Page 33 of Sick Little Devotion

I nod. Mr. Hewitt. “Oh, that’s nice.” I barely choke the words out as I glance back down to the tray of food. My stomach growls, but I’m still leery. “Where is Aid—I mean, Mr. Hewitt?”

She burst into a fit of giggles. “I don’t think you have to call him Mr. Hewitt, dear. You are his fiancée, after all.”

I’m sorry. What?

“He’s at work, I’m sure. He works a lot. That ecommerce business of his has really taken off.”

Ecommerce. Noted.

“Right,” I say, as if I already know what she’s telling me. “Well, thank you for breakfast, Ellen. I appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome. If you need anything, just let me know. I’m usually in the west wing—across the courtyard. It seems like a long way, but it’s not too far of a walk really.”

“Thank you,” I say to her again as she hurries off. I am surprised. I never would’ve pinned Aiden to be the kind of man who has a maid, but I also never expected him to kidnap me either.

He wouldn’t have had to.

“Shut up,” I whisper, shaking my head. I take a seat in the small sitting area and begin to pick at my breakfast. It’s nothing extraordinary, but the fruit is fresh, and the toast is crisp without being burnt. I guess I can’t complain.

I sigh as I finish up, wishing I had a phone. I just want to make sure the girls are okay. I know they’re going to be worried about me—or mad. They probably think I saw that Ron was dead and took off to find my freedom. I wouldn’t do that.

There’s not just one monster in that house—there are two. Maybe they’re different types of evil, but they’re still living there, and the girls need to be protected.

So does my mom.

I stare at my feet for a few moments, trying to decide what to do now. I should get up and take the tray to the kitchen, but part of me doesn’t want to run into anyone right now—unless it’s Aiden. Even then, I question why. Things haven’t been that great between us, and after the night in the woods, I feel more conflicted than ever. I’m still angry…

But I want more of him.

“Damn you, Aiden,” I mutter as I get to my feet. Just as I do, the house alarm sounds, the shrill shrieking sends me catapulting sideways. Eyes wide, I glance around, scanning the luxurious sitting room. I don’t see anything from where I’m sitting, but the alarm continues to blare. I don’t even know how to stop it.

I head toward the staircase, and in doing so, I pass by the glass windows that look out into the courtyard. My breath catches as my eyes land on a dark hooded figure.

What the fuck?

Something in me shifts. I know it’s not Aiden. The figure is too wide and too short, which leaves me feeling panicked. Where is Aiden? I sprint for the stairs, choosing not to continue checking out the situation. I’ve clearly proven I don’t handle conflict well.

I take the stairs two at a time, and my breath picks up as I make it to the top. I can’t see the courtyard anymore, but the sound of the alarm is still ringing. Will the cops come? And if they do, what do I tell them?

I make a beeline for the bedroom and shut and lock the door behind me, sliding down to the floor and resting with my back against the door. The alarm hasn’t stopped, and I wonder why Ellen hasn’t intervened. Surely, she knows the alarm code, right?

Covering my ears, I try to drown it out, humming the tune to Happy Birthday and wishing away the sick feeling in my stomach. I can’t stop thinking of all the bad things that could be happening right now—like Aiden getting murdered. My heart sinks at the thought, and regret starts tugging at me.

Maybe I should’ve been easier on him. He’s always just tried to protect me. Maybe I should’ve just asked him why he left instead of avoiding the subject out of spite. Wouldn’t the truth be better? Maybe he had a good reason…

The handle of the door jiggles above my head. I go still, wondering who’s on the other side. As I drop my hands away from my ears, I realize the alarm has stopped ringing. When did it stop?

“Sara,” a deep voice calls on the other side of the door. Instant relief flows through my body.

Aiden.

I scramble up from my seated position and unlock the door, whipping it open.

“Where the hell were you?” I take in the striking sight of him in a navy-blue tailored suit and tie, something that I haven’t ever seen before. Damn, he wears it well.

“Were you trying to run again?” he growls with suspicion in his stare, ignoring my question and taking a step toward me. “Do I really have to keep punishing you?”

My eyes widen. “I was… I wasn’t trying to run. There was someone in the courtyard.”