“I really am sorry,” she said quietly. “I was scared.”
“You don’t ever have to be scared with me.”
Being this close to him, she wasn’t just scared, she was terrified. He was unpredictable and unhinged. Every part of her screamed to step away from the predator. But she didn’t have the luxury of doing that right now.
She moved around him and rinsed the cloth before patting the wound once more. “You should get this looked at by a professional.”
“No. I’m not seeing anyone.”
She swallowed before grabbing the bandage from the counter and placing it over the wound. “Does it hurt?”
“I’ve had worse.” There was a small beat of silence before he asked, “Do you think you could learn to love me?”
She froze. There was almost a desperation in his voice. How had no one realized how unstable Antwan was? How had he hidden this side of himself for so long and so well?
Forcing herself to look him in the eye, she told him what he wanted to hear and made sure it was believable. “Yes, I think I could. I think you would be easy to love.”
His chest rose on a deep inhale, eyes heating as he pulled her against him, his face once again dipping into the crook of her neck. “I needed to hear you say that, Cal. I needed it so bad.”
Hearing him use her nickname felt wrong. Only people close to her used it. She hugged him back, slipping her arms aroundhis waist and running her hand over his back. As she did, she carefully slipped the keys from his pocket.
When he pulled back, she quickly slipped her hand to her side, half behind her.
“We’re going to be okay,” he said quietly. “You’ll learn to love me. You won’t get sick. We’ll be happy.”
She wouldn’t get sick? Why had he said that? Had someone else he loved become sick?
“We’ll be okay,” she repeated. “I might go lie down, if that’s all right?”
Concern tugged his brows together. “Your head—”
“Is fine. I just need some rest.”
He was still frowning, but he nodded.
She was careful to turn in a way so that he didn’t see what was in her hand. It was hard to walk away slowly when all she wanted to do was run.
Once in the bedroom, she closed the door softly and sat on the bed, making sure the springs made the appropriate sounds before she silently rose again and went to the window.
There were three keys on the ring. She tried the first in the lock. It didn’t slide in. She tried the second. It slid in but didn’t turn.
One left.
Fear gnawed at her belly. What if this didn’t open the window? He’d find out she took the keys and then what? What would he do?
With even breaths, she tried the third key. It slotted in…and turned.
Relief almost caved her knees.
Unlocked. The window was unlocked.
Quietly, she shoved it open. There was the smallest creak, and she cringed, waiting for the bedroom door to bang open and Antwan to be there.
Nothing happened. The room remained silent.
She pushed the window open another few inches and climbed out.
The moment her bare feet hit the ground outside, she started running. Sprinting toward the trees. She had no idea where she was going or if she’d even find help, but she had to try.
