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“RAYNE!”
Rayne leapt from the bed and abandoned the family pictures she’d been staring at for the last hour. She straightened up and put her hands in her lap, hoping to look somewhat innocent when Brandon entered the room.
Brandon wasn’t a fool, and she was sure Jake told him the truth, but it was worth it for Jake to get his ass kicked.
She smirked.
If only I could’ve watched.
Brandon stopped at the doorway, looking worse than she expected.
“Baby.” She rushed to him, examining his disheveled shirt. “Are you all right?”
He pushed her away. “What’s going on, Rayne?”
She lifted her chin. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t bullshit me. You lied about Jake attacking you. Why would you do something like that?”
She lowered her head and sat back on the bed. “I wanted you to kick his ass. I wanted him to feel all the pain I’ve felt these years. Nothing would be enough.”
He squinted. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m not going into specifics.”
“You damn well will, woman.” He pulled her from the bed. “You made me think that guy did something he didn’t do. I almost killed him. Then this lady cop came over there.”
“Lisa Swanson?”
He let her go. “I could’ve been arrested for some lie you told.”
“I never would’ve let that happen.”
“Just tell me what the fuck’s going on.” He leaned against the dresser, groaning.
“Are you okay?”
“Tell me the damn truth.”
“I already knew Jake before he came to the clinic.”
“What?”
“He isn’t aware though.” She moved hair behind one ear. “He did something horrible, and I want revenge.”
“Revenge for what?”
“That’s not your concern.”
“It damn well is my concern because you put me in this shit. Did you do what he said?”
She avoided eye contact. “What did he say I did?”
“Don’t play with me.” He held the dresser for leverage. “Did you come on to him?”
“Yes and it made me sick. I almost threw up having to kiss him. I hate him.”
“Then what did you come on to him for? None of this shit makes any sense!”
“He took something from me and he’s gonna pay for it. I’ve been waiting all these years and the time is now.”
“What are you up to?” He moved from the dresser.
“He’s invaded my mind for too long, Brandon.” She closed her eyes and saw nothing but the four walls of her room from the institution. “Every single day and even when we were in the institution, he was the only thing on my mind. He ruined my life, and he’s not gonna live happily ever after. He’s gonna suffer the same way I did.”
“You never told me about any of this shit.” He stood close. “Why are you hiding stuff from me? Are you planning to hurt him? I can’t let you do that.”
“My lips are sealed.” She ran her finger across them. “I don’t want you involved. This is my fight so leave it alone.”
“What are you gonna do?” he shouted. “Tell me.”
“Either you can relax and get with the program or you can leave.”
“You’d ruin what we have to get back at Jake? What did he do that was so bad?”
She sat, dropping her head.
“Listen.” He knelt beside her. “Don’t go back to that person you were before you got to the institution. You’ve worked so hard to get past that. Do you wanna end up in that place again?”
She lifted her head, sobbing. “I hate that place more than anything.”
“Please.” He took her hand. “Don’t do this. Let it go.”
“I can’t. If we’re gonna be happy I have to confront these demons and as long as Jake hasn’t paid for what he’s done I can’t move on.”
“I can’t be a part of you hurting someone.” He got off the floor. “I’ll go to the police if I have to.”
“I haven’t done anything.” She stood, holding her waist. “Yet.”
****
JAKE LAY BACK IN THE soapy water as Lisa glided the sponge over his bruised stomach. The hot water penetrated every part of him, relieving soreness.
“I love pampering you.” Lisa spread suds across his chest.
He smiled with his eyes closed. “I won’t complain if you wanna do it every day.”
“I ought to kick Rayne’s ass for putting you through this. Where does she live anyway?”
He sighed. “Can we forget about Rayne?”
“No.” She massaged his crotch through the suds.
“Ooh.” He lifted his leg, nearly exploding from her touch. “You make me want to get in a fight all the time.”
“What could she be up to though? Why would she lie to her boyfriend?”
Jake laid his arms on the edge of the tub. “Revenge because I rejected her?”
She lay the sponge in the tub. “We need to find out what she’s up to.”
“We could go to the message place tomorrow.” Jake wiggled his legs.
Lisa pinched his cheek. “Now you’re thinking like a cop.”
He pointed to the water. “What’s that?”
“What?” She leaned into the tub.
“This!” Jake grabbed her waist and pulled her in.
“Jake!” She laughed, splashing. “My clothes!”
He tickled her. “Bet you didn’t know I’d do that.”