“So how did the kids do last night?”
The conversation continues but I can’t think beyond what he said. A bet? Was last night about a bet?
Shaking my head, I slide backwards and smack into the doorway, grunting in pain. Every single part of me hurts like a mother right now.
But especially my heart.
Mark’s head whips around and he smiles, all toothy happiness. But then the smile melts off his firm lips and he mutters something into the phone.
“Hey, princess. You’re up early.”
Nodding my head, I can’t meet his eyes. Can’t see the hidden emotions that I’m sure are there, just out of my reach.
Disappointment, regret. I’ve seen all of that before. Maybe even a faint memory of last night.
But there won’t be bubbling happiness like what I felt when I got up. Until I realized that once again, I may have been used. Played like a fiddle by another man with another agenda that doesn’t include love for me.
My hand slips up to cover my heart like I can physically block it from the pain scorching me.
“I-I need to go home.” My mouth feels like it’s full of cotton wool and my head is throbbing to beat the band. But none of it hurts as much as my heart.
“Oh. Ummm. I thought maybe we could go and have breakfast together. Then I’ll take you home before I go to work.”
Shaking my head, I fight the tears threatening to slip down my cheeks. “That’s really not necessary. I mean. We both know you got what you wanted.”
His dark brow lifts and I finally look up into his eyes when he mutters, “And just what do you think that was, little one?”
“The bet.” My flat answer tells the tale and I expect him to flush in embarrassment at getting caught.
But he doesn’t. He growls under his breath and tunnels his fingers into his hair, pulling at it. “I did not have a bet. I know what you heard and I know I told Liam that Chris is nuts. I didn’t make a bet so I can’t win a bet. It’s all in his head.”
Tears crowd my eyes again and one slips down my cheek on a silent sob.
“Damn, princess. Don’t do this to yourself. It’s not true. And I can’t bear to see you cry,” he grumbles, stalking towards me, trying to touch me.
But I back away, my lips twisting. “Can you just take me home? I don’t feel well and I can’t think?” Another sob and this time Mark’s face scrunches up. He stares at me like he can see inside me to all my insecurities and pains.
“Are you sick?”
“Yes, I’m…ummm, I’m getting another flare-up. I need to go home,” I wail, unable to keep it together even one more second.
“I’ve got you, princess. I promise you that this isn’t what you’re thinking it is.” My hand comes up and he flinches. “But you need to get home and rest in your own bed until this goes away. I can stay and take care of you.”
Shaking my head so hard my teeth rattle and the pounding in my head grows to epic proportions, I grit my teeth and groan under my breath.
“I hate that you won’t let me take care of you,” he whispers. “But this isn’t about me. It’s about what’s best for you. And that’s getting you home to rest. You need your clothes?”
I’m shaking my head before he finishes the sentence.I just want to go home. I need my bed, my pillow and all my heartbreaking thoughts to keep me company until I finally feel better. At least physically.
“Come on, baby. I’ll take you home.”
He touches my arm gently but let’s go as soon as I flinch away. We walk out quietly to gather my things and head back to my safe haven. My home.
The only safe haven I think I’ll ever have.
Chapter 11
Mark
