AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Oh, shit.
She goes still, and a cold, dark shadow crosses her features.
“Out of line, Kodiak Strakh.” Her tone is so calm it chills. “Out of fucking line.”
“He deserved it.”
“Then I deserve it, too.”
I push off the wall. “I would never—”
“No. You know what? That’s it.” Turning, she paces off into the bedroom with Leo hot on her heels.
Monty and I stand with a stiff distance between us as our stares intertwine in a silent battle.
In the bedroom, I hear the sounds of drawers slamming and the rustling of bags being packed.
“You’re not leaving on your own,” Leo says.
The angry zip of a bag is the only response.
Monty opens his mouth to say something, but she charges out into the hall with two bags strapped over her shoulders.
She walks straight up to Monty and takes his face in her hands. “I would never force you into anything you don’t want to do. I love you.” Releasing him, she steps back, her eyes wet but determined. “The marriage between Frankie and Monty Novak ended a year ago. There is no you and me. There is only you, me, and them.” She points a shaky finger at us. “You are Strakhs, and in my dream of the future, I share that last name with all of you.”
“Frankie.” Monty reaches for her.
She evades his hand and pivots toward Leo. “I love you, and I want the best for you. Your anger is too great, and your trauma is too deep. It worries me. That goes for all of you.” She glances around at us and returns to Leo. “It affects you and your relationships. Seek help. If you won’t do it for me, do it for each other.”
“You’re turning this around on me?” Leo narrows his eyes angrily. “Like this is my fault?”
“No. I take full responsibility for what happened tonight.” Her gaze shifts to me.
I watch with pounding agony as she swallows back a sob and tries to hold herself together.
“Woman…”
“Monty and Leo are your family. You will never raise your hand against them again.” Her eyes harden with a fierceness that reminds me why I love her. “Promise me.”
“I promise.” My throat closes.
“I love you.” Her expression wobbles as she hitches the straps on her shoulders and strides toward the stairs.
“You’re not leaving without us.” Leo prowls after her.
We all do.
We chase her through the house and into the misty rain, barking demands at her, shouting over one another, trying to make her see reason.
She keeps walking, eyes straight ahead and swimming in tears. But she doesn’t cry. She doesn’t make a sound.
By the time we reach the dock, reality sets in.
She’s really fucking leaving.
How did this happen?
She betrayed us. And now she’s leaving us?
