This is going to be hell on earth, but it’s time to face the truth.
I can’t have Declan Buchanan no matter how much I want him.He was never mine to begin with.
The darkest storm clouds I’ve ever experienced gather over my head.
Stabbing pain spears through my abdomen.I curse and rush to the bedroom to gather my things.I need to leave now before my body betrays me and reveals my dark secret.
I fail.
Chapter 14
Declan Buchanan
My aggravation growsas the emergency meeting drags on.
I’m losing her.I don’t know what happened, but ever since she visited her father, she’s been distant.No matter how much I pamper or worship her, she won’t let me back in.
Don’t get me wrong, the sex is amazing, and she never refuses to cuddle afterward, but she inevitably falls asleep before we can reach the pillow talk.
She’s also pushing herself too hard at work.I’ve adjusted my schedule to spend most mornings in my home office so I can see her before she heads out, but her hours are almost more brutal than mine.Yesterday she barely made it through the front door before almost fainting.I sat her on the front bench, removed her shoes, and carried her to bed.
Her appetite is all but gone, too.I know it doesn’t mean much because she typically spends lunches and dinners with clients, but I haven’t seen her eat a full meal in over a week.
After a little math in my head, I realize she should have taken the different colored birth control pill the day before yesterday, which means she should be on her period.
I can’t approach her about it without causing suspicion.
Self-disgust rips through me as I remember the prescription bottle I found tucked in with her birth control.How could I have forgotten to research something so important?
As another manager stands to say the exact same thing the previous speaker mentioned, I open an incognito tab on my phone’s browser and type in the name of the medicine.
My cupcake takes antidepressants.The bubbly, smiley woman who uses sweetness as a weapon sought a doctor’s help for depression.
My stomach churns.
I’ve failed her.I’ve had her by my side for weeks and have no idea what demons she’s fighting.I even let her return home alone.She’s given me no indication her family was abusive like mine, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmonious or loving.
My cupcake deserves a happy, safe home.I may not know from experience what that’s like, but with her, I know it’s possible.It must be.I need her.I want her.
I love her.
My nausea grows as I replay the last few weeks.I’ve shown her with my actions and assumed she knew, but I haven’t said the words.
Karey needs them.I see that now.We swept so many things under the rug—including my harsh words in middle school—so of course she has doubts.
I silently curse, close the tab, and turn my phone screen off before confirming all matters are settled before ending the emergency meeting and stalking out the door.
My frustration grows with every step I take, so instead of heading back to my office, I take the elevator to my car and rush home.
The hairs on my nape rise as I enter the apartment.My instincts scream for me to hurry, but to where or for what, I have no idea until I turn into the hallway.
Karey lies balled up on her side in the middle of the hardwood floor.
My heart shoots into my throat and fear ices my veins.I dart forward and call her name.
Sweaty, pale, and trembling, she barely slits her eyes open before closing them again.I drop to my knees beside her.
Her uncoordinated swat when I grab her doubles my terror.