Page 311 of The Heart You Kept

Leave a message and I’ll call you back as soon as I can. Have a nice day.

“Doe,” I say softly. “I just wanted to see that you got home safe and to say good night.” I hold on the line as I try to articulate my thoughts. “I promise you on my life…. It isn’t how it looked. I love you, I would never jeopardize what we have.” I keep pacing. “Even now I can’t hang up the phone. I can’t stand the thought of even one night apart,” I murmur.

Fuck…. I’m pathetic.

“Can you call me back, please?” I ask. “I need to know you’re okay.” I hold on the line again, willing her to pick up. “Speak soon, I love you.” I hang up and let out a deep exhale.

What if she ends it over this?

She wouldn’t…would she? My anxiety picks up again and I call Philippe.

“Hey.”

“Did you get home safe?” I ask him.

“Yes.”

“Where is she?”

“She went inside about half an hour ago.”

“Is she in bed?”

“Her upstairs bedroom light is on now, so I’m assuming she’s in the shower or getting ready for bed.”

That’s why she didn’t answer my call.

“Okay.”

Hopefully she’ll call me back when she gets out of the shower.

“Keep your eyes and ears peeled.”

“Of course, boss, there’s nothing going on here, it’s dead quiet.”

“Okay.” I think for a moment. “Did she say anything on the way home?”

“No, she kept to herself. Cried a little.”

My stomach twists.

“Boss….” He cuts himself off mid-sentence.

“What is it?”

“May I speak out of turn?”

“Of course.”

“Do you not think it’s odd that Isadora turns up with a TMZ crew trailing her?”

Hmm….

I was so distracted by Alora being angry I didn’t put the pieces together.

Of course.

My eyes flicker red and my grip tightens around my phone.