Silence stayed heavy on the other side of the door.
I forced myself to keep going.
“I don’t want you to think I’m that guy,” I said.“The guy who decides for you.I’m not trying to own you.I’m not trying to buy my way into your life.”
I swallowed again.“I just… I want you safe.And I want you.And I don’t know how to do this right if you won’t talk to me.”
My voice dropped to almost a whisper.“Please talk to me, Belle.”
I waited.
For footsteps.For the lock clicking.For any sign she’d heard me.
Nothing.
I straightened and stared at the door as if it had personally betrayed me.
Then, from inside, Pepper let out a sharp bark.
My heart clenched.
Of course, the dogs were in there.Of course, they’d heard me.
I stared at the door one last time, then stepped back.
“I’m going,” I said softly.“But I’m not done.I’m not walking away from you.Not unless you tell me to.”
I turned and walked down the stairs.
Behind me, the window still glowed warm and steady.
And Belle’s shadow stayed right where it was.
She didn’t open the door.
Not tonight.
Chapter Thirteen
Belle
The house was too quiet.
I lay on top of the covers, still dressed, and stared at the ceiling like it might give me answers if I looked long enough.
It was Christmas Eve.
I hated that fact more than I wanted to admit.
Pepper had claimed my pillow like he always did, with his chin resting near my temple, eyes open and watchful.Salt was stretched along my legs, his solid weight anchoring me to the bed like he knew if he moved, I might drift apart completely.
He let out a low whimper.
I blinked and glanced down at him.“What’s wrong, buddy?”
Salt didn’t answer.He just shifted slightly and pressed closer, like he could physically hold me together.
Pepper lifted his head and gave a soft whine of agreement.
