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I take her face in my hands as I roll us so that I’m hovering over her. “You are the most precious thing in my life, Isa. I’m not going to lose you.”
Her hand touches my cheek. “Oh, Adam. You won’t lose me. I’m right here. And I’m fine. And besides, you can’t lock me away in a tower and stop me from living. I need my independence. I need my car. That’s non-negotiable.”
“You could have…I can’t live like that.”
“Let’s get some sleep. Things will be better in the morning,” she says as she pulls my head down to her breasts. I kiss each one and then roll us back over. She curls up against me and falls asleep. I lie awake for hours, listening to her soft snores. I vow at that moment that I will protect her, even if that means protecting her from me and my messed-up mind.
CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO
Isa
Yeah, sleeping on it did not make it better. By breakfast, Adam has doubled down.
He sips his coffee slowly while staring at me. “I’m serious, Isa,” he says as he places it down on the counter. I can see Mrs. Potter and Bastian both look over at us and then quickly look away.
“About what?” I ask innocently hoping this is about something else but knowing damn well it’s not.
“No more cars,” he states emphatically.
I roll my eyes. “Fine. Let’s just say we never drive or ride in a car again. Then what?” I ask, playing devil’s advocate because this man is being completely irrational. I understand partly why he is this way, but he had come so far. I mean, he freaking drove a car yesterday!
“What do you mean? You can use the ATVs, the horses, the helicopter, subways, and boats, but no cars.”
“Great. So, none of those things can have accidents, then?” I pause and then glare. “Oh, wait. I just got thrown off the horse a few days ago. And did I ever tell you about my friend whose dad was in the Navy and died in a helicopter crash? Oh, and my other friend’s brother is in the Coast Guard, and he has to respond to boat accidents all the time.” I put my hands on my hips as if that gesture is going to make my point seem more persuasive.
“I don’t care. I’ve seen enough with cars to know I can’t ride in them or have the ones I love riding in them,” he says.
I point to Mrs. Potter and Bastian. “So, none of us can drive or ride in cars anymore?”
Bastian’s eyes are wide. “Fuck no. Don’t bring me into this,” he says with a wave of his hand.
“Well, he loves you too, whether he wants to admit it or not,” I state.
“Well, Bastian’s car is not a death trap,” Adam says.
“Oh, so if I get a new car, then it’s fine,” I retort with a groan. This man is killing me!
“No. You can’t ride in any car. I…just no, Isa,” he replies with a look of panic in his eyes. He’s being completely irrational still. Wonderful.
“Adam, I can’t live like that. I’m sorry, but I need to drive, and I need to be able to ride in cars. I understand your fear, I do. I’m so proud of you for driving last night. But fender benders happen. Hell, I backed my car into a sign a few years ago and it still has a dent. It’s not a big deal. I was protected because I was in the car,” I say, trying to persuade him when I know that’s an impossible task.
“Please…” He trails off as he steps toward me with pleading eyes.
“I’m sorry, but no,” I state.
He swallows. “I’ll be back,” he says as he walks out of the kitchen.
I turn to Mrs. Potter and Bastian. “Was he like this…before?” I ask, swallowing my nerves and the sinking feeling I have that Adam and I just reached an impassable point in our relationship.
Bastian shrugs, but Mrs. Potter slowly nods. “This…he was never this unreasonable, Isa. He never dictated what others could do. I’m sorry. He must care for you very much,” she says with a sad smile.
“I can’tnotdrive,” I state.
“Merde. He was doing so well. I thought…maybe…” Bastian trails off as he looks at the doorway. Adam is standing there with a pile of books. He takes ten giant steps and sets them on the counter. “I’m releasing you from our agreement, Isa. You can have the books. They are yours…or the library’s. Whatever you wish to do with them, do it. I…can’t be the man you need me to be, and you deserve more.” He reaches out and brushes a hand over my cheek. I feel tears welling in my eyes.
I slap his hand away. “You’re just giving up, already. That’s it. One small thing and you’re out?” I go from sadness to anger in less than three seconds, because of the audacity of this man. “You know what. Screw you, Adam. You’re right. I do deserve better. And the worst part of this is you are being totally irrational, and you absolutely can give me more. But if this is how you deal with one little car accident and a fight over driving, then…fine. Live your lonely-ass life here in your fucking palace. I hope you’re very happy…by yourself!” I yell, my voice getting a little louder with each word.
I spin on my heels. “Goodbye, Mrs. Potter. Goodbye, Bastian,” I say as I dart out of the room. I make it to the front hall when Bastian comes running after me with the pile of books.
