Jamie: Let me know when you're ready to admit I'm the only partner you've had too. I'll be here. I'm a patient man, Violet.
Ten
JAMIE
Ipride myself on keeping my cool. Always. Even faced with fucking MC men who like to swing their guns around, I'm pretty damn chill.
Violet undoes me. I've been worried for days.
As frustrating as it is for her to disappear on me for extended periods of time, I've always managed just fine. V hasn't been ready for commitment for a long time, except I'm starting to question how she feels lately.
She's always made her stance on our relationship very clear, which isfine. Christ, now I sound like a woman.
"It's not fucking fine," I growl, throwing my fork in my kitchen sink. "Where the fuck is she?"
Deep breaths stopped helping yesterday. Rational thought hasn't existed for a while. I have no clue what I was thinking sending her those messages.
I'm a patient man. I swear I am.
So why the hell did I text that shit? I wanted to push and get us moving in the right direction, but I'm afraid I've pushed heraway.
Yeah, I'mafraid.
Violet is fragile. She tries to be tough, but,my godher eyes bleed with pain. Even in the throes of passion, I see the internal battle she fights. I feel the way her body softens against me right before she stiffens and pulls away. I'm not the only one afraid—Violet's scared.
She's scared that we're real.I'm not crazy. There's no question in my mind that what we have is real. No matter how many times she tries to distract me with her body, her heart, mind, and soul have my attention too.
Hanging my head, I try to wrangle my thoughts into something helpful.I could go to her apartment, but what if she just needs some space? When is a good time to demand that she talk to me?
Like I've done a thousand times, I glance at my cellphone in hopes it lights up. Then I tap the screen, praying I missed a message or call.Nothing.
My chest tightens, and I feel my throat working as a frustrated shout builds. Unraveling isn't an option, but it seems like I'm coming apart at the seams without my woman.
Knock, knock!
My childish explosion settles and dissipates as I rush to the entryway. I skip the peephole and rip the door open, but I never expected my excitement to turn into heartbreak.
"Sweets..." I whisper, shuffling forward. Her eyes are bloodshot and she's in pajamas. "Are you?—"
"Don't ask me if I'm okay," she snaps, but it's weak.
I've never seen her so openly vulnerable or struggling. I feel my knees wobble, wanting to crash to theground in front of her and beg her to tell me how I can help.
"Because you're not..." I venture a guess, already knowing I'm right. I'd bet my last penny that she doesn't have any lingerie on tonight, which is saying a lot. Violet came to me dressed like she wants to cuddle and watch a movie which has never happened before. Each visit she's ready to seduce—not tonight.
If I thought I was unraveling, what has Violet been going through? I should have gone to her sooner, but maybe this is a good thing? She's showing emotion,andshe came to me.
Shifting on her feet, I jolt into action and usher her inside my apartment.What a fucking idiot, I scold myself, annoyed I left her in the hallway for so long.
"Where's your coat?"
Internally, I breathe a sigh of relief when she rolls her eyes at me. I let it slide since she's taking her shoes off and looks like she's going to stay.Stay forever, please.
Violet proceeds to remove her sweatshirt, leaving her in a white crop top that makes my dick perk up. Then she turns around, and I see her red eyes again.
I'm about to beg her to tell me what's wrong when her lips part and she does what I want without me asking. "You've caused a lot of problems for me, Jamie Murphy."
My heart stutters, and my gut roils in retaliation against me because I shouldneverbe the one causing problems for my woman. I should say something, but my tongue is stuck to the roof of my mouth.
