Page 139 of Trailer Trash

Now.

He blocks me. The security guard steps close.

I shrug, feeling less scared with their presence. “Show me your phone, Killian.”

He searches for an excuse, and in that moment, he has never looked more like Evan — a drug user in his rawest form.

I shake my head and move around him.

He takes me in his arms. No, he locks me in them.

“Release her, Mr. Easton.” The officer draws his taser.

“It’s okay,” I say automatically.

He doesn’t lower it.

I keep my arms pinned to my sides, stiff as a board, trying desperately not to fall into a memory of the place I once yearned to be since he ran out of my trailer long ago.

“Don’t leave me, baby,” he says.

That one word guts me.

Baby.

He’s manipulating you, Harlow. Stay strong.

I say nothing.

Perhaps sensing I’m not softening, he releases me and steps back. He swallows, his throat bobbing.

“You promise you won’t leave if I tell you stuff?”

I nod, knowing it’s a lie. But with confirmation he’s into the drug life again, it’ll make it easier for me. I deserve that assurance more than a dishonest man deserves honesty.

He hands me the phone unlocked to a chat thread. The top says, “Asher.”

I thumb through the messages, scrolling up and up and up.

Killian: I’m telling her tonight

Killian: I almost told her

Killian: Tonight is the night

Killian: She didnt seem in the right mood

Killian: I think she’s seeing someone else

Killian: What should I do?

Killian: She’s so goddamn gorgeous.

Killian: I know I should tell her

Killian: Thanks for no fucking advice asshat

Outgoing call.