“You didn’t keep me up last time. And don’t forget, I’m forced to room with Killer when I’m on the road; you can’t be louder than him.”
I chuckle. “You can let me know in the morning.”
“I will. Night, sweetheart.”
“Night, Rett,” I mumble, sleep pulling me under.
“Thank you,” he whispers.
“You don’t need to thank me for sex.”
His deep rumble of laughter flows through me.
“That wasn’t what I was thanking you for, but that’s good to know.”
“What were you thanking me for?”
He pauses for a moment, and I begin to think he isn’t going to respond. But then his warm breath rushes over me, and he whispers, “Everything, sweetheart. Every single fucking thing.”
I don’t know if he says anything else because I drift off into a dreamless sleep, happy that both me and our little one are protected by Everett’s warm embrace.
When I wake the next morning, despite the room still being dark and the sun barely breaking across the horizon, and slide my hand across the mattress in search of my bedmate, he’s gone.
And the sheets are worryingly cold.
67
BEATRICE
Idon’t know how I know something is wrong, but I do.
As I roll out of bed, my stomach is in knots.
After what we had last night, he wouldn’t have willingly gotten out of bed this early.
Sure, he’s usually in his home gym not long after the sun rises, but today…I don’t know. Something is off.
But despite wanting to immediately go and find him, my need for the bathroom is too pressing.
I make quick work of doing what I need to do and brush my teeth before I rush out of my room and into the living area.
It’s still dark, there are no lights on, but that doesn’t mean I miss him.
I freeze the second I spot his dark frame in front of the windows.
He’s sitting on the floor, staring out at the city before him, shoulders slumped.
I hesitate. I may have learned a lot about Everett since moving in here, but that doesn’t mean I know everything. And this morning, it feels like I might be about to meet a whole new side to him.
But despite my unease, I already know that I’m going over there. I’m going to do everything in my power to help with whatever he’s struggling with.
I have no idea if he hears me as I pad over with bare feet, but he doesn’t react as I lower myself to the floor beside him.
Neither of us says a word, but the silence is comfortable, even if it is loaded with everything Everett is dealing with alone.
After a minute or two, I reach out and twist my fingers with his, letting him know that I’m here. I’m here, and I’m willing to listen whenever he is ready.
It takes a while.
