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CHAPTER ONE
CLAIRE
It’s been one week since the kidnapping, and still, nothing makes sense to me. In the bathtub, I draw my knees to my chest, and let the tears consume me. Hearing boots clunking on my hardwood floors draws my attention. I realize it is Hayden and try to stop the tears from coming. He has barely left my side the last few days. But he mostly sits outside, so he gives me space when I need it. And right now, I’m not sure what I need.
The bathroom door opens, and from my vantage point, Hayden looks huge in stature. Entering, he closes the door and slides down to sit against it.
“I’m not sure why you are in here. I’m not going to slice my wrists if that is what you are worried about.”
“Shut up and let me sit with you.”
I avoid his gaze. “How’s Astera and Lock?”
“Better. They are home resting. The situation is being handled.”
Guilt courses through me for not going to the hospital when Hayden went. I couldn’t be there for my best friend because of my own shit I am dealing with.
Changing the subject, I ask, “Does my brother know you are here?”
“Yeah. I asked for his blessing to be here, and he gave it.”
I pop my head up to look at Hayden and see by his expression that he is serious.
“He’s worried about you. We all are,” he adds.
I stay silent. We stay silent. I slide farther down in the tub so the water covers everything except my face. Right now, I am glad to have my claw-foot tub because it’s high enough so Hayden can’t see my naked body.
“Can you hand me that towel?”
He reaches for it, passes it to me, and turns his head even though he has seen me pretty much naked already, thanks to the bastards that held me captive. I swallow a hard lump trying not to think about my time there. Nights have been the worst, when I close my eyes, it's all I see. I need a new memory to think about.
Securing the towel around my body, I move to sit on the edge of my bed. Hayden is standing right in front of me, and I take this opportunity to make a move by looking up at him and reaching to undo his belt. When I get his buckle undone, he catches my wrist in a hard grip. His eyes narrow and his voice sharp, he says, “You aren’t ready.”
Rage courses through me. “Get out then,” I bark as I stand to put some clothes on. Without a word, he exits my room while securing his belt.
I pull on a pair of black leggings, then grab a flowy shirt and the highest heels I own. Fixing my hair, I secure it into a ballerina bun and pull some face-framing pieces out. Out in the living room, I grab my purse and head out the door.
“Where are you going?” Hayden asks with a bewildered look.
“Somewhere you aren’t.”
“Oh, is that so?”
Opening my car door, I look at Hayden. “Wipe that cocky grin from your face. I’m warning you not to follow me.”
Does Hayden listen? Like a typical man, he doesn’t.
Getting onto the road, it only takes me a few minutes to reach my destination. I park in the VIP section of High Class. Hayden is hot on my tail, but I ignore him because I am on a mission, and once I get something in my head, I intend to follow thorough. With my head held high and my fuck-me heels on, I am bound and determined to find someone to have sex with, so I head straight to the bar area. Spotting a hot guy drinking alone, I walk over.
“Hey,” I offer my biggest smile.
Spinning his stool around, he smirks. “Hey, yourself.”
“You here alone?” I don’t waste time getting straight to the point.
“Yeah.”
“Down for some fun?” Is this immature, what I’m doing? Probably. But I don’t really care because I need laid. I need a new memory to flash in my brain.
