Page 11

Knox hadn’t tried to kick me out, but it was only a matter of time before the grumpy biker decided he didn’t want me here anymore. I had to figure out a plan, and fast.

I grabbed my phone where I stashed it. It was cold because I had it turned off for the past few days. When I stole a glance at my reflection, I could see that my bruises were slowly fading. I looked less like a zombie.

I heaved a sigh of relief when I saw that the living room was void of Knox’s enigmatic presence. I wanted to do something nice, so I headed for the modern kitchen. I hopped on the countertop, reluctantly giving in to the thought of switching on my phone.

The instant it came on, my breathing slowed. The phone was flooded with multiple texts from him.

Derek: Where are you?

Derek: You can’t hide from me, Wren. I’ll find you. You know I will.

Derek: Pick up

Derek: Fucking return my calls, Wren.

Derek: I don’t know what came over me. Fuck. I’m sorry.

Derek: Come home, baby. I love you.

Derek: Where the fuck are you?

My lips trembled, and I glanced around the kitchen like he was hiding somewhere, watching me. I tossed my phone on the counter, trying to steady my sharp, ragged breathing. My eyes burned with tears, my chest tightening with every breath I took.

I flinched when my phone started buzzing on the counter. It wasn’t Derek. It was Ava, one of my colleagues at work.

Ava wasn’t like most women I knew. The first time I met her, she wasn’t actively hating me for being engaged to the Covington Hills “dream man.” She was different, but like Derek always did, he snuffed her out of my life. He manipulated me into keeping her at arm’s length even though I really wanted to be friends with her.

“Ava?”

“Oh my God.” The panic in her voice hit me instantly.

“Wren, where the hell are you?”

My throat tightened. “I—”

“You disappeared!”

Ava never yelled, but she was yelling at me right now. That alone told me how worried she’d been. My eyes rapidly filled with tears.

“Everyone has been looking for you.”

Guilt twisted inside me.

“I’m sorry.”

“Wren.”

Her voice softened. The concern in it made my chest crack.

“Are you okay?”

A lone tear trickled down my face. “I don’t know.”

“Derek showed up at the clinic looking everywhere for you.”

My stomach dropped, and panic flooded my chest instantly. Every ounce of warmth vanished from my body. I gripped the edge of the counter, struggling to find my balance.

“He keeps asking where you are. He spoke with management and the clients. He’s like a wild animal. God, I never liked that guy. I’m sorry. I know I’m not supposed to say that. He’s your fiancé.”