The Scarred Wife's Racing Five

Chapter Six

POV Holly

My eyes slowly blinked open as I shifted within the warmth blanketing over my skin. It was still daylight and that was good, but once I checked the digital clock on the nightstand, I realized I'd slept for almost an entire day?! I shot up from the comfortable cocoon I’d made throughout the night and pulled my tangled hair away from my face. I gasped and almost fell out of bed. “Ryan is going to eat me alive.” I heaved. Once I gathered myself, I climbed out of the bed and raced toward the door. When my hand hit the polished door nob, I froze and took in the surroundings. Only then, I realized this wasn’t my run-down house in Wandering Springs. I really did escape yesterday. This was Canterwood. My next step…. The place I could say is permanent…for now.

I shook my head and pulled the door open. When I made it to the bathroom, I quickly washed up and did my business. When I made it back to my room, I made sure to change into some leggings, a black tank top over a pink sports bra and a baggy grey shirt that fell off one shoulder. Slipping my worn boots back on my feet, I walked out of the apartment and stumbled upon a second set of stairs I didn't see when Noah showed me around earlier. “How did I not see this before?” I whispered before taking the chance and heading up the dusty stairwell. I finally made it to another door and this one didn't seem as well maintained as the last one.

When the door pushed open, I found a beautiful terrace that overlooked the small city and the breathtaking sunset. My mouth fell in shock and I almost teared up as the serenity made me feel like it was accepting my freedom. Choking through a laugh, I turned to see a small building off to the side. Raising a brow, I headed through the overgrown walkway, shocked there was any vegetation on the third floor of a building. I came up to the door and turned the handle. To my surprise, a perfectly sized one-bedroom apartment welcomed me with open arms. There was even a small bathroom, perfect for me, and a kitchenette to round everything together.

Granted, it did need a little TLC, but maybe that would work to my benefit. I nodded at the ideas this space gave off and started to run the possibilities while I welcomed the alluring distraction. “How…did you get up here?” I spun around to face Noah holding a plate full of chips and cold-cut sandwiches.

“I wasn't snooping.” I blurted out, and he raised a brow at my response. “Okay, maybe I was a bit nosey, but can you blame me? I wasn't expecting a third floor. Is this place open for rent? It might be easier for both of us if I had my own space and I could fix it up, no problem.” I added. He nodded slowly.

“Are you sure? This apartment hasn't been used since before I bought this place. It won't be a quick fix.”

“That's for sure. I would love the distraction.” I said with a small chuckle. “If…if I fix it up, can you give me a reasonable rent?” He rested the plate on the counter and walked around the room. I could see his mind ticking at the possibility. “Just think about it. When I leave, you will also have a full place to rent out without adding all the fees for renovations.”

“I think I can work with that. I'm alright with $400 a month as long as you can complete the renovations, and they are approved by me.”

I know I have a grin on my face now. This is a perfect idea and I can have at least three months before I'm out of cash with a bit to spare! “Thank you!” I added before crashing against him in a bear hug. He hesitated before hugging me back. I pulled away and started to think of all the possibilities before I heard a chuckle behind me. I spun around and puffed out one of my cheeks. “Care to clue me in on what's so funny?”

“Your smile.”

“M-My smile?” I asked with clear confusion.

“It's not funny. It’s actually really nice. I recommend you smile more often.” My mouth dropped as he raised the plate of food towards me. “There is a bench on the other side of this studio that isn't as dilapidated as the interior of this place. We can eat there.”

Does he just expect me to pretend I didn't hear that compliment?! Apparently! I took a deep breath. Okay, Holly. Think smarter before you put your foot in your mouth again. I cleared my throat and followed after Noah's lean frame until we stumbled upon an old wooden bench facing the sunset I saw earlier. The night sky was rolling in, but flecks of purple and orange hues still glowed, even if it was only for a minute. The pair of us ate in comfortable silence, and I gladly enjoyed the second free meal.

POV Ryan

Bang! Bang! Bang! I winced, squeezing my eyes tighter together. What the hell was that noise? Bang! Bang! Bang! “Holly!” I spat out, but nothing came. “Holly!” I growled louder, and finally I had to open my eyes.

What the hell could she be doing making all that racket? When I get a hold of that girl…. I grunted as I stood to my feet. The room swirled, and I knew I'd probably drunk my fill last night. I glanced around the room and smirked. Shattered glass, stained couches, dents in the wall. Looks like I did good with Holly's discipline.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

I ground my teeth seeing the noise flowing from the front door. “Holly! Get the damn door!” I shouted again, only to hear silence. I guess the discipline she had last night did nothing for her manners. Another loud knock rang through my ears, and I finally gave up on expecting that slut to do anything right.

“I'm coming!” I snapped as I finally made my way to the door. As I opened the worn wood between me and whoever thought it wise to bang on my door, the sun burned my eyes. “What the f*ck do you want?!” I growled.

“The tow truck driver wants their money, and I told them I’d be able to get ahold of you. Since when do you leave your car on the side of the road?” Wait, Todd?

Ugh, now my mood is even worse. Of all the people, the man that my wife cheated on me with just had to show up. “Get the hell off my porch before I punch your lights out.” I hissed.

“Oh come on, don't be like that. You already knew she was a w***e. Don't worry about it. I’m sure I’m not the only one. She’s manipulative and spreads her legs for anyone who she thinks will give her a good time. Maybe you can get some money if you sell her.” Todd noted before pushing past me into my house. “Anyway, the tow still needs you to pay, or your truck will stay at the impound lot.”

“Why the hell is my truck being towed? It’s in the-” My thoughts were slammed to a halt when I realized Todd was right, my truck was missing. No…it couldn’t be…. I ground my teeth together as the puzzle started to form.

“Speaking of which, that’s a pretty intense wound on your head. Where'd you get that from? Did someone rob you or something?” Todd added as he peered into my fridge.

Wound? I checked my body before grazing my fingers over my face. A throbbing pain radiated from its right side and now the last puzzle piece snapped into place. A robber would have been preferred. I knew what this was and that wasn’t it. This was all Holly! She stole my truck and assaulted me. I can't wait until she gets home from work. Selling her will be the least of her problems.