Chapter 22
ALEX
Itried watching TV, but even my favorite comfort shows didn’t help take my mind off Dante out there doing God knows what, taking risks when he could be here with me. At least Adenine sat with me. Having her on top of my legs, softly purring, at least made my tension bearable.
I returned to the cookbooks, found one that looked well used, and took it back to the couch with me.
I flipped through and salivated over the beautiful pictures of Italian food.
Dante had made notes on several of the recipes, which I found adorable.
I was hungry again by the time I finished looking at it, so I explored Dante’s fridge and freezer.
When I saw a container of salted caramel ice cream, I smiled.
That was my favorite flavor. I made myself a bowl and returned to try TV again.
Adenine followed me, meowing for a chance to taste my treat.
Once the ice cream was gone, I began watching my phone again, waiting for a text or a call. I tried doing homework, but that was even more useless than TV as a distraction.
When Dante’s grandfather clock chimed midnight and I still hadn’t heard anything, I began to pace. I was going to lose my fucking mind. Where was he? Was he hurt? Was he dead?
God, no. Please let him be okay. I just found him. I knew our connection wouldn’t last. Dante wasn’t going to fall in love with me, but he had said I was his. He said no one else could touch me, and I wanted to believe I mattered to him.
I wished I had Rafe’s number, but I doubted he would answer. I figured whatever Dante was mixed up in, Rafe was with him.
If only I had someone I could talk to. I felt so alone, but I couldn’t discuss this with anyone. Maybe Adenine would listen to me rambling. I picked her up, lay back down on the couch, and started telling her everything from the day I first saw Dante until now.