Page 40 of My One & Goalie

Stunned, I clutch my stinging face. Charles has gone too far this time.

“Get. Out.” I force out the words, anger and nerves racing through me. “Right now, before I call the police.”

“You’re ridiculous, Rachel, you know that? Call the police for what? A little domestic tiff?”

“I said, get the fuck out. Now.” I point to the door, hot tears threatening. I don’t want Jett to walk in on this scene, and I sure as hell don’t want Charles to see me cry.

He shrugs. “You’ve always been such a drama queen. I’ll see you Friday.”

Then he walks out of the apartment, all calm, cool, and collected, like he didn’t just assault his ex-wife, the mother of his child.

The bastard.

Once the door slams behind him, I collapse onto the couch and let the tears flow. I can’t believe Charles hit me.

Xander is right. He is unstable.

With shaky hands, I pull out my cell and debate for a quick second. Then I hit Xander’s number.

“Hello?” He answers on the first ring.

“Hi.” My voice quivers and I sniffle into the speaker.

“Rachel? What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“Yes. No. I don’t know.”

“I’m on my way.”

Before I can say anything else, he disconnects and the line goes dead. Luckily, Jett entertains himself in his room, giving me time to pull myself together. I straighten the living room and splash my face with cool water.

Knock, knock, knock.

With a deep breath, I answer the door.

“Rach, what happened?” Xander rushes in, and all the composure I cobbled together flies out the window.

As soon as Xander reaches out for me, I break down in tears. He doesn’t say anything, only steps forward and wraps me in his strong arms, holding me tight to his broad chest and letting me fall apart.

After a few minutes, I take a deep, shuddery breath, realizing I snotted all over his shirt.

“Sorry.” I pat at the wet spot on his T-shirt.

He shrugs. “It’s fine. What happened?”

“Charles went too far this time.” I drop my voice to a whisper to ensure Jett doesn’t hear. “That bastard actually hit me.”

“I’m gonna kill him,” Xander growls, his jaw tensing.

“No. You’re already too involved in this mess. I’m going to call my lawyer and ask him what to do.”

“Rachel, he can’t treat you like this. This has to stop. Let me help you.”

“Xander, no. Charles will bring you down with him and that won’t help. Let me call Grant and get his advice.”

“Okay. Did Jett see anything?” Xander’s brows crush together, a frown marring his handsome face.

“Mercifully, no.” I love that Xander automatically jumps to the safety and well-being of my child. Unlike his own father.