“And you better stay put” is his response. I don’t get a chance to throw out one of my own. He’s already out the door.
So much for me not being a prisoner. Which might not be so bad if he were actually here.
Chapter Six
BLAKE
There was no way in hell that I could remain in that house with Truly. Not after having a taste of her. I knew for her safety and my sanity that I had to get the hell out of there. I’ve been staying at my office and crashing on the couch. I don’t know how I’ve kept away this long. The pull to be close to Truly is almost unbearable. So many times I almost gave in, but I know this is what’s best for her.
Thankfully, I have security cameras throughout our home, and I’ve kept a person watching the door. She is free to go if she wants. To the store or to grab a coffee, but she hasn’t gone anywhere.
Would it be going too far if I cloned her phone? She does everything on it. She reads or listens to audiobooks. Instead of using one of the televisions, she watches shows and movies from her phone too.
I was able to figure out a few of the movies and one show. I started turning it on when she did. It’s a dumb thing to do. Insane, actually. Like we’re fucking watching it together and not miles apart.
I run my hand down my face.
She only brought one bag with her. I knew she would have more back at school, and I sent someone to collect her things. Also, to return the passport to her friend. Thankfully, Truly peeked around and saw the home was ready for her.
I’d filled the closets and bathroom with all the things she’d need, but she can get anything she likes. I wanted her to come home to something of her own. I thought it would help her feel more settled in. I felt a sense of relief when she used the items and clothes.
Her own belongings have finally arrived. The boxes are all still by the door. She’ll pull items out and return others. It’s pissing me off that she’s not unpacking. Does she think she’ll be going anywhere? I was a dick for blackmailing her, but I’d do it again. I can’t let her go. That’s the reason I’m in all of this to begin with.
A knock sounds at my door.
“Come in,” I call out, and Emily appears.
“Fresh dry cleaning and coffee.” She hangs the clothes on the hook by the bathroom door before placing my coffee on my desk.
I have crashed many nights here while working. Back then there was nothing to go home to. It’s why I have a full bathroom in my office. It never bothered me before to stay here, but knowing Truly is home in our bed has me tossing and turning with my mind reeling.
I grab my coffee and take a giant swallow. “Mr. Adams is on hold, wanting to speak with you.”
“My father-in-law,” I remind her.
“And you have a dinner meeting this evening.” Fuck, I’d forgotten about that, and I don’t forget about anything. I can’t miss it.
“All right.” I grab my phone for her to push the call through. “You can go,” I tell her when Adams's voice comes over the line.I wait for her to be clear of my office before I respond to him. I'm not sure how this conversation is going to go.
I know that Truly hasn't spoken with them, but they could be texting or possibly emailing.
"Adams," I answer.
"How are you doing, Blake?" he asks like we're old friends and our relationship hasn’t been hostile at times, but I'm sure he'd say that's how families are. That's not how I plan for my own to be. I glance at my computer screen to see Truly eating the breakfast I had delivered. Shit, maybe it will be if the two of us continue down this path.
"Everything is fine. Is there an issue?" I have nearly retired him, saving him from financial ruin.
"Truly's graduation. I figured we'd all be going and wanted to hammer out the details for the plane." He doesn't know. It appears she has not only a disdain for me but also for her parents as well.
"I'm not going," I tell him.
"What?" It clearly has never been a secret that Truly always held a place in my heart. How else would they have known to use it against me?
"Things have come up. I'm sure you can manage on your own."
"She's your wife." He has the audacity to sound offended.
"And?"
