Page 61 of Simply You & Me

Adelyn

My hands tremble, but I fight like hell not to damage the paper. While I was making breakfast this morning, Rory handed me the folded letter and said it was on the floor in front of the door. My name was on it, so the sweet angel didn't even peek, even though I'm sure her curiosity was riding her hard.

Thankfully, Rory's at Rylee's house today, so she doesn't have to witness another meltdown. When she asked to hang out with Layla, I balked, hating the idea of her leaving the house when Johnny's out there waiting somewhere. Rylee and her guys swore up and down they would be home all day with the kids and that there’s been an officer outside their home at all times. It's Saturday, so I believe her when she says they won’t leave.

I still didn't like it, but Ry said that Tate had offered to come help keep watch, too. Something inside of me settled at the offer. I agreed. Witnessing their conversation the other day and how my daughter handled him like a pro, I can say I trust him to watch out for her, and I trust Rory to hold him accountable. Actions speak louder than words. I was a damn proud momma when she recited those words perfectly.

So here I sit on my kitchen floor with a spoonful of chocolate frosting, four hours after seeing the letter, shaking and attempting to hold back my tears. Attempting because this baby has my hormones completely out of wack. Not to mention, everything edible in my house sounds absolutely disgusting. I crumpled to the ground when I looked at the banana on the counter because I couldn't stand the thought of eating it. Revulsion has become a constant companion these past few weeks. Therefore, frosting it is until Bean decides we despise that, too.

The burning of my eyes lessens when a tear pops through my lashes and drips from my face. The soft plop of it landing on Julian's letter has my eyes shooting open in terror. My heart pounds as I frantically search for the spot I ruined. I huff a delirious laugh when I see the words 'whole human' smudged with my tear. Ironic when the thing making me so damn emotional is the whole human growing inside of me.

Laying the letter flat on the floor in front of me, I lick my spoon, cross my bare legs, and lean over to read through it again. And again. And again, until I'm sobbing and almost out of frosting.

I'm drowning in a furious storm of feelings and words. Julian called the words pretty, yet all they did was tear out my heart. In tiny little pieces, my heart and soul lay beside Julian's letter, confused as to how they fit together again. His words are rewriting my own, and I can't deal with it.

My shout of frustration barrels past my lips with no warning as I fling my shiny, clean spoon across the room. Fuck! How dare he?! Why can't they take the hint and leave me the fuck alone?!

"ADDIE!"

My back slams against the cupboards behind me just as my door crashes into the wall. The sounds of Zach's frantic shouts muffle my scared whimper. "ADDIE!" I can't see him where I'm curled up on the kitchen floor, but I would know his voice anywhere. My chest thunders as I hold my breath, hoping like hell he'll leave. Why is he here?

"ADELYN! Where are you?!" More stomping and slamming come from my bedroom, and I'm starting to freak the fuck out about why he's acting like this. Zach's scaring me, and that's never something I thought I would feel for him.

"Please, Doll. Please, please, please. Fuck, where is she? Fuck, fuck. My fault."

I frown, listening to his panicked pleas. My breath saws in and out, each breath coming faster and faster as his mumblings sound closer and closer.

"Addie, Dolly, please be here," Zach whispers, stepping into the kitchen. Almost immediately, his attention snaps to me, the intensity of his gaze rocking me to my core. "Thank FUCK!"

With my knees curled to my chest, I don't know what to expect, but this big strong dominant man dropping to his knees and scrambling across my kitchen to me isn't it.

Running his hands over my arms, across my shoulders and tilting my head every which way, I watch every flicker of emotion cross his features. Beneath his dark stubble and frowning eyebrows, Zach looks afraid and relieved all at once. I don't move, not giving him an inch, confused and lost in his powerful aura.

Just as he seems to settle, I relax, thinking he'll back away, but instead, I'm airborne and clutched to his chest in a bridal carry.

"Wh-what are you doing?!" I gasp out, my breath catching in my throat at his proximity. He's so freaking warm and having been sitting on the hardwood floors in my sleep shorts and baggy T-shirt, Zach's body pressed against mine chases the chill away.

"What are you doing?" he grows, not looking at me. I hardly sway as he stomps us into my bedroom.

"What?" I ask, glaring at him. His tone is not appreciated, nor is his presence in my bedroom. I expect him to toss me on my bed when it's within reach, but he doesn't throw me around like the doll he calls me.

Settled against my pillows, I try to stifle the pitter-pattering of butterflies in my tummy when he drags my blanket up to my chin. Just nausea. Swallowing the lie is easier when he sits beside my hip with a scowl on his face.

He doesn't say anything, frustrating me beyond belief. I haven't fucking spoken to him in weeks, yet here he is, sitting on my damn bed and looking at me like I'm the one that fucked up. Huffing, I shove the blankets down and shimmy my ass toward the headboard. I refuse to be any smaller than I have to be in front of Zach.

"Doll," he growls, eyeing my position like I've personally offended him. "Why were you shivering on the kitchen floor?"

"Why are you in my home?" I counter, mentally high fiving myself when my voice comes out strong.

"Why the hell were you crying and shouting from the cold, hard floor, Adelyn?"

"How did you get into my apartment without a key?" I would take satisfaction in the way his jaw clenches, but my tummy sours at his use of my real name.

He stands swiftly with his hands clenched at his sides. I swear he rumbles like a damn wolf as he paces the length of my room. I eye my bathroom door, wondering if I can run and lock myself in there. I don't get the chance, though.

Zach's pacing ends abruptly, but before he can sit on my bed again, I shove my feet off the side.

"Why are you here, Zach?" Standing, he still towers over me. I sigh and brush past him, knowing he's not going to let his own questions go.

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