Page 32 of Merciful Lies

Does he mean he’s incapable of love?

Or that he’s already in love with someone else?

Oh my God, does he have a girlfriend? A mistress?

But before I can voice any of those horrible thoughts, Nico takes my hand and turns to the front door of my apartment building.

“Let’s get your clothes.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN-NICO

Ihate her fucking apartment building. It’s falling apart and there is no security at all.

The stench of old food lingers in the hallway, beneath that is whatever chemicals the superintendent uses to kill insects and pests.

That can’t be good for my Anna or our baby. I frown. Hard.

“Um, I’m not sure if I have boxes,” she says, and I shake my head.

“I’ll have some people pack it all up for you. Let’s just grab some clothes and toiletries. Stuff you need for the next few days,” I tell her.

Anna agrees and moves inside, docile as a lamb.

I don’t know what she’s thinking, or what happened downstairs to put that stricken look on her face. But I know I don’t like not knowing.

I want her to talk to me. To lean on me. Confide in me.

But I suppose that takes time. And I’ll give it to her because I wasn’t lying downstairs when I said no divorce.

She’s not leaving me. Not ever.

This obsession I have with her is no small thing. I might be considered a criminal in the eyes of the law, but I’m honest.

At least, I am about my feelings.

What I feel for Anna is beyond anything I ever felt for anyone.

Hell, I didn’t even think I was capable of it. Of love. But when she asked what if I might fall in love, my immediate answer was it’s not possible.

Because I already love you.

But I didn’t say that part. Not out loud. Not yet.

How could I just drop a bomb like that with no explanation or reasoning?

I have zero experience with love.

Yeah, I’ve fucked plenty of women. But fucking is not the same as loving. And I haven’t touched anyone since I laid eyes on her.

Anna is rummaging around her bedroom. I watch her through the open door and fuck, she’s so beautiful I almost groan out loud.

Instead, I inhale a deep breath. Then I stop moving.

“Do you smell smoke?” I ask.

My phone is in my hand and I’m sending texts to my guys. I start them moving as I grab the duffel bag she’s been filling from her bed.

Anna pauses and looks around, sniffing.

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