Chapter 16
She lays limp in my arms, and agony wraps a noose around my neck, strangling the life out of me. This girl is going to be the death of me. I pull her to my chest, desperate to take her with me.
I’m contemplating kidnapping. What the fuck is wrong with me?
Placing her gently on the ground, I make a small fire to warm her. I’m a fucking mess as I call Kaden, and then place her head on my lap, caressing her hair. She moans my name softly.
A few minutes later, the sound of screeching tires breaks me from my thoughts. Parking, Kaden runs to us, taking me in as I hold her to me.
“What the fuck happened?”
“She passed out.”
Abigail blinks, her eyes landing on mine. I want her to suck me in so I can live in her orbit. She squints like she can’t remember what happened, looking disorientated for a few moments, and it guts me. But then she stiffens, scooting up. Kaden approaches her, crouching in front of her. “It’s okay. I’m here. I got you.”
She offers him a genuine smile then she sighs as she apologizes.
They love each other. It’s in the comfort, in this perfect harmony they got going on. How can I compete with that?
I lost the race for the most important win: her. And I know right here and now, every future win will feel less.
He hurries back to the car and brings her something.
It’s a protein bar, and she takes small bites while I am rooted in place.
“I’m better.”
“Let’s get back.” He helps her up. She looks at me one more time over her shoulder, leaving a trail of broken dreams behind her, butchering my heart.
Abigail goes with him, taking my world with her while I stare at the flames burning my world down.
With trembling fingers, I call my father, and when it connects, a sob wrenches from my throat.
“I’m coming to bring you back home right now.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
I can’t stay here any longer.
When I’m back in my apartment, I pack in a daze.
I call Kaden, but no words get past the lump in my throat.
“You called, asshole.”
“Is she all right?” I finally manage to open my mouth.
“She will be. And if you love her, stay away.”
“You know she loves me too. So whenever you think you have all of her, remember, half of her heart will always be mine.”
“If that was the issue, we’d become fucking best friends.”
“Fucking pray that I stay away because next time I’m going to take what is mine.”
“If you know what is good for you, never come back.”