Silence.
He’s gone.
Chaos runs laps around my head as I set things in motion.
There’s no time to waste.
I rush to my room, plug in my phone to charge it. Then, I sprint to the bathroom in the hallway to wash my face, brush my teeth, and take a five-minute shower. With the white fluffy towel still wrapped around my body, I race to my bedroom, grab the two large duffle bags I came here with and like a madwoman, I torpedo around the room as I pull my meager belongings from the drawers and the wardrobe and stuff everything in the bags.
I feel like a spinning top.
I hurry back to the bathroom, grab the t-shirt and shorts I’ve been living in for the past two days and drop them in the hamper. I do a quick inspection, to make sure I haven’t left anything behind. I bolt to the bedroom, unplug my phone,leaving the office phone that’s sitting next to it on top of the drawer.
I check the screen.
A golf ball-sized knot forms in my throat.
Kaz has already texted me.
Cursing under my breath at the irony that is my life, I stick my phone in the back pocket of my jeans. As my eyes scan the room, they land on the open wardrobe, containing all the beautiful fashion Kaz bought me. My gaze drops to the blue shoes I’ll have to leave behind, once more.
Flashes of the last three weeks hit me like a film reel.
My lower lip trembles and tears well in my eyes.
I don’t want to leave this house.
I don’t want to leave the wonderful, caring man I’ve fallen for. My fearless nightmare slayer.
I don’t want to leave the safety of this sanctuary.
I don’t want to leave this idyllic life that could’ve been.
But you have to.
I straighten my spine.
Staying isn’t an option.
I may not have much to offer a man like Kaz, but I can make sure my presence in his life doesn’t sabotage his business deal and reputation. If not being with him is the price I have to pay to protect him, then that’s what I’ll do. Because when you love someone, you’ll do anything.
A rebel tear slides down my cheek. I wipe it away, as I breathe through the wave of nausea rippling through me.
Guilt at what I’m about to do niggles at me, but I stomp it down.
“Time to go.”
Willing my heart not to crack open, I run out of the bedroom.
Chapter 52
Fucking Caveman
Harley
The A-Plus Lodge Motel in New Jersey fails to make the grade. It may be a step above the cheapest motel in the area, but there’s no denying it’s a dump. And it’s my new residence until I figure out my next steps.
I wipe my face with the sleeve of my sweatshirt.
