Page 105 of Always Right

Looking up at the ceiling, I took several deep breaths in a failed attempt to control it all...but quickly my resolve faded.

Even more when Derek walked in and slammed the door behind him.

“Fuck!” He yelled, punching the wall with a closed fist. I didn’t even flinch. The damage was done, and now all that was left was pick up the pieces.

Again.

Derek eyed me cautiously, studying me as if afraid I may run away or disappear but instead, all I mustered were a few words.

“I told you karma would catch up to me.”

Chapter 38

Derek

The rain pelted through the window overnight, carrying out through early morning. It was only 6 a.m. and Hannah was already out of bed, doing God knows what in the kitchen. Something told me she was trying—and failing—at stress cooking, but I didn't bother to check.

I had the feeling she wanted to be alone.

She didn't let me hold her overnight, leaving a crater between us on our bed.

It wasn't her fault though...she simply needed space.

And I needed her.

My chest tightened as I realized how much it fucking tore me up that there was so much distance between us, even though it was neither of our faults. It didn't matter to her...in her mind she would always be to blame.

And that son of a bitch Blake...

Fuck.

I ran a hand over my face, remembering his words.

I didn’t know he was stalking her.

I didn’t know his true intentions.

The man had looked like shit when he told me, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. He’d broken her heart and knowing her, had diminished the little trust she had in anyone outside of our family. She would have walked through fire for Blake...never suspecting he would be the one to shove the knife into her back.

He’s dangerous.

Please take care of her.

“Goddammit,” I muttered, covering my face with Hannah’s pillow. It smelled like her but it wasn’t enough.

How much distance could I allow between us before I drove myself crazy?

Groaning, I got myself out of bed, eyeing myself in the mirror that stood by the window. Hannah used the damn thing every time she would get ready and would say it had great lighting.

It sure as hell did.

I could see the bags under my eyes and the exhaustion written all over my face.

I looked like shit.

I pulled on some basketball shorts and a t-shirt and made my way to the living room, where I heard Hannah cursing under her breath as some pots and pans clattered against each other. The tension was visible on her shoulders, and though she had her earbuds in, I could tell the music she listened to didn’t help her relax.

I wasn’t sure anything would.

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