Falling for My Boyfriend’s Navy Brother

Chapter 1

I look into the mirror and take in the bruises: the imprints of fingertips around my neck, a split lip, a black eye, and bruises scattered over the rest of my body.

I wondered who I had become. I had traded my father's abuse for life with a man who was far worse. Looking into that mirror, I knew I had only two choices: leave now, or stay and die. After what I did, he was going to kill me. This is the worst beating he has ever given me.

Unfortunately, he always had people guarding the house and the front gate.

I turned on the shower in the bathroom and slipped out through the window.

Only one stretch of fence was poorly lit, near the pool.

I began crawling through the grass, then threw my bag over the fence.

Once it was across, I hauled myself over the bars and landed flat on my ass. Fuckkk...

I started running through the woods. I knew that if I headed east, I would reach a main road.

When I finally reached one, I spotted a Buick and waved my hands.

Luckily, an older woman was driving. “Miss, are you okay?” she asked.

I shook my head. “Um, no. I... I just need to get to the nearest Walmart or Target.”

She smiles. “Hop in.” I hurry around to the passenger side and slide inside. I can't believe I got out without being spotted. His men are fucking stupid. “Are you running from the law?” Her sudden question breaks through my thoughts.

“No, I'm running from my ex. He's not a very nice man,” I say. Her eyes move over me. “Oh my... Did he give you all those bruises?” Sorrow fills her voice.

I can only nod as tears begin sliding down my face. She stares at me, her mouth open. “Look, I don't have much money, but you can have what I've got.” She reaches into her purse and tries to hand me some cash.

I shake my head. “No, I can't take that. I took some money before I left. I'll be okay, I promise. Just driving me to a store is more than enough help.”

She shakes her head at me. “Fine. If you won't accept my money, at least let me help.

My grandson can give you a clean slate with a new identity.

I'm afraid that if you don't change your name, your ex will find you and kill you.

Here, use my phone to call him. Tell him Gigi sent you and that it's free of charge.”

I'm stunned that this woman is willing to do so much for me.

I take her phone and dial her grandson's number.

It rings, and a man answers. “Hi, Gigi. I promise I haven't gotten into trouble yet. I did what you said.” I let out a small chuckle.

“Um... This isn't Gigi. It's Nora Ellis. Gigi gave me her phone so I could call you.” Silence follows.

At last, the man speaks. “What do you want?” I cough to clear my throat.

“Uh, I need to change my identity.” I hear keys tapping on a keyboard.

“Okay. Send me a photo of yourself facing the camera.

No smiling, eyes open, and no hair in your face.

I'll have it delivered to Gigi's house within 24 hours.” Click.

I turn to Gigi. She smiles at me. “I suppose you're staying with me tonight.” I sigh, realizing I don't have much choice right now.

Gigi drove me to her house in the middle of freaking nowhere.

We pulled up outside what looked like an old farmhouse.

I climbed out of the car and grabbed my bag.

Gigi looked at me. “It's not much, but it's home.” I smiled at her.

“It's perfect.” She ushered me inside. The moment I stepped into the old white farmhouse, I noticed all the pictures on the walls.

They looked like family photographs. Everyone looked so happy.

I wish I had this. Gigi's voice pulls me from my trance.

“Do you have any?” I turn toward her and realize she's pointing at the photographs.

I shake my head. “No. I don't have any family. I'm on my own.”

I can see the sadness in her eyes. “I'll make some tea, and we can sit down and talk about what you need to do next.” I tilt my head, confused. She pats a chair at her kitchen table, and I walk over and sit.

She sets a cup of tea in front of me. “My grandson will finish everything tonight, and it should be here tomorrow morning.

As soon as it arrives, I suggest you leave and get on a plane as far away as possible.

Right now, you have an advantage: he doesn't know you've changed your identity.

Still, I'd encourage you to use only cash until you're well away from here.

Go somewhere you've never mentioned. Better yet, pick a place on a map that even you've never heard of.

That will make it harder for him to find you.

Stay away from places you've been before.

Those are the first places he'll look.” My eyes widen as she lays out my next steps.

I finally speak up. “Where did you learn all this?” She chuckles. “I used to be a police officer. Then I became a detective, helping victims of sexual abuse.”

I start to yawn. “If you don't mind, I think I'll go to bed.” She nods and shows me to a bedroom.

The moment my head touches the pillow, darkness swallows me.

Later, noises downstairs jolt me out of bed.

Fuck... They've found me. My heart pounds as I pack my shit and creep downstairs.

I hear Gigi talking to someone. When I round the corner, I see a young man.

I stop in the middle of the kitchen, clutching my bag.

Gigi turns toward me. “Dear, you startled me. This is my grandson, Tyler. He has your new license, birth certificate, passport, and college transcripts, all under your new name: Nora Mercer.”

I turn to him and hold out my hand. “Thank you so much for helping me.”

He smiles as he shakes it. “Anything for Gigi.”

After he leaves, Gigi starts the car, and we set off for the airport. I look over at her. “Thank you, Gigi. You saved my life. I don't know how I'll ever repay you.”

She shakes her head. “Live in peace and do the things you enjoy.

That's how you'll repay me. And when that piece of shit dies or goes to jail, come find me.

I want to know you're all right. Until then, don't contact anyone from your past. Don't even call California.

You'll have to let your old life go. And don't tell me where you're going. The less anyone knows, the better.” I shake my head.

“Thank you. I will contact you eventually, when I'm safe.”

Inside the airport, I buy my ticket with cash and make my way to the terminal.

I hear the attendant announce, “Now boarding for Atlanta, Georgia.” I hand over my ticket and board the plane.

I can't believe I made it. After the flight, I make my way to the train station and pay cash for a one-way ticket to Charleston, South Carolina.

I arrive in a beautiful, historic town full of life. It's incredible. I walk near the beach, checking restaurants for waitressing jobs. I need work, ASAP. A rustic pub close to the shore catches my eye, so I go inside and ask to speak to the manager or owner.

The owner is an older, heavyset man, probably in his early sixties.

He walks over and looks me up and down, more curious than pervy.

I meet his eyes. “Look, I'm having a rough...

day, and I really need a job. I'm smart, capable, and a fast learner.

I promise I'll be on time, and I'll never turn down overtime.”

He looks taken aback. “Wow, love. You've got some lady balls. I like you. You start tomorrow at ten a.m. Don't be late. Wear decent jeans, no holes, or I'll send you home to change.” I stand and shake his hand.

Now I have to figure out where the hell I'm going to live.

After the flight, train ticket, and some food, I still have $4,000.

I walk around town looking at apartments.

Once I've found a cute place, I head to a furniture store so I'll at least have a bed and mattress to sleep on.

After a trip to the grocery store, I lie on my mattress and wonder what the future holds, now that I'm finally free of my ex and my father's abuse.

For the first time, I get to think about what I want to do with my life.

It feels amazing. Eventually, I drift off with peaceful thoughts, the kind I've only dreamed of having for the past 20 years.