Into You by Danielle Sibarium Page A

hands, they wouldn't know they were trembling. I had to pull myself together. I tried to keep my breath steady and rhythmic as I looked around the house I once lived in. It looked different from the last time I saw it, now adorned in expensive artwork and gaudy decorations. My mother’s taste was classy unli ke Jamie's flamboyant style.
    “Where is he?” I heard my father's voice before I saw him. He rushed into the foyer, Jamie on his arm.
    “Carter?” He seemed delighted to see me. The feeling wasn't mutual. Brushing Jamie away, he threw his arms around me.
    I didn’t budge. I couldn't. My hands remained deep in my pockets. I barely looked at my father, afraid all the anger and hate I had stored away for him would shine through. I didn't care if the old man saw it, but I didn't want to give Elizabeth any more reason to run from me than I already had.
    “Good to se e you, son,” He patted my back.
    I couldn't find words. Some sort of grunt escaped me.
    My father released me and rested his hands on my shoulders. It took all my self-control to not shove him off. “It’s good to see you,” he repeated.
    I glanced off to the side and peeked at Elizabeth. Seeing her would keep me grounded. I knew she'd never forgive me if I lost control. She look ed as uncomfortable as I felt.
    “Tell me son, what brings you here? We’re having the office Christmas party, but of course you’re we lcome to stay. You know that.”
    I hadn’t said a word since my father approa ched. There was nothing to say.
    Saving me from my stupor, Elizabeth spoke up. “Carter is my guest, Doctor.”
    My father turned his attention toward Elizabeth, noticing her for the first time, “Oh,” he said as if he were trying to place her. “I see,” the excitement seeped out of him like steam from a geyser. I recognized the forced smile he wore as he stroked his chin pensively staring at Elizabeth. My Elizabeth. There it was again, that feeling of possession.
    I still hadn’t said a word but puffed my chest out like a proud rooster before a cock fight. He wouldn't get his grimy hands on her. Just as I lost any hope of making it through the night, I heard Elizabeth suck in her breath.
    I looked at her holding her hand over her mouth, “I feel like such a fool. I’m certain I left my oven on. I’m so sorry Dr. Penbrook,” she linked her arm through mine, “but we have to go.”
    I turned to look at her, relieved by the e ffort to make a quick getaway.
    “That’s a shame,” my father didn’t try to hide his disappointment. “Perhaps I could have someone else drive you,” he suggested. “I’m certain one of the other guests wouldn’t mind.”
    “No!” She snapped, “I mean, thank you. But, no. I’d prefer Carter take me home.”
    My father nodded, fully aware of what she was doing.  “It really is good to see you, Carter.”
    Preferring not to say another word, I held my hand up in response. I took Elizabeth’s arm and led her out the double doors, into the cool winter air. Neither of us noticed the chill of the night as we walked to the car in silence, my father and Jamie still watching.

    Chapter 19
    Elizabeth
    That selfish, self-centered son-of-a-bitch! How could he do this to me? He only went to see her! To see that evil witch. And she loved every minute of it.
    Carter didn't say a word as we walked down the steps from the front doors of the house. What could he say? I'm sorry sure as hell wouldn't cut it. He owed me. For leading me into the shar k tank without even a heads up.
    I covered my face with my hands as I took a seat in the car. I worked for his father, and he never bothered to mention it. It never occurred to him that was an important fact?
    Carter needed to pay for this. I wanted to slice him open and watch him bleed a slow and painful death. Too bad jail was a major aversion for me. I'd have to find some other way, but he would pay for this. I just had to figure out how.

Chapter 20
    Carter
    Once in the car I came