Total pages in book: 55
Estimated words: 51248 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51248 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
“You’re up,” I comment.
“Not before you, though.”
I almost ask him if he had another nightmare, but I bite my tongue.
With his white shirt being pulled down his chest I catch a glimpse of his hard body. In pajamas he should seem casual, but there’s no doubting what I see in front of me. A man who isn’t going to let me go and if ever he does … I think it will be my last breath.
“For me?” he questions and I don’t know how I hold it together. I don’t know how I lift the mug up and answer evenly, “Just how you like it.”
Inside I am one thing; outside quite another. Every inch of my body chills as his hand brushes mine and he kisses my cheek.
I can’t help the fear that consumes me.
“You all right?” he asks, then pulls back and rests his palm against my forehead. Is he feigning concern? I can’t tell anymore.
“Just a little light-headed, I think.”
“Lie down,” he orders, his tone more commanding. More him.
The sheets rustle as he pulls them back. I obey, my limbs moving as Declan asks me what I need and what he can get me.
I just want to leave, but I don’t dare say it.
“I think I’m just going to call my mom,” I tell him, doing my best not to let on to the fact that I’ll know she’ll want to see me. That she’ll push for it. I add, “I don’t want her to worry.”
“No need,” he tells me, moving the comforter up to tuck me in. “I texted her from your phone just a bit ago.”
“What?” The whispered word holds more shock than anything else and my damn heart hammers even faster.
“You weren’t here and it was going off.” He cocks a brow before reaching for the nightstand and handing it to me. His fingers blaze against mine as I take it.
“Just told her that you were feeling better but taking the week off,” he tells me as I read the message.
“She went to your place and you weren’t there. I didn’t want her to think anything bad had happened to you.”
I skim through the messages, a cold prick flowing down my skin as I do.
Mom: Where are you? Nena, you’re scaring me.
Mom: I messaged Scarlet and her phone isn’t working. No one has seen you or heard from you in a week.
Mom: Nena, please just answer me.
MISSED CALL
Me: I’m sorry, Mama. I’m on medicine and I was knocked out cold. I’m feeling a lot better. You don’t have to worry.
Mom: Where are you?
MISSED CALL
Me: Just crashing at a friend’s until I’m better. I’ll call you soon, Mama. Don’t worry about me, it’s just a cold.
Mom: You promise you’re all right?
Me: I promise. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.
Mom: Te extraño y te amo
Me: Te amo.
“Since when did you learn Spanish?” I half joke to keep it light, to not let on to the terror I feel that he’s keeping me from her. My tone doesn’t hide a damn thing, though.
He ignores my question and instead asks one of his own. “You don’t like that I answered her, do you?”
His sharp hazel gaze pierces through mine and all the blood drains from my face.
“It’s okay, Braelynn,” he whispers and the bed groans as he leans over to kiss me. He’s gentle and the single act is more comforting than I could have imagined.
He leans back and that charming smirk is on his lips again. “I want to be here when you talk to her, though, do you understand that?”
The comfort vanishes as I swallow thickly and nod. “Yes.”
DECLAN
The door to Carter’s office opens with a creak, announcing my arrival. It was ajar and when he messaged about needing to talk I headed to his wing immediately.
Still, I rap my knuckles on the partially opened door and Carter looks up from his laptop. I swear it’s always the same with him. The thick dark curtains are closed behind him. The fireplace is lit and the light leaves a soft glow across the long wall of old books and a shadow across his face.
It’s not until he registers it’s me that his expression softens. It’s quite the opposite of what I feel. Knowing he must want to discuss my Braelynn, I’m already guarded and defensive. I’m positive my expression must reflect that although if Carter sees it, he doesn’t let on.
As he leans back, the chair groans and he motions to the wingback in front of him. “It has your name on it,” he comments and then reaches for the mug on his desk. He finds it empty, though, and sets the ceramic cup back down.
As I take a seat, he runs a hand down his face before pinching the bridge of his nose.
“You know, Mom always told me you’d give me a run for my money.”