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But maybe that wasn’t the only reason why. I’d stayed here because some part of me still felt connected to this wretched place. It was no home; it had been a living hell.
Foolish me. I’d clung to it because it was all I remembered.
My memory was coming back. As if I sat on the shore of a warm sea with the waves lapping over my toes and creeping up to my thighs as the tide came in, bits came back to me this instant.
Talking with Mazie that night about the restaurant I couldn’t wait to open, of the dishes I’d make. How I’d test them all out first with her. Her smiling at the idea and leaning close, her hand warm on my thigh.
Walking through the streets, holding her hand. Going up to her apartment. Telling her we didn’t have to do anything, that just being with her was more than enough.
Her soft laugh as she nuzzled my chest and looked up at me.
Mate. I’d known it back then. Why hadn’t I told her?
She’d taken me to her room, and we’d peeled off each other’s clothing. We’d tumbled onto her bed . . .
My long sigh slid out. I didn’t need this place any longer.
If I remained here, it would only keep stealing from me.
No longer my past, but my future.
Chapter 13
Mazie
Istood on the back deck for a while with tears trickling down my cheeks. I was so worried about Gravor. Where was he? Was he okay?
If someone was hurting him, I’d shred them to pieces.
A fierce need to be with him, to hold him, flared through me, but my hands remained empty.
Would he ever come back?
I wanted to stay here—to wait for him here—but I had to collect our son. Mom loved having him, but she needed time to herself too.
Inside, I grabbed my purse and keys, but I paused when I saw I had a message on my phone.
Gravor! Zara said. She’d texted over an hour ago. We can’t believe it. Kuunik’s so relieved, he’s pretty much sobbing. How is his brother doing? Where was he all this time?
I put myself together and replied. It’s a long story, but he’ll want to tell you himself. Know that he’s safe. He’s going to stay with me until you three come home.
If he ever came back. Telling her that he’d run when there was nothing she or Kuunik could do about it felt unfair, so I said nothing.
How’s the honeymoon going? I asked.
Amazing. It’s so lovely here. The buildings! The food. The hotel’s so pretty. I’m never going to want to come home.
I hope you’re having a wonderful time.
We are. I could almost hear her sigh of love. She and Kuunik had a love most could only dream about. Give us a good time to call. Kuunik’s dying to talk to his brother.
How should I respond to that? How about later? Like, when—if—he returned? I was just leaving to get Asher at Mom’s place.
Okay. Have Gravor call Kuunik instead. We’ll be waiting for his call.
All right.
After tucking my phone into my pocket, I flopped against the counter and pinched my eyes shut. The world was spinning too fast. If it didn’t slow down, I was going to fly right off.
