’s an oily black monster with tentacles, worming his way into my life and ripping it apart.

“I wanted to come check on you. I got a call from your work last night. Sounded like you were in some trouble there. I thought maybe you might’ve gone back home this morning instead of coming to me like you were supposed to.” His words are innocent enough, but I can’t help but pick up the undercurrent of a threat in them. “Your husband wasn’t very happy to see me, but I take care of what’s mine, regardless of who is in the way.” He whispers the last words in my ear, causing goosebumps to rise up all over my body. I can’t figure out what part of his mindfuckery to deal with first.

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