Lies Beneath the Surface (Buried Secrets 2)

“The road to hell is paved with good intentions, Savannah. I thought I loved you once, but wicked souls can’t love pure hearts.”

I sit up a little straighter finding just a hint of strength. “And no good deed goes unpunished, right? I’ve loved you whole-heartedly for ten years. But with each passing day I grow more and more empty. I shouldn’t be terrified in my own home. I shouldn’t have to lie to my children about the bruises.” My voice shakes as I speak and my eyes well up with tears, but I refuse to let him see me cry. “I know you hate me, I’m reminded every time I look in the mirror. The scars are too deep now, Josh. You’re killing me slowly. My existence fades each time you lash at me. If you hate me so badly, please, just leave me.”

His body grows rigid and his eyes grow dark as he glares at me. “You remember this, Savannah. You belong to me. Our marriage ain’t perfect, but until you breathe your final breathe YOU. ARE. MINE.” He seethes as his palms the counter getting closer to my face. “If you try to leave me, death won’t come so easily.” He threatens, rage pouring from his veins. He kicks the barstool back as he storms passed me.

“Hey baby, you ever seen the inside of an old abandoned mines?” He says as he halts in the doorway, the corner of his lips twitching slowly. I shake my head from side to side slowly. “Come in my fuckin’ house smellin’ like a whore again and it’ll be the last fuckin’ thing you ever see.”

Chapter 22

I moved into Colton’s house permanently last weekend. The move took one truck load; just a chest, dresser and a few suitcases filled with my clothes. Heidi Jo was almost as ecstatic as Colton was when I moved in. Completing the transition, we decided that Heidi Jo only needs to stay with Emma in case of an emergency or just when she wants to. I’ve adjusted my hours at the mines to nine to two, allowing plenty of time to get Heidi Jo off to school in the mornings and to pick her up in the evenings.

Of course with us all under one roof, the Great Inquisition of Heidi Jo Weston began. Random questions would fall from her lips and just when I would think she was appeased sending her on her merry little way, she’d only return an hour later with more questions.

“Where is that little baby gonna sleep?” She asks with her hands on her hips, tapping her foot impatiently against the ceramic floors as I load the dishes in the dishwasher.

“In a crib, sweets.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know that but what room? Does it have to share a room with me? Kaitlyn has a baby brother and she said he wakes her up with his cries all night long. We can’t be havin’ that here, Carly Jo. I have to have my beauty sleep, ya know.”

I turn my head to hide the laughter that bubbles up in my chest, but she doesn’t relent. Stomping her foot she demands her answer, “well out with it, already. Where’s that little baby gonna sleep?”

“Heidi Jo Weston are ya in here givin’ Carly Jo lip again, little girl?” Colton asks, swooping her up in his arms, tossing her over his shoulder.

“Daddy, it’s a simple question and ain’t anybody wants to answer it.”

“The little monkey is gonna sleep in our room for a little while, princess because it’ll be too little to sleep in a room all on its own.” He tells her flipping her upside down, her hair sweeps the floor as he swings her from side to side. Setting her firmly on her feet, she rolls her eyes up at him, stomping off into the living room.

She turns mid stride, throwing her hands up in the air in frustration. “Well does it have to be a smelly little boy? I mean, I’ll love it just the same, but I can’t play dress up with a little boy, Daddy.”

Colton looks at me for help, but I just shrug my shoulders. It obvious all of the sudden changes are confusing to Heidi Jo and attention is what she needs. He winks at me and yells into the living room to her, “Princess, you wanna go for some ice cream?”

Without a word she runs down the hall to grab a pair of flip flops. Colton wraps his arms around my shoulders, kissing my neck then mutters, “Lord, help us when she’s a teenager if she’s got this much sass now.”

“Yeah, you just remember you created that little Diva’s personality. So you leave my little monkey alone because Heidi Jo has enough sass for the both of them.” I tell him with a deadpan glare and he doesn’t even argue because God knows as sure as I’m standing here it’s

the truth.

“I’m ready, Daddy!” She shouts running into the living room.

“You’re comin’ too, right?” He asks, locking his arms tighter around me, swaying on his feet. I turn around to face him nestling my face against his chest, dragging in his ocean scent with a deep inhale.

“I think she needs a daddy date. Just surprise me with a treat and you guys have fun.”

“Oh, I’ll have a treat ready for ya when we get the princess to bed tonight; you can bet your sweet ass on that, darlin’.” I swat at his chest, shoving him backwards as I stifle my laughter. He pulls me back stealing a kiss before heading out to the ice cream shop with Heidi Jo.

While they’re out, I straighten up the house and fold laundry. I hear my cell phone vibrating against the end table, so I check to make sure it ain’t Colton.

Luke: Just saw Colton in town. Congrats Bride to Be. Lunch soon.

Me: Thanks Luke. (((hugs)))

Luke: BTW, how’s Savannah?

Me: Not sure, haven’t talked to her since our get together.

Luke: Let me know when Colton gets home.

Me: Ergh, why?