Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 66454 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66454 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Kade’s deep voice rumbles in his chest. “Of course not. He was never here.”
Olivia
“I want to leave, Kade.” That's all I've been thinking since this morning. I can’t sleep. I’m wide awake, lying on the bed. I’ve been in this room all day while Kade’s been gone 'cleaning up that mess', as he referred to it.
I keep seeing Victor’s lifeless eyes.
I’m not okay.
“Soon, angel.” I shake my head as Kade dries off his hair and drops the towel on the floor.
I was quiet when he came back in. I laid still in bed while he got undressed and went to shower. But I’m not okay. I can’t just be quiet and wait for him anymore.
I need to get out of here.
“I can’t stay here any longer.”
He walks to the bed and stands in front of me. Just being close to him again calms a part of me, but I'm still ready to bolt. I'm done waiting
Kade climbs on the bed and cups my chin in his hand, lifting my eyes so I have to stare into his. It's a motion he does often and usually I lean into his touch, but not now.
He starts to speak, but I interrupt him.
“I’ve never seen a dead man up close before. I can’t. I can’t stop seeing it. And the way he looked at me.” I shake my head nearly violently as the fear comes back, squeezing my lungs of their breath.
“You’ll be alright, angel. I’m here now.” His voice has that calming tone he uses with me, but I don't want to be calmed down.
He walks to the bed and takes a seat next to me. Just being close to him again calms a part of me, but I’m still not okay.
“I’m sorry I had to leave you today. I would have stayed, but I had to take care of that.”
His eyes search mine, but I can’t give him the acceptance I know he wants. I can’t cave into him. I need to leave.
“The only other person I’ve ever seen die is the man you killed that night, and--” Before I can finish, Kade leaves me. He quickly sits up from the bed and turns his back to me, reaching for the towel on the floor and going back to the bathroom.
My body stiffens. “Kade?” I call out for him and move the sheets off of me as I scoot closer to the edge.
He's never done that before, just leave me like that. I start to question my resolve. I think back on what I said and I regret saying it all, although I don't know why. I don't want him to leave me.
As the time passes and he doesn't respond, my heart beats faster with worry. I can't lose him. I need him.
I let out a breath as he comes back into the room. He doesn't seem mad or upset. I part my lips to ask him what I said, but I'm afraid to. I wait for him.
“I’m sorry I’ve done such a horrible thing to you, angel,” he says with sincerity as he comes back into the room. “I promise I’ll take care of you. I’ll make this right.” His voice is firm. But something's wrong. He’s holding something back from me.
“What’s wrong?” I ask hesitantly. I’ve never seen him like this before. Fear overwhelms me. “Did Ricky find out?”
Kade shakes his head. “I wish I could tell you. I want to tell you everything.” He bends down and kisses me. “Ask me for something I can give you. Anything.”
“I want to leave.”
He lowers his head, his forehead pressed to mine and sighs. My heart sinks in my hollow chest.
“I will never let any of them hurt you.” He speaks barely above a murmur.
“He did hurt me though. Victor hurt me.” Kade's eyes close tighter as I continue my plea. “I don’t want this anymore. I can’t do that again.” I don’t know how to explain it to him.
I can’t do that again. I don’t want to. I don't want any of this anymore.
“I’m sorry. That was a mistake. I thought it would prevent things from getting out of hand.” He takes a deep breath. “I thought wrong.”
I don’t know what to say to him.
“I'm sorry, angel.” His soft blue eyes look deep into mine. “Please forgive me, tell me you'll forgive me.”
My heart swells with the need to soothe his pain. I don't like seeing him like this. “I forgive you.”
Kade's lips press gently against mine the second the words leave my lips. I moan softly, accepting his gentle touch. His hands move to my lower back and mine spear into his hair. A calmness settles over me. This is what I need. I need Kade.
Kade breaks our kiss and looks at me with a spark of lust in his eyes.