Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 44

Jessica stepped out of Herbert's car.

Herbert got out as well, slipping his hands into the pockets of his trench coat. He watched her go, his expression soft, his gaze lingering as she walked toward the house.

She'd barely taken a few steps when his voice called out, quiet but clear. "Little Mute."

Jessica turned back.

Herbert's lips parted, as if he'd meant to say something else, but he simply said, "Goodnight."

Jessica smiled and signed goodnight in sign language.

Herbert stood there, motionless, watching until she disappeared inside.

Upstairs, Timothy pinched his cigarette between his fingers, snapping it in half. The glowing tip scattered sparks onto the floor. He turned off the lamp, plunging the room into darkness.

Ding-

Jessica keyed in her code. The door swung open. She hadn't even reached for the light switch when strong arms swept her inside, pinning her against the door as someone's lips crashed onto hers.

A faint scent of tobacco, edged with cedar, filled her senses.

It took only a moment for her to realize it was Timothy.

but he'd already trapped her

was nowhere to

flat against the door, the cool wood biting through her clothes, chilling her

mingling with hers, as if he wanted to consume

hands slid along her waist, his touch hot against her skin. Jessica's nerves sparked at

Tears pricked

Her resistance, feeble against his

with both hands, he seemed to think she was surrendering,

But then-crack.

landed

pale fingerprints blooming on his skin. Whatever desperate need had been burning inside him vanished in an instant,

reached out and flicked

breath coming in shaky gasps.

torn away, hair in disarray-while Timothy, save for some wrinkles in his suit jacket, looked every bit the composed man

her silent accusation

cold and flat. "What, I can't even

the night with

Just the two of them. Who

divorce. How could

was already missing

battered and furious, her movements sharp as she signed

sneer curling his lips. "Don't test