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Aria simply cocks a knowing brow in response. I’ve never been so intimidated or embarrassed.
“I mean,” I say and swallow thickly, my fingers twisting around the hem of my sweater, “I didn’t mean to.”
She nods again and then her expression turns somewhat sympathetic.
“Are you feeling better?” she asks and my heart pounds.
“Much.”
“I’m glad you’re well,” she says and I can barely whisper my thanks.She knows.I think everyone knows.
I have all of these thoughts about her, a woman who’s practically a myth. It’s dawned on me that she absolutely has an opinion about me. I have no idea what all she’s heard, but I’m sure none of it is good.
The mix of emotions that sour my stomach must show on my face.
“We’re doing construction the next couple of weeks starting tomorrow. It would be easiest to run then,” Aria says without warning.
“What?” Every bit of blood feels like it leaves my face and a chill comes over my body. “I’m not planning on running.”
“He told you not to leave him?”
“Right,” I answer again without thinking and then realize what that truly means.
“But do you want to be locked away here, not allowed to leave unless he gives you permission?”
I can’t answer. It’s only just now dawned on me that this is my reality.
The sympathy in Aria’s expression deepens and I wish I were anywhere else. I’ve only wanted coffee and instead I’ve been hit with a wrecking ball.
“Can I give you some advice?” she asks and I nod, swallowing the growing lump in my throat.
“Don’t trust anyone,” she tells me and then offers a sad smile like it’s her way of saying goodbye. “And if you ever leave, run very far and never look back.”
My racing heartwon’t stop. Even with deep breaths and slow-paced steps on the way back to Declan’s bedroom, the heavy pounding is met with unease that won’t quit.
Even if Declan believes me, they don’t. I swallow thickly and I swear all I can hear is my damn heart as I turn the knob to the bedroom door.
It’s betrayal that pricks along my skin as I walk in and the door creaks shut behind me.
It’s agony, though, when I see him, a smirk plays along his lips when I enter. It doesn’t match the rest of his expression at all. The dark undereye circles haven’t left him and it’s almost as if he’s worse off after sleeping.
“You’re up,” I comment.
“Not before you, though.”
I almost ask him if he had another nightmare, but I bite my tongue.
With his white shirt being pulled down his chest I catch a glimpse of his hard body. In pajamas he should seem casual, but there’s no doubting what I see in front of me. A man who isn’t going to let me go and if ever he does … I think it will be my last breath.
“For me?” he questions and I don’t know how I hold it together. I don’t know how I lift the mug up and answer evenly, “Just how you like it.”
Inside I am one thing; outside quite another. Every inch of my body chills as his hand brushes mine and he kisses my cheek.
I can’t help the fear that consumes me.
“You all right?” he asks, then pulls back and rests his palm against my forehead. Is he feigning concern? I can’t tell anymore.
“Just a little light-headed, I think.”
