Everything & More (Book 1 in the E.C.N Series)

Chapter 20-Ryan

Two Years ago...

I ended up covered in grease with the amount of oil changes I had to do at work today. My shower was long and hot, just what I needed after a decent work day. When I got out, my phone was going off like crazy. I forgot that I left it on the bed during my shower. Taking a peek at the notifications I found: 4 missed calls from Martha.

Damn it...She probably thinks I'm dead

I was about to call her back when my doorbell rang several times. Assuming it was her I made my way to the door cautiously. I had just pulled a shirt over my head when I leaned into the door and looked through the peephole. I noticed my porch lights were still off so I was only able to see half of her face.

"Open the damn door Ryan! I can hear you practically hyperventilating!" I winced and took a breath before opening it.

The minute I swung the door open a smile was plastered onto my face, "Marthaaa -"

"Mhmm, cut the shit Ry, why weren't you answering?"

"I was in the shower." I looked at her with amusement. Anytime I didn't answer my phone she would go into panic mode.

Her arms were folded across her chest and a hip popped out, "We had a deal."

"Yes I'm sorry I should have texted you once I got home." I gave her my best 'I'm sorry' face that I knew she couldn't resist. I got into one tiny car accident and this one needs to make sure I make it home everyday.

Swaying on her feet I saw her barriers breaking, she huffed, dropping her arms, "Ughh, fine I'm not mad you!"

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding, "Well that's a relief. What's for dinner?" As I finished my sentence I flipped the light switch next to me, the light bulb illuminated her whole face. In that moment my heart sank, her right cheek was black and blue. Rage filled all my senses and I immediately wanted to kill whoever did this to her. Martha's face was in my palms within seconds as I inspected closer. "What the fuck happened?!" My voice boomed past her and into the quiet neighborhood surrounding us. She flinched back and creased her eyebrows together looking at me like I lost my mind. How could I not?

Martha immediately froze and her body tense. She closed her eyes and let out a breath, "I meant to cover that up, look it's not what you think."

My palms fell from her face forming fists at my sides.

"Rya-"

"No Martha!"

"He didn't do this!" She was pleading with me to listen to her but I didn't. The deepest part of myself knew he would always hurt her. I just couldn't believe that it was like this.

Without giving it a second thought I shoved past her and walked over to her house. Every step had conviction and determination to beat the shit out Jonathan for what he did.

Martha's pleas for me to stop were drowning out behind me as I slammed the door open to her house. He didn't even deny it and on top of that he had the audacity to slyly rub the fact that he was her husband in my face. I wasn't thinking when I punched him in the face or when I lunged at him breaking the vase in the small entryway. Getting a few punches in was satisfying until I heard Martha sobbing and pleading for us to stop. I realized what I was doing and wanted nothing but to comfort her and promise to never scare her like this again. Then Jonathan got the upper hand and started beating the crap out of me.

"Jonathan stop!" I heard Martha's plea but I knew he wasn't going to listen. By the hits and kicks he was sending my way he wanted to kill me. Martha became louder and used all her strength to push him away from me.