Chapter 4The Softest Shield

The room went silent. Then Ethan laughed.

"Jamie, I’m giving you an out here. Don't be ungrateful."

Martha pulled at his sleeve. "Gentle, Ethan. Don't scare her." But when she turned back to me, her voice was ice. "Jamie, Ethan provides everything for you. You don't even have to work. What more do you want?"

I pointed to the blood on my robe. "I want to not be bleeding!"

Pamela sighed. "I’ve mediated hundreds of these. You’re upset now, but tomorrow you’ll regret throwing away a good life over a bump on the head."

"I won't regret it," I whispered.

Richard stood up, his face dark. "Think about your family, Jamie. Your brother just opened that shop, didn't he? How’s it going to look for him when the whole town is gossiping about his sister’s failed marriage and a police report? Do you want to embarrass your parents?"

I felt like I was being submerged in freezing water. They didn't care about my pain. They only cared about Ethan’s "contract."

Pamela forced a pen into my hand. "Just sign it. Go to sleep. Everything will be better in the morning."

I stared at the pen, my fingers numb.

The doorbell rang again. This time, Ethan didn't move. He stared at me, his eyes narrowing. "You called someone, didn't you?"

I didn't say a word.

He sneered and yanked the door open. Riley was standing there.

Ethan actually laughed out loud. "Oh, look. The princess is here for a midnight stroll."

Riley was white as a sheet. When he saw the blood on my head, he burst into tears instantly. "Jamie..."

"Go away, Riley," I cried. "Please, just go."

Riley shook his head. He stepped into the foyer, his legs shaking so badly I thought he’d collapse. "I’m taking you home."

Ethan leaned against the doorframe, mocking him. "Taking her? With what? You going to hit me with your designer handbag?"

Martha chimed in, "Riley, stay out of grown-up business."

Riley ignored her. He walked over and stood in front of me. He was trembling, but he kept his body between me and Ethan. Then, he pulled his phone out and hit 'record.'

He pointed the camera at everyone in the room. "My sister isn't signing that paper."

Pamela’s expression shifted. "Put that away. You can't record here."

Riley sniffled, wiped his nose with his sleeve, and held the phone higher. "I’m not putting it away. My sister is hurt. She’s going to the hospital, and we’re calling the cops."

The smirk vanished from Ethan’s face. "What did you say?"

Riley’s fingers were shaking so much he could barely hold the phone. But he stood his ground. "You hit her. That’s a crime."

Ethan started walking toward him, slow and predatory. "Riley, do you really think I’m afraid of you?"

Riley flinched, shrinking back an inch, but he didn't move from his spot. "Stay back! I’m recording everything!"

"Recording? I’ll give you something to record." Ethan lunged for the phone.

Riley screamed and tried to dodge.

"Riley!" I screamed, lunging forward to pull him away, but Ethan shoved me back onto the sofa. My head hit the cushions, a fresh wave of nausea rolling over me.

Riley was sobbing now, but he gripped that phone like it was his own life. "Let me go!"

Ethan grabbed his wrist, twisting it. "Why do you even try to act like a man? Get out!"

Riley gasped in pain. Suddenly, he swung his small leather bag with his free hand, eyes closed, and smacked Ethan across the face with it.

That was it. Ethan was finished playing. He raised his hand for a full-force blow.

Riley squeezed his eyes shut and shrieked at the door, "Gavin! Help! He’s hitting me!"