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“Yeah, now, but what happens when he leaves again. What happens when you’re alone and you have no one to talk to? I know the high feels incredible, but you’re going to come down eventually.”
She leans back against the counter. “I’m fine, really, and I hope you didn’t share your opinion with Brady.”
“I did. I told him everything.”
Her eyes go wide as she stands tall. “What do you mean by everything?”
“All of it. He needed to understand how serious this is with you. And you can hate me if you want, but I won’t let anything happen to you, even if it means breaking your trust.”
Her turning her back on me hurts, but I made the right decision. “How could you do that?”
“You need help.”
She spins around, anger flashing in her eyes. “I do not. I’m not crazy.”
I grab onto her. “Hey, I don’t think you’re crazy, but something is going on with you. You tried to kiss me twice … twice. Jesus, Tor, you said you wanted to be with me. Ask yourself in your happy, lovesick for your husband state, if you meant it. If you’d be angry with yourself if it happened?”
Her head falls to my chest, and I pet her hair.
“Oh, God! You’re right. I don’t want to feel like this, but I don’t want Brady to feel as though he has to put his career on hold to be home with his psycho pregnant wife. It’s not fair to him.”
I let go of her and lift her chin. “I think it’s time for you to consider what’s best for the baby, and that’s getting through this pregnancy without making any life altering mistakes.”
Her arms wrap back around my waist. “I love you, Tuggy.”
By late Sunday night, I still haven’t heard from Maria, and I’m growing more anxious with each tick of the clock. Liv and Harrison should be back from camping, which means Maria would be here by now, if she was coming. Maybe she needed more time. I decide to call Liv just to see how Maria’s doing.
“Hey, little brother. How’s things?”
“Not so good as I’m sure you’re aware. How is she?”
“How’s who?”
“Maria. Is she still upset? Is she still there?”
“Maria isn’t here and why would she be upset?”
Reality is sl
owly sinking in, but I’m desperately hoping I’m wrong. Although it’s a long shot, I ask, “Did she leave already?”
“Tug, Maria hasn’t been here. She came by the campground early Saturday morning and picked up Javier. Said she forget he had a birthday party or something. Is everything okay?”
“She’s gone,” I say, ending the call.
I dial Maria’s number, greeted by a recording that notifies me the number is no longer in service.
She left me.
Where would she go? She has to know I won’t give up. I’ll find her. Unless she went to the one place I can’t get to her because it’s a heavily guarded fortress, ruled by a man with more power than God.
I dial Alejandro Torrente’s number.
“Mr. Hunter,” he answers, his voice low and controlled.
I know the answer, but I ask anyway, “Is she there?”
“Yes.”
