Chapter 56

Annie's P. O. V.

"You've got to be kidding me! You can't just show up and ask me for money!" I cried.

"And why can't I," she looked at me with distaste.

"You abused me for years and then left me when I turned blind. Why would I possibly give you anything?" I said.

"I put a roof over your head and fed you," she said.

"Barely fed me. You starved me half the time," I said. Is this woman delusional?

"I'm not here to argue with you. You are going to give me money one way or another," she said.

"Or what?"

I was startled as I heard Evan speak.

"You are home!" I cried and ran to his side. Only he can protect me against this witch at this point.

Evan grabbed me and pulled me into his arms. "What the hell do you want?" he glared at my mother.

"Do I need your permission to see my daughter?" she raised her eyebrows.

"You lost your privilege to call yourself her mother when you abused her then abandoned her. You are no one. Now get the fuck out of my apartment," he sneered.

"Go away, mom. I don't ever want to see you again. I hate you!" I said. Tears streamed down my cheeks. I've been wanting to tell her this for a long time.

"Whatever. I hope this shithead kicks you to the curb one day," she snarled motioning at Evan. She strode away right after without saying another word.

"Are you okay?" Evan whispered and kissed my head.

"No, I'm not. Why did she have to come back and try to ruin my happiness?" I sobbed.

"She won't ruin anything. I won't let her. And I'd never leave you. I love you too much," he said.

I believed him but what if he changes his mind one day?

I didn't have the chance to dwell on it too much as Evan pressed his lips on mine and lifted me up. "I've missed you," he said, breathing heavily after breaking our heated kiss.

"I missed you too," I said and shivered as his warm hands found their way inside my shirt. "Wait...Evan! Aren't you tired? You just got home," I whimpered as he caressed the sensitive areas on my body.

"Nope, and I've been waiting all day to be with you again. Why, do you have objections?" he smirked.

I smiled and shook my head no. This was the perfect way to forget about that unpleasant encounter with my mom. I wanted Evan to make me feel good and make all of my worries disappear.

"You are mine," he growled then took me right then and there.

Evan's POV

I felt uneasy that entire week. I didn't want to leave Annie alone in the apartment because I had a feeling her mom wouldn't leave her alone so easily. Especially since she was after money. I got a bitter taste in my mouth every time I thought about that wicked woman. But Annie insisted that everything was fine and told me not to worry about it. Maybe I should change the apartment.

I got out of class late one evening and called her to ask her if she wanted to go out for dinner but she didn't pick up the phone or answered my texts.

A feeling of dread washed over me. What if something happened to her? I tried to shake those thoughts away. Maybe I was being overprotective. Maybe she is busy. She is a big girl after all. But still...I drove faster to get to the apartment.

"Annie?" I called out as soon as I stepped inside the apartment. I was greeted with silence. Did she go out? She did tell me she was out there looking for a job.

I went inside the bedroom and my heart stopped. The room was messy and things were thrown around like there has been a struggle. Annie was lying on the floor, unconscious. Her hand was bloody. A man was looming over her. I saw her mother standing by the wall with a terrified expression on her face.

"Annie!" I cried. The man was startled so he got up and stepped away. "What the fuck did you do to her?" I screamed at them.

"Nothing! She is fine," her mother said quickly.

"She doesn't look fine," I glared at them. I checked her pulse and to my relief, she was still breathing.

The man looked at her mother. "Let's forget about your daughter and get out of here, Helen," he said.

"Not so fast," I said and pulled the gun out of my pocket. I've been preparing to face this witch for a while now. I knew she'd come back to mess with my Annie.

"Whoa there kid, no need for that," the man protested.

"Shut the fuck up and dial 911," I ordered.

"What?" her mother looked confused.

"You are going to call the cops and both of you will hand yourself over so I can press charges for assaulting Annie and breaking and entering. Or I shoot you," I suggested. "Your choice."

"You wouldn't," her mother sneered.

"Try me, bitch," I roared.

She looked at me for a moment then started to call the police while I kept my gun pointed at the man. This ends today.

The police arrived within a few minutes. The guy slumped against the wall when he heard the police siren and her mom just stared into space.

I saw Annie sitting up so I moved toward her quickly. "Evan?" she said weakly.

"I am here. I am so glad you are okay," I said and hugged her close.