The Bluff: A Thriller by Bonnie Traymore

Author:Bonnie Traymore [Traymore, Bonnie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pathways Publishing
Published: 2024-09-02T00:00:00+00:00

“What? I don’t make enough money for you? Is that all you’re about, Kate? Money?” Ryan paces around the living room. His fists are tightly balled, a vein bulging in his neck.

What on earth is he talking about?

“Ryan. Yes, we need to make a living. You haven’t had a paying photography job in over a year.”

“Oh, right. Put the blame all on me. Well, you’re the one who wanted to go all in on this home renovation, Kate. You built a whole new house! I never asked for that. This was your idea.” He throws up his hands, dismissing everything I’ve accomplished.

Why doesn’t he appreciate all I’ve done? The place looks spectacular. Everyone says so. I’ve quadrupled our money.

“We’ll get it all back when we sell it, Ryan. And then some,” I remind him. “We came to that decision together. Remember? We were planning to flip it, cash out, and leave. Do whatever we wanted with the rest of our lives.”

He stops pacing and glares at me, his hands on his hips. “So that’s what this is about. You can’t stand it that I’ve made a life for myself here and you haven’t. All you do is sit around here and mope. I mean, look at yourself, will you?” He looks me up and down, his face full of disgust. “I hardly recognize you anymore.”

For a moment, I feel as if I might break down and cry, and I could kick myself for letting his words sting.

Why can’t I be stronger?

Then I take in the sight of him. The clenched jaw. The pressed lips. He’s containing it, but there’s a rage seething underneath. He’s holding it together, but barely. A wave of fear shoots through my body, energizing me, a welcome change from the lethargy. He’s never been this bad before. He’s been distant for the past year or so. Colder, sure. But not cruel.

I wonder what triggered this kind of reaction. Could it be the simple fact that I’ve defied him? One thing’s clear to me now. There’s something wrong with my husband, and I need to tread carefully. There’s no telling what he might do.

I take a deep breath and straighten up, choosing my words carefully. My tone is firm and measured, but not aggressive. “Ryan. It’s my money. And I’m sorry if this decision upsets you. You have a right to your opinion. But I’ve been accepted into the program, and I’m moving forward with my doctorate.”

He attempts to stare me down, but I don’t flinch or look away. My senses are on high alert, though. The fight-or-flight instincts have kicked in. There’s a tense stand-off as my palms start to sweat. Finally, he starts for the front door.

“Do what you need to do, Kate. But I’m not selling this house.”

He storms out, slamming the door so hard behind him, it causes the paintings on the wall to rattle. Soon, I hear his car start up and let myself take a breath. It was a gamble, standing up to him.

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