A shudder rolls through me.
I have to go back.
A soft light filters through the window, signaling the start of the day. Charlie is still curled up, lost in the kind of peaceful sleep I can never seem to grasp. I let my eyes linger on her, my heart squeezing tight.
I’m doing this for her.
I tell myself that over and over as I slip into the bathroom, turn on the shower, and brace myself for what comes next.
I have to leave today. I have to go back and beg for forgiveness. That’s the only way to make this right.
The sound of the shower didn’t bother Charlie at all, as she still sleeps peacefully under the covers. I make sure to pack all of our belongings and sit them by the bedroom door. I need to talkto Hunter and let him know my plans. I don’t want him getting anymore involved than he already is.
When I open the door and take a step out, I fall directly on top of Hunter. I scramble from his arms and scoot away, giving him a confused look. “What the hell are you doing on the floor?”
He stretches his body and slowly rises. “I didn’t want you to run away in the middle of the night.” He smirks, holding his hand out to me.
I don’t take it though, choosing instead to push myself to my feet and take another step backward. Before we can even start the day, I blurt out what I need to. “We are leaving today.”
His smirk turns to a grim line as he shakes his head. “Where will you go?”
I bite my lip. I am not ready for the fall out that I know is to come. He will try to force me to stay. He will tell me that I am stupid for wanting to go back. That I’m making a mistake. That I don’t see things clearly. But he doesn’t understand. I look at the ground. “Home.”
Even saying the word feels wrong, like it doesn’t belong to me. LikeIdon’t belong anywhere.
I brace myself for the screaming and anger, but it never comes. He just slowly nods and walks toward the kitchen. “As you wish, Crash,” he mumbles before stepping around the corner.
I am stunned into silence.
As I wish?
That’s it? No argument? No angry words or desperate pleas?
He is just going to let me leave? I can go, and he won’t be mad?
A sharp ache presses against my ribs, and I don’t know if it’s relief or disappointment.
Then the darker thoughts seep inside my brain, slithering in before I can stop them. Of course, he’s letting me go. Why wouldn’t he?
It’s probably because he’s ready to get rid of me.
I bet he’s relieved.
He didn’t sign on for crazy husbands or the baggage that comes with me. He was just giving me a place to stay for the night—out of pity.
I am worthless to him, too.
Just like I am to Craig. Just like I always have been.
My chest tightens, and I swallow the lump in my throat. I don’t know why that thought saddens me so much. It shouldn’t. I shouldn’t care.
But I do.
And that terrifies me.
Chapter 14
Hunter
