Silent Cries

By Tracey Jukes

Addie

My husband turned into a monster the day we said I do. So I ran.

I didn't expect his head of security to help me escape. I always thought Jude was dark and violent. Just another monster.

He's more than that, though. He's also my protector, watching from the shadows as I live my new life.

One day, he'll come for me like he promised—and I'll be ready.

Because no matter what, Jude is my monster now.

 

Jude

I never intended to save her. But seeing her broken was more than I could take.

Once she fell into my arms, I knew the truth.

Addie is mine.

But she looks happy with her fresh start. So I'll stay hidden. For now.

And when my boss comes, I'll be ready to do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Then we will be together.

Because no matter what the fairy tales say, monsters do get happily ever after endings…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tracey Jukes
• Release date: May 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223664970

Tracey Jukes

Tracey Jukes is from Wolverhampton in the UK. She’s a wife, Mum of two and Nanna to Tiggy (4) and Tilly 2. Her much loved family is a little crazy, but then she would argue that she is also. She loves to blast out loud music in the car and has a fetish for designer handbags. She loves to read—especially books that involve a hot, protective alpha, and believes she will always be a reader foremost, however her dream of writing a book has now become a reality. She primarily writes romance with a twist and her debut adult novel, Twisted Fate, starts the beginning of her writing journey.

Book preview

It’s the same every day. Everywhere I go, I’m being watched. He doesn't give me any breathing space. I didn’t sign up for this shit. I was promised the world. All I ever wanted was flowers, walks in the park, and dinners in restaurants. I wanted that with him. Now, I’m controlled and beaten just for speaking out, so I’ve learned to say nothing.

Elijah Anderson is not the loveable, carefree man I met in the park. He is a controlling and manipulative man who has everything his way. Mostly, I’m kept in my suite unless he calls for me or visits, and those visits are always for his pleasure, not mine.

Before I met Elijah, I had a wonderful family. I have four siblings; Kinsley, Dominic, Everly, and Gabriel. We were extremely close, and nothing could break that bond until Elijah came along. Blinded by my love for him, I couldn’t see what my family saw; an evil man hiding behind a mask. I moved away from my family home in Canada to Detroit, and I’ve hated it here ever since. I’ve lost so much. My friends, my family, and most of all, my identity. I want Erin Williams—my maiden name—back, but first, I need to get away from here, and that isn't going to be easy.

I want you with me on this trip, Erin, so go get ready. We leave in one hour.

The tightness in my chest loosens, and hope takes its place. I want to smile, but I can’t, as it will open up a whole heap of questions from him and he will not rest until I give him what he wants. This is my chance. I just need to make him believe I can’t go with him.

Elijah, I don’t feel good. Please may I stay home this time?

What do you mean? What’s wrong with you?

I need this to look convincing, so I bolt for the toilet, knowing he’ll follow me. He’s so predictable. Sinking to my knees with a thud, I face away from the door and shove my head over the toilet. I feel his dark presence standing in the doorway, watching me but not murmuring a word. Without a thought, I ram my fingers to the back of my throat, and the vomit hurtles to the back of the bowl, splattering so hard my hair is defenseless against it. The heaving is relentless, but not once has he held my hair for me or tried to comfort me like a loving husband would. Instead, he calls to Jude, one of his men.

Make sure she gets herself cleaned up, and she is to stay in her room at all times until I’m back. Understood?

Sir.

With that, I hear the thudding of his footsteps as he walks away. A tissue appears in front of my face, and a gentle caress through my hair makes me flinch.

Erin, it’s Jude. Let me help you. Please?

I wipe my mouth and slowly lean back on my heels. I raise my hand, stopping him from further interacting with me.

Please. I don’t need your pity, and I certainly don’t want one of Elijah’s goons touching me, so please leave. Hitting a nerve wasn't intentional, but I did, and his sharp intake of breath can’t be missed.

No woman should be treated the way he treats you. Now, let me help you get cleaned up.

None of Elijah’s men have ever spoken to me before unless he authorized it. I’m embarrassed to look at him, knowing my face must look like a bowl of porridge. It’s all self- inflicted, but it had to be done. My future depends on it. I slowly turn my green gaze towards his, and even though I fantasize about him daily, I’m still not prepared for the gorgeousness that stands before me. I want to stare at him, but it feels wrong. Instead, I stand with my mouth open.

His rough hand cups my chin and closes it. Damn it, could I be any more transparent?

With a crack, I slap across the top of his hand, and he removes it real quick.

Sorry, Erin. I meant no harm.

I stand, needing to get out of here. My hair swishes across my cheeks, with clumps of vomit attached, and boy, the stench. Time is of the essence, and the need to get away from this hell before my husband returns is imperative for my sanity.

Darkness arrives, and whilst everyone is sleeping, I grab a bag and throw in what I need to make a quick escape. This is the first time I’ve been able to try to escape as I’ve never been left here without him. I have studied the guards’ routine, and I just hope I’ve timed this all right. With barely any cash, I have no idea how far I’ll get, but anywhere is better than here.

Money is just another part of the independence he took from me. I enjoyed my life before him. I had a job. Nothing flash, but it was me. Working behind a bar was fun, and I enjoyed it, but Elijah wasn’t having any of it. No woman of his was allowed to work. All I ended up being was his arm candy when it suited. I have no idea why he married me. I don’t believe he loves me, and I sure as hell don’t love him now.

The beatings came after we married. I still have no idea why or what caused him to turn, but I think one day he’ll end up killing me, and no one will care as I no longer have anyone to turn to.

Slipping my legs through the stained-glass window, I teeter on the edge, looking down at the pathway below. Fear rises within me, not about getting caught, but about getting hurt from the fall. The lump in my throat is growing, and I look at the ground again, where I see Jude looking up at me.

Shit. My life is over. My legs begin to quiver, and not through being cold. It’s the fear running through my veins like ice, not knowing what that husband of mine will do to me when he gets back.

For God’s sake, why did I think I could do this? Because I can’t stay here any longer. Each day, I become more fearful for my life.

Erin, walk towards me and then slowly sit down at the edge of the roof, please. His voice is soft. After earlier, I thought he might be mad at me.

I sit down on the roof's edge, my legs swaying and my hands gripping the tiles in fear of falling to my fate. I don’t do heights, so why did I think this was a good idea?

Jude shoots me a smile. Jump, and I promise to catch you, all right?

Nodding and praying he will, I push with all my might. If my husband could see me now, I know for certain he would beat me, and I dread to think what will happen to Jude for betraying him. His muscular arms envelop me as soon as I land in them, and he slowly slides me down to the ground.

I stand before him, my eyes scanning his shoes, afraid to look at him. Cupping my chin, he raises my head until all I see are concerned turquoise eyes. I’ve never really been close to any man other than Elijah. Jude’s face is stunning. His tanned skin, and those eyes that are saying