After She She Stopped Loving Him

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Early the next morning, Yolanda drove to lan’s place. She banged on the old door for ages, no one answered. Just as she reached for her phone to call him, the door creaked open.

Ian was in a black T–shirt, one cheek swollen red–like he’d taken a punch.

Yolanda’s brows shot up. She scanned the messy yard, spotting signs of a fight everywhere. “What happened?” she asked.

Ian’s charming eyes glistened, like he was holding back tears. “I’m fine.”

Yolanda took a sharp breath, grabbed his arm, and hauled him inside.

but

When she’d visited yesterday, the place was tiny but neat. But now, it was a total disaster. Every single piece of furniture was flipped, the only cup lay shattered in pieces–nothing was left intact.

Yolanda’s face went dark. Since Ian wasn’t gonna talk, she turned for the door.

Ian hesitated and then blurted out, “Some strangers showed up last night. I don’t know who they were.” He rushed the words, as if she’d walk out if he slowed down.

Yolanda stopped and turned back to him. Sweat beaded on his forehead–his injuries must be worse than he let on. She propped up the sofa and said softly, “Sit. Let me check.”

Ian froze, and then slowly sat down.

Yolanda lifted his shirt, exposing his chest. There were wounds, but what really caught her eye was his chiseled abs, the perfect V–line, his broad shoulders, and lean waist–he could easily pass for a fitness model.

Her fingertips felt a sudden tingle, and only then did she realize her move was a little out of line.

Ian bit his lip, his ears burning red. Finally, he gave up and turned away, clutching the hem of his shirt–like he’d just been taken advantage of.

Yolanda cleared her throat, locked her gaze on the bruises dotting his chest, and forced herself to stay calm.

“Anywhere else hurt?” she asked, pressing gently on the bruises and glancing up. “Did they crack a rib?”

in a breath, yanking his

11:34 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 21

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up and said, “Pack your stuff. We’re moving today.

of his shirt slowly, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

got you a place–a nice villa, good security. Even when you become famous, you’ll be safe there. At the very least, you won’t have to deal with stuff like being

beat before asking softly, “Won’t your husband get

it, and then realized he’d misunderstood. She laughed, finding him kind of cute for

my husband’s,” she explained. “It’s my brother’s. He looks tough, but he’s good to me. Besides, he’s got so many houses–he couldn’t care less about

looked down and stood

watched his

later, he emerged

backpack. His eyes were captivating, set in a face that spelled trouble–handsome enough to spark conflict and

in the car, Yolanda

valuable.

stories and a

dressed all in black, didn’t seem awkward stepping into the big house.

add both our fingerprints to the system,

backpack, took off his hat, and walked

his finger to add his. Once they were done, a voice prompt confirmed both owners‘

11:34 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 21

:

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took a deep breath, pushing away the strange thoughts creeping into

“You like boxing, right? I’ll grab a heavy bag and pro gloves. Pick any room

He’d be alone here, free to