You fucking cunt, came his retort, the words spewing out of him as if they tasted of acid. Mindful to remain on the sidewalk, he inclined his head and spit at her.

It didnt reach, but Emily didnt dodge it either. She stayed as still as stone. Her breath rattled in her throat as she stared at him, her heart thumping. A mans voice caught her attention. Stepping back, she watched an officer ease from a patrol car, the casualness in his stride unnerving.

Hands on his hips, deep lines gouged his face as he approached. Whats going on here?

Emily shoved her hand in her purse, pulling out her court documents. I have an order of protection

Nothing, Dillon said. Shes wasting your time. He shot Emily a glare, and yanked his wallet from his back pocket. Heres my PBA card. He passed the card through the fence. My uncles been a detective at the Brooklyn North narcotics in Bed-Stuy for the last twenty years.

The officer looked it over. He nodded, a smile lifting his mouth. Look at that. He slid the Patrolmens Benevolent Association card back through the fence. I bet he knows Anthony Armenio.

I grew up with Anthony Jr. and Anna. Dillon looked into Emilys eyes, his stare cold as he slipped the card back into his wallet. My uncle used to bring me down to the

Excuse me, Emily interrupted, shoving the documents into the officers hand. I hate to interfere with this friendly conversation, but hes violated an order of protection from the court.

I havent violated anything, Dillon argued, a smirk pulling at his lips.

Patience depleted, Emily snapped her head in Dillons direction. Yes, you have! Youre not supposed to fucking be here!

Hey, hey, the cop warned as he glared at Emily. Calm down.

I will not calm down, Emily rebuked, flicking her eyes to his badge. Its your job to keep him away from me, Officer McManus. She stepped back and crossed her arms. Please do the job my tax dollars pay for, and take a look at the order.

With a lift of his brow, the cop rubbed his chin. Aggravation danced over his features, but nonetheless he tore his stare from Emilys. Looking at the papers in his hand, and appearing to be in no hurry, he flipped through them. He hasnt violated this order, Miss Cooper. He handed the papers back to her. As far as I can tell, you may have violated the order, though.

What? Emily questioned, her eyes wide. How did I violate the order? He showed up at my place of employment.

No, he didnt, the cop corrected, pulling out a small pad. As he scribbled on it, Emily looked at Dillon. He sent her a smug smile. It says Mr. Parker cant step foot on Brody Elementary Schools property, the cop continued, his white hair blowing in the frigid air. He ripped the small piece of paper from the pad and handed it to her. As far as I can tell, he hasnt. Hes right outside of the property on a sidewalk owned by the city. But what Im wondering is why youre so close to the fence. Now, unless Mr. Parker has some kind of magical powers that made you float across the parking lot, you willingly approached him. Emily opened her mouth, but the cop cut her off. That paper youre holdings a warning. You get another one of those, and your order of protection will be rescinded. The cop didnt say any more. He turned on his heel, heading for his patrol car. Once settled into his seat, he lowered the window and smiled. Mr. Parker, Im going to sit here until you leave, but Im starving, so make it quick.

Smirking, Dillon nodded and turned toward Emily. Keeping his voice low, he dug his hands into his pockets and slowly backed away. I never make idle threats, Emily. Remember that.

As Dillon did an about-face, crossing the street and slipping into his Mercedes, the fear Emily was trying to remove prickled across her skin. It anchored her, seeding deeper than before. Clenching the paper she so easily assumed signified her protection, Emily watched Dillon and the officer drive away. The cocoon of her past unraveled right before her eyes. However, a beautiful butterfly didnt spring free. Instead, an emotionally unhealthy woman was left standing in the parking lot alone, her delusional thought that she would be all right a distant blur. There would never be reprieve from Dillons mayhem. A machine had replaced his heart somewhere along the way, and she knew in that very second, she would never be truly safe from him.

Hey, you cant just walk in here like that. Olivia rose from the couch. She placed her hands on her hips, a playful smile breaking out across her face. Youre no longer a resident, and besides, I was just having sex in the middle of the living room.

I moved out three days ago. Emily looked at her with a raised brow. And youre having sex by yourself, fully clothed?

Olivia shrugged. I have my ways.

Emily dumped her belongings on the foyer table. She slid off her coat, walked into the kitchen, and grabbed a can of soda from the refrigerator. You have no idea what happened, she said, taking a seat at the table.

Olivia squinted and studied her a moment. Okay, Ive seen this expression before. Please dont tell me you and Gavin are already having problems. She plopped down on a chair across from Emily. If so, I swear, Im writing you both off. Besides, you two already have plans to spend Christmas at your sisters house. Surely youre not going to fuck up the holidays.