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Our arranged marriage wasn’t the norm, but he turned out to be a strong, loving man that I adored. He was everything I could ever hope for. A rush went through my chest, and excitement and anticipation coursed through my veins.I won’t even wait. I’m going to say I….
“Adelina,” a male voice called from behind me.
Who knows my name?
I grinned and turned my head, coming face-to-face with Judge Colby.
Only a block of concrete separated me from Judge Colby. We stood facing each other outside the bookshop. He seemed so much bigger in my memories that it surprised me he was only a few inches taller than me. Then again, he’d been a shadow that grew in the dark, making me smaller in my skin.
He was the quintessential corporate businessperson in a bespoke suit with polished leather shoes. Sporting an exuberant smile on his face like he’d met up with a friend. Yet, his eyes didn’t match. They held the condescending smug glint that he was the smartest in any room—the same look he gave me when he said no one would believe me.
I gagged, pressing a fist to my chest. “How-how are you here?”
A couple on the sidewalk brushed past him and glanced at me. His eyes darted around, and he took a step closer. “Calm down—”
“Stay back,” I barked, alarmed, stumbling back as adrenaline and rage coursed through my blood. My hands trembled as I dug into my saddle bag for a weapon. The only thing I had with me was my phone, and I imagined slamming it on the concrete and picking up shards, sinking it into his neck.
“Are you all right?” His tone infused with concern that had me looking his way to see if he was performing for an audience. But he used that moment to brush his beard with his hands, angling his face to show the scar I put there.
I clenched my jaw.Did he actually expect sympathy from me?
The corner of his mouth curled upward. “Please, give me a few minutes—”
“How did you find me?” I hissed.
His brows raised, and his mouth dropped open. “Is your home a secret? There are only a few buildings in this area that the Marinis don’t own,” he said in a sarcastic voice. He put his briefcase down and held up his hands, palms out. “See? I have nothing. I only want to talk to you for a few minutes.”
I blinked rapidly, staring at his large palms, face out. The yellow burns were gone from his fingertips. However, the vision sent me back.
It had been a hot summer day, and I opened the screen door to the house….
“Mama, you there?” I call out.
She doesn’t answer. But Judge Colby comes in wearing only shorts. He adjusts himself and grins. “It’s so damn hot today.”
I freeze. Mama warned me not to wear a tank top or shorts when he’s here, but she hadn’t told me he’d be over.
“Where’s Mama?”
“Close the door before the mosquitoes get in.”
I drag my feet through the door and shut it, keeping my back against the wood.
My eyes stare at the stairs in front of me. If I run, I could make it.
He lets out a low whistle as he walks in front of the stairs. “Where were you in that tight tank top and shorts. With a boy?”
“Gross. Just leave me alone,” I yell and huff.
But it’s too late. I’ll have to pass him.
He lifts his hands with palms out. “Why do you act so funny? I’m not going to touch you, doll. I only want to talk to you for a few minutes.”
But his eyes were already moving down my body.
They touch.
And so will he….