Never Another You Read Free Page A

deep unbothered sigh. “How has your day been; just as exhausting I presume?”
    “Yes… it’s been very trying.”
    “Well, you are here now. So let us enjoy this bit of normality, and celebrate our anniversary.”
    Nell used the silver fork to play with her food, pushing the garden peas to the edge of the china plate. Alistair watched. She could feel his eyes burning her. She couldn’t stomach most of the pheasant, so nibbled at a few small bites, and ate a little of the mashed potato. The tone created by her solemn mood, would only make Alistair question. But she couldn’t exchange dialogue with him, be jovial, or rejoice the four years of abuse she had endured.
    Alistair finished his portion, wiped the corners of his mouth with his cloth napkin, and dropped it on the table. He then opened up his jacket to pull out a blue velvet case from his inside pocket.
    “I couldn’t resist,” he smiled. “You know how I like to see you in fine things.” He opened the lid to reveal an extravagant gold necklace, with an emerald green oval pendant. “I know times are hard, but I will always find a way to indulge you. Stand up Eleanor,” he ordered.
    Nell hated him buying her expensive gifts. She knew what it would lead to; he would require something in return. Her stomach bubbled as she stood, nerves tingling on edge. She couldn’t refuse the gift. She had to do as she was told.
    Alistair stood at her back, breathing heavy on her bare shoulder. He lowered the necklace over her head, so the cool metal pendant fell between her breasts. His lusting breath hit the skin on her neck, sending quivers down her spine; not in a good way. He fastened the clasp, and ran his finger slowly up and down her backbone. Nell closed herself off, aiming to find a better place inside her mind.
    “It matches your dress.” He wrapped his fingers around her biceps and kneaded with lust. “Do you like it Eleanor?” He kissed below her ear, as that silent fear she was all too used to, twisted inside her gut.
    “Yes,” she said in a hushed tone.
    Alistair continued to kiss her, over and over. “I would like to see you wearing it with nothing else.”
    “I… I’m so tired Alistair.”
    He stopped kissing her. “I won’t beg you Eleanor,” he near growled in her ear. “It’s our anniversary.” His cool lips returned to her shoulder.
    “I… I can’t,” her whole body cringed.
    His lips ceased to caress her skin, and the dread of how he would react immediately occupied her. Suddenly, he spun her around with an aggressive force. Nell gasped in alarm, expecting a blow. He shook her by the arms, and yanked her face to his.
    “Alistair please,” she begged.
    “Please… please,” he yelled. “What are you trying to do? I deserve your respect. I deserve to have my needs met.”
    Nell had a plan. She had to get away from him. And this time she knew it wouldn’t go without receiving punishment. But all she needed, was to get back to her Jack.
    “I won’t,” she said firmly, creasing her eyes.
    “Respect me!”
    “Yes.”
    Promptly the back of his hand swung with speed, and landed hard across her face. She stumbled back and fell to the floor as the loud clap reverberated throughout her nervous system. Clutching her cheek, she grimaced, feeling a deep pounding pain inside her head. She wanted to cry, but didn’t. She just stared at his back as he stood holding the mantel, panting angrily. Quickly she rose to her feet, raced out of the room, and upstairs to her quarters, locking herself away in her safe haven.
    She dashed to her closet, rose up on her toes, and lifted Jack down from the shelf. With a sniff and a tear falling down her throbbing cheek, she perched on the edge of the bed, and placed the black leather sleeve to her nose. She wanted to smell his scent. To feel the love she had for him back then.
    Filling her lungs fully, she opened the cover. Again she read the inscription on the inside. Now she was ready. Ready to be