Instead, I stay curled in on myself, trying to keep my breathing deep and even.
I don’t know how much time has passed when Damien’s alarm blares. My body jerks before I can stop it, and a harsh breath leaves me at the pain that ricochets through me.
The alarm shuts off, and a heavy arm wraps around me, making me wince. Damien nuzzles the back of my neck. “Good morning, love.”
“Morning,” I croak out.
He tightens his grip, making me flinch again. He pauses, and I hold my breath. “Are you okay, love? I didn’t mean to be so rough with you last night.”
I just need to keep him happy. Austin is coming. He’s probably already at the airport. I just need to breathe. Get through this morning. “I’m okay,” I whisper.
Damien rolls me onto my back. His eyes search mine. There’s warmth there today. What looks like love. I don’t trust it. At least when they’re filled with coldness, I know what to expect.
He leans in, pressing his lips to mine. I want to resist. Turn away. I don’t. I open for him, letting him take what he wants.
Austin is coming. He said he was coming. I’ll be free soon. Austin is coming.
Damien breaks the kiss, then cups my face, brushing his thumbalong my cheek. “You’re so beautiful, love. I’m so lucky to have you.” I try to smile at him. “How about when I get off work today, we go to the store together?”
I cock my head to the side. “Oh? What did you have in mind?” I ask softly.
He brushes his nose against mine, placing another soft kiss on my lips. It’s such a contrast to last night. Not only to that, but to the throbbing in my head. It’s so sharp I can barely even focus. Can barely even think.
“I was thinking we could get you a new laptop. For your stories.”
I blink up at him, confused. My writing. Why does he care about my writing now? I don’t understand, but it feels like a lifeline. Like he’s trying to meet me halfway. “That would… that would be really nice.”
He smiles. “Of course. If you want to write again, I want to help you do that.”
My heart skips a beat, hope rising in my chest. I nod slowly. “Yeah?”
“Yes.” He kisses me again. “I need to get ready for work.”
He rolls away from me, climbing out of bed. I need to get my body to do the same. I didn’t lay his suit out last night. I didn’t get anything ready for him. I have to get his clothes and pack his lunch, if nothing else. Especially if he’s going to get me a new laptop.
I try to stand, but my knees buckle and I fall back onto the bed on my ass. Which… fuck, it hurts.
Damien rounds the bed, concern marring his features. “Hey, love. Stay sitting. Are you okay?”
Am I okay? Fuck. I almost fell for it. I almost fell for the pretty lies and the empty promises. I should tell him I’m not okay. That I’m not okay and it’s all his fault. I swallow the words down. Just afew more hours. Austin is coming. I’m going home. “I’m alright.”
He frowns, the lines between his eyes growing deeper. I force myself to sit still when he grips my arms. “Lie back down, love. You need some rest. I’ll get my things together.”
Normally, I’d argue. I’d balk. Tell him it’s okay. That I can do it. That Ienjoydoing it, but that’s because I’m terrified of what my evening will look like if I don’t. Tonight, I won’t be here. I’ll be with Austin. On my way home. Safe. “Yeah… okay. I’ll rest.”
Damien urges me to lie back, then pulls the blankets up around me, tucking me in. He kisses my forehead, then steps away from the bed.
I watch him as he goes to the closet. Watch as he takes out a black suit, white shirt, and blue tie. Watch as he gets dressed. Watch as he sits on the edge of the bed to put his shoes on.
“I have a lunch meeting today, so I don’t need you to pack one for me.”
I nod. “Okay. That’s good.”
He brushes a piece of my hair back, and I flinch. He freezes, and my body goes cold. But then he smiles. “You rest today. I’ll see you after work.”
He stands, adjusting his tie in the mirror. I think I’m free when he walks out of the room. I wait for the click of the front door, but it doesn’t come, and I’m starting to panic when he walks back into the bedroom.
“Everything okay?” I ask, trying to sit up.
