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Chapter 45
Mikel
Mikel reached his hand out, searching for the familiar warm body of his girlfriend.
Fiancée.
He smiled. Rubbing the remaining sleep from his eyes, he sat, searching for his bag. A light drizzle of rain tapped the windowsill. His eyes landed on the worn black fabric, patched in various areas from his travels around the world.
He pulled out a pair of jeans and slipped them on. With bare feet, he made his way to the bathroom. Still no sign of Remy.
He brushed his teeth and relieved himself before heading downstairs in search of the woman who had helped him envision a future where he was a father and a husband.
Remy was standing by the sink, staring out the window with her back to him. He slipped behind her, wrapping his arms around her, inhaling her sweet scent in the nape of her neck. She stiffened in his arms.
“Good morning, fiancée.”
She turned to face him, her eyes bloodshot. His smile disappeared at the broken expression studyinghim.
“What’s wrong?” Panic kick-started the thudding of his heartbeat. “Is it Lyra?”
She stared at him, her lips trembling as she shook her head.
A part of him relaxed—his daughter was safe. But why was Remy so upset?
“What’s goin’ on, baby?” He wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes, savoring her soft flesh.
“I just want to know one thing,” she said, her chin rising.
“Anything,” he promised.
“How long have you been fucking her?” A sob broke her speech.
The floor disappeared, sending him spiraling with confusion and questions. “I haven’t been with anyone but you. Who are you talking about? June? I told you I ran into her at the pharmacy and then last night at the bar when she was trying to start something.” He wouldn’t tell Remy June had also been there to deliver a message from Joe. She’d been through enough.
“And you’re using again?” she asked, studying him, clearly scrutinizing his answer.
“I’m not. I swear. Don’t you trust me, Remy?” He backed away. “Where is this coming from?”
Remy’s trembling hand held out a small plastic bag with a piece of paper and two pills inside. His heart sank. June’s message from Joe. “It’s not what it looks like.”
“You’re supposed to meet her Friday in room three-oh-five. What about that is unclear? If there is an explanation for this, please, tell me.” A thread of hope flashed in her eyes.
The confession caught in his throat. How could he tell her Joe got out early, and that she and Lyra were in danger because of him—again? He had the money; he would take care of this once and for all. He’d protect them this time. Once it was done, he’d tell her everything.
“That’s what I thought.” She shook her head, pulling the ring from her hand and thrusting it into his chest. Her skin against his was electric.
“Baby, I just need you to trust me. I’ll tell you everything once I take care of a few things.” He grabbed her arms, holding on for dear life. If Remy believed he was capable of cheating on her and using behind her back, then did she really trust him at all?
“I don’t know what to believe anymore. But this, this is drugs and a note from a woman you … I want you to leave and never come back.”
“Remy?” he pleaded.
“Get out!” she yelled.
He dropped her arms and took the ring. He slipped it into his pocket as he forced one foot in front of the other, headed back upstairs where the duffel bag taunted him. As if you ever had a chance at a happy ending.
His throat burned as he grabbed his shoes in one hand and grasped the strap of the bag in the other. He glanced at Lyra’s room. He’d leave her a note. He scribbled out a letter and drew a heart before setting it on her bed where she’d be sure to find it.
