Page 199 of The Heart You Kept

The need to know she’s okay is slowly sending me insane.

I walk to the staircase and then back to the door.

Fuck this, why hasn’t he called? I storm out to the deck and dial his number.

Ring, ring….

“Boss,” he answers.

“What’s happening?” I snap.

“She hasn’t left yet, she’s still in her store.”

I glance at my watch. “What’s she doing in there?”

“I don’t know, the other staff left half an hour ago.”

“Go in and see if she’s alright.”

“She’s alright, I can see her cleaning through the front window.”

“Why is she cleaning after hours?” I bark.

“I don’t know, why don’t you ring her and ask.”

“You are beginning to piss me off, Philippe.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll call you when she’s home safe.”

I hang up and walk to the staircase and then back to the door.

Is she alright?

ALORA

ONE WEEK LATER.

I click through and type into Google:

Best beach holiday destinations

I’ve made an executive decision, I’m going on a vacation all by myself. Where I can lie in the sun, drink margaritas, and have daily massages. Somewhere that I can lick my wounds and get myself together in private, away from his guards.

For a while there having his guards still loitering around gave me hope, I mean if he cared enough to have me watched over then maybe he was coming back.

But as the days go by I realize this isn’t about coming back, this is about control.

Him knowing where I am at all times, and I’m sorry, Mr. Prescott, but I’ve had enough.

Screw. You.

The crying, heartbroken and wimpy version of Alora has morphed into the angry and mean version of Alora. And I like her a lot better.

Even if Edward came back now begging on his knees for forgiveness, I wouldn’t take him back. No way in hell, that chapter has closed for good. He had his chance and he blew it.

Asshole.

EDWARD