Page 65 of Aching for His Discretion

“Teegan,” I began, and she looked over at me, rendering me silent.

“Do you have any idea how the psychological detriment of making a person feel like they’re being manipulated or lied to can affect their mental health? For the person you have grown to trust and be vulnerable towards to be entirely different? Or feeling guilty for subconsciously knowing they were a part of a crime and lying to yourself or others because you don’t want it to be true? And for you to physically force me to accept this… like I wasn’t supposed to try to run away from a man who has done the unthinkable while pretending to be a saint. I’m not sitting here with you because I accepted and forgot. I am sitting here because I am terrified of what you can do and what you are capable of,” she said, her tone unforgiving and raging.

On the receiving end of her justified rant, I felt… indifferent. Almost like I’d broken her.

My Tesoro... the bubbly, talkative, happy girl I knew, looked empty, distraught, and fearful. Her eyes held pure outrage toward me, and I felt angry.

Angry that she was being so difficult. Angry that she couldn’t see that I did what I had to do to keep her safe when it came to theboy. Angry that she was too fucking nosey trying to figure out who I am and what I’ve done.

Sitting beside her, I internally sighed as she looked away from me. There was nothing I could say or do to reverse what I’d done. An apology would be a start…but in this moment, my words would have no effect on the actions I’d taken.At least right now they wouldn’t.

“I’m going back home. Tonight,” she said with finality, and I watched as she stood up after a few moments and walked over to the car.

Gazing at her for a moment, I could feel my eyes darken as my jaw clenched again in irritation. She wants to run… again. Shebelievesshe can run.

Looking at her retreating form with a blank stare, I breathed in deeply.

Teegan… my Tesoro... you are my everything.

Pretty girl, you’re too smart for your own good, but… sometimes I’m reminded that you are just a… naive little girl.

I thought to myself before I let out a humorless chuckle as I stood and walked over to the car.

I meant it when I said no one is going to take you away from me...not even you, Tesoro.

Teegan

Opening the door to my apartment, I was met with my little kitty, who jumped into my arms the second I opened the door. The boys had dropped him off a bit earlier, and I, unfortunately, had to spend the last twelve hours on a flight alone. Levi had agreed to give me some space and time, however, as twisted as it sounded, I was just thankful he’d even let me on the plane.

I consoled my little kitty quietly and took a glance at Mitchel’s door down the hall, which gave me literal goosebumps. Upon entering my apartment and closing my door, tears immediately filled my eyes as I felt all the walls I had built since the incident with Levi come crashing down. I felt like my hands were shaky, and I could barely control my sobs.

Placing Grayson down on the floor, he followed me continuously as I moved my belongings into my room and lit a candle. My phone buzzed, and I looked over to see a message from my mother.

Ever since my brothers told me she wanted me to come home, I had been a little distant, and I felt bad at the moment as I realized Levi had filled the spot where my mom used to be… calling me daily, sending me messages, and FaceTiming regularly. Despite all that had happened, I had missed her so much.

Sitting on the couch, I opened the message and read it as Grayson curled in my lap.

Mama: Teegan... Sweetie, I am sorry. I thought you were beginning to be busier with work and studying, which is why we haven’t talked much, but I just learned from your brothers that there was a bit of an argument between the three of you and that I had given them the decision of where you will study. Teegan, I know I am an overprotective mama bear, but I would never pull you away from your dreams, my love.

Your happiness and fulfillment are what deter me from telling you how much I truly miss you every day and how much I miss my little girl being home again. Never in a million years would I allow anyone to take away what you love or dictate your future. I know it’s getting late, so I didn’t want to bother you, but when you are ready, I would like to apologize again, my love. Have a good night, baby. x

My eyes felt blurry with tears as I pressed the call button while my chest racked with sobs. Hearing her voice, I couldn’t help but keep crying.

“Teegan, sweetie? Are you all right?”she quickly asked, concerned as she heard me crying, and I wiped my tears.

“H-hi, Mama…” I whispered.

“Honey, I didn’t mean to make you cry with my message. I just wanted to apologize for your brothers’ behavior,”she said softly, and I continued crying.

“Mama... can I-I come home for a couple of days?” I asked her, feeling hesitant for some reason that she wouldn’t say yes.

“Do you even have to ask, baby? Your father will buy you a plane ticket right now, and you will be on the next flight in an hour.”

“He doesn’t have to do that...” I said softly, and just by her tone, I could imagine her shaking her head at me.

“It’s already done. No need to pack heavy. Just get to the airport and catch your flight with Grayson. We’ll see you in about four hours at the airport.”

“Thank you, Mama.”

---