Love is a Sacrifice by Samara Fitzgerald (graded readers .TXT) 📖

how I feel. Whatever I am feeling, it’s something I never felt before. I never had this happen with Bill. What if I’m falling for him. All I know is that I can’t let these feelings take over or I will get hurt. Again.

As I got out of the shower, I put on my robe and brushed my teeth. When I left out of the bathroom, john was in front of my dresser, looking at the pictures on top of it. I blushed when I saw that he was still naked. When I cleared my throat to get his attention, he turned around and smiled. I tried so hard not to look down.
“Umm, you can go in now.”
“it’s safe now.”
“Why you said that?”
“Because, since you locked the door…”
“Oh yeah. You notices that?” I felt so embarrassed. John start walking toward me. When he got in front of me, my heart start beating rapidly. He said something but I wasn’t paying attention. I was too busy looking at him. He is so handsome. His broad chest was the only thing I could see. I wanted to touch his chest, but I had to stop myself.
“Iris, are yo okay?” I looked up to see John looking at me with concern.
“Hmm.”
“I said where can I find a washcloth?”
“Oh, I already have one in there for you.” John looked at me a little longer, then went into the bathroom.

I feel so embarrassed. He probably now think I’m weird. What is wrong with me? I hope he didn’t notice me staring at him. I can’t worry about that now. I went to my dresser and looked for some clothes. When I finished, I came up with a light v neck sweater with some skinny jeans. I blow dried my hair and straightened it and went to the kitchen to see what there was to cook.

By the time I heard the shower turning off, I already had breakfast fixed. I made turkey bacon, egg whites, and some toast. I also cut up some fruit and poured some orange juice. While waiting for John, I went to the phone to see if there were any missed calls. I meant to check it last night but I felt myself blush when I remembered what happened last night. The red light was blinking. I clicked the button. Once the message start playing, it was like my heart stopped beating and a chill went down my spine.
“Baby, I finally found you at last. You don’t know how hard it was for me to find you. I told you can’t get away from me. All I want to say is watch out. I love you.”

Once the message was over, it felt like my heart stop breathing. No, this can’t be. I felt my heart stop beating. No, this can’t be. I felt another icy chill go down my spine. Why now? Why did Bill have to find me? And what did he mean by watch out? What if he do something bad to Erin and John? Or worse, he might kill them. After that thought, everything went black. I don’t know what happened.
Chapter 8

“Iris! Iris, can you hear me?” I woke up after hearing John’s voice. John was bending over me, his eyes filled with worry then with relief. I look at my surroundings, finding myself on the sofa. I look back up at John. He look so handsome. His hazel eyes was filled with worry.
“Iris, are you okay, you almost scared me. I came out here and found you passed out on the floor. I almost called the ambulance.”
“I’m fine. You don’t have to do that.” I said while sitting up. John helped me and sat on the coffee table in front of me.
“So what was that when you fell.”
“Nothing. I was probably dehydrated or something. Besides, why you so worried.”
“I’m not. Its just… I can’t explain… Once I saw you on the floor, … I don’t know.”

He was worried. He looked like a little boy, staring at the floor. I grabbed his hands and tried to catch his eye. As soon as he looked up, our eyes locked. I felt my heart racing. I really shouldn’t be doing this, being here with him. John reaches out and pushed a strand of hair out of my face.
“Iris…”
“Yes.”
Before he gets to say anything, the phone start ringing. Why did someone had to call at this moment? What was it that John was about to tell me? Pissed, I got up and answered the phone.
"Hello?" I said with dissappointment.
"Iris, what's wrong."
"Oh. Hey Erin."
"Did I call at a wrong time."
I looked behind me and pointed to my room to tell him I was going in there. Once i got in the room and shut the door, I answered Erin.
"John's here. He was just about to tell me something but he was interrupted by you when you called so what you think?"
"Sorry. I was just calling to check up on you. You haven't called me last night. Where were you last night?"
"I was busy."
"Mmhmm, I bet you were busy. very busy. You should be ashamed of yourself for having sex before getting married. Did you at least use protection?"
"Hmm?"
"You heard me. I said did John use protection?"
"I don't know."
"How do you not know?"
"I don't remember. I don't remember."
"Yeah right. I bet you'll remember once you feel your water break because you didn't remember

that you got pregnant."
"Mind your business Erin. You sound just like mom. I have to go. Bye."
Before Erin got to say anything, I hung up on her. Man, this is one of those times when Erin gets on my nerves so bad that I just want to punch her in the face. Ever since she got saved, she always acted as if she was better than me.

Once I calmed myself down, I left my room. Once I got out of the room, there was a knock at the door. Frustrated, I opened up the door and it felt like I just died.
"What the hell you doing here. If you don't get out of here, I swear I will call the police."
Bill walked into the apartment smiling.
"Is this how you treat you husband."
"Ex husband if I have to bring back your rememberance."
"Hey Iris, who was at the door... Bill?" John just left out of the kitchen and stopped in the middle of his tracks.
"Well well well. If it's not Bill. It have been a long time."
"Iris, how do you know Bill?" John looked pissed.
"He's my ex husband. How do you know Bill?"
Everyone was quiet.
"Can someone please answer me."
The answer was so shocking, I almost fainted again.
"Bill's my brother."
Oh hell no.

Main characters

Hey guys. I just want you to have a look at of what the characters look like so that is why I made a characters book. You guys should check it out. I hope you enjoy it and the rest of the book.

Chapter 9

"What the hell, John. When were you going to tell me?" I'm still in shock. It's like a nightmare have just started. Why did John have to be Bill's brother.
"First of all, I didn't know you knew Bill. Second, you're married?"
"I USED to be married. Well, not all the way because I've been trying to hide from Bill because he don't know how to treat a lady, I couldn't send him any divorce papers or he would have found me." I looked at Bill when I said this. Bill start looking irritated.

Before I got to say anything else, Bill interrupted.
"Okay love birds. This ain't no marriage counseling. I came here for one thing and one thing only... to bring Iris home with me."
"How did you find me?"
"I had a little help from my sister, Yasmine. She told me that Johny over there took you home and she followed you guys."
"Well, I'm not going with you. I'm fine where I am. You must think I'm I'm stupid, thinking that I will go back to you."
"You go where ever I tell you to go. Besides, it wasn't a question so it doesn't need an answer. Now let's go."
"I said I'm not going. You need to get out of here before I call the police."
Bill start looking relly pissed now. He now have the same look in his eyes before he loses it. I start getting scared.
"You bitch." He tried grabbing me but John got in the way.
"No Bill. Iris asked you to leave so now leave."
Bill looked from me to John.
"Oh, I see. You've slept with her. John, how could you betray me. First you turn your back on me. Now, you sleeping with my wife."
"First, you guys won't be married for long. Second, you the one who turned your back on me and the rest of the family.
"So, you are going to be on her side instead of mine?" John stepped back and put me behind him. Bill start laughing.
"Okay, I see how it's going to be. Iris, I will see you again. I will not leave New York without you."
"Over my dead body." I felt my legs shaking.
"Be careful of what you wish for." He stared at me, sending shivers down my spine, and left.

After a several seconds of seconds, I felt myself panicking.
"What did he mean by that?' This was one thing that I was scared about. Now I put Erin in danger. That's when I start crying. John held me close.
"John, I'm tired. I'm tired of having to run from Bill. I want to live my life without the fear."
"I know Iris. I'll handle Bill. I'm sorry Bill is doing this to you."
I looked up at John.
"Can you stay tonight? I don't want to be alone."
"I'll stay."
"I'll be right back.