Page 50 of Vows From Hell

“You’re scaring me,’’ she said as I plopped her on the bed, and I took a seat next to her.

“Arlo wants me to deal with the consequences of my actions, but that means I have two options.’’

Storm’s expression fell and sorrow filled her eyes.

“You’re leaving me again, aren’t you?”

I grabbed her hand and kissed the inside of her palm, staring into her eyes. Seeing the look of pain flash behind those big, deep brown eyes made my heart shatter into a million pieces. I never wanted her to feel like this again.

“This time, I’ll have a return date,’’ I tried to joke, but she didn’t laugh. “And you and I will remain in contact; we just wouldn’t be able to see each other.’’

She swallowed harshly. “For how long?”

“One year, at most.’’

“Another year,’’ she whispered. “I barely survived without you, and you want me to go through that hell again? What is that big plan, anyway? Are you killing everyone who might be suspicious of the two of us?”

“Trust me, Bambi, this isn’t what I wanted, either. The two of us will never be able to live freely, but if I can at least make it so that we wouldn’t have to be hiding at all times, I will do it. And it doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll be killing them.’’

“I don’t care!” she yelled and rose to her feet. She began pacing back and forth in the bedroom, and all I could do was sit there and let her vent out her frustrations. After everything I’d put her through, she deserved at least that much.

“Please, Bambi.’’

“Don’t you dare,’’ she yelled once more, pointing her index finger at me. “What am I supposed to do to keep you by my side, Micah? Were three years not enough for you to complete your bullshit? Am I supposed to wait another lifetime?”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. There’s not anything I can say to defend myself.’’

She ignored me. “And what do you mean you’ll stay in contact? You? By doing what? Coming into my apartment when I’m not at home or asleep, or just watching me across the street? If that’s your definition of contact, I don’t want it.’’

“No, it won’t be like that.’’

“Listen to me, you bastard. I gave up everything for you. I was prepared to even quit my job and move to this goddamn forest with you, because I love you so fucking much. And this is what I get in return?”

“It won’t be forever.’’

“Uh-uh, that’s what you said last time, too.’’

Storm was now standing in front of me, fury written all over her face. Her cheeks were rosy, and although she didn’t cry, she looked so fucking sad. I hated myself for doing this to her.

“I know,’’ I sighed. “I won’t offer any more excuses.’’

“Then just keep me with you while you deal with all of that.’’

Softly, I grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward me. She straddled my lap and her sweet scent hit my nose. Hugging her tightly, I buried my head in the crook of her neck, enjoying her smell.

“I’m giving you an opportunity here. One year. Do whatever you want for one year, and then I’ll whisk you away from this world. Everything you’ve ever known will become nothing but a memory and you won’t be able to see your family or friends frequently. Think of it as a last chance to do whatever is it you desire.’’

“But all I desire is to stay with you,’’ she sobbed, grabbing me by the hair and yanking my head, forcing me to look at her.

“And we’ll have the rest of our lives to spend together.’’

The trembling of her body slowly eased and she caressed my cheek. Her soft touch made all my worries disappear. We were going to push through this.

“Promise me you’ll come back.’’

“I promise.’’

“Promise me this is the last time.’’

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