Page 96 of Corrupt Game

That clamp around my heart eased a little, allowing my body to settle a bit. He was explaining to me and that was something I cherished from him.

“It’s okay. I understand. You’re a businessman, it’s normal for you to take care of business issues.” My brain was reeling from the fact he’d gone overseas. The issue might have nothing to do with Andy, but the circumstances seemed more than suspicious.

Also, he’d said that I was getting close to him. It should have made me excited that I’d accomplished my goals, but instead I felt terrible like I was lying to him. In reality, I kind of was. But not totally.

“Come, lie back down. I want you to rest.” He took my hand and helped me up.

With a hand on the small of my back, he guided me back to the bedroom.

I went into the restroom and then came back out to him, he was settling into the chair with a tablet next to him.

“Here let me help.” He held the covers back and then pulled them over me after I got settled.

Gentle hands tucked them around me as he leaned over and placed a kiss on my forehead.

“Sleep. I’ll be right here. I’m not going anywhere.”

A goofy smile covered my face.

He sat in the chair, and I closed my eyes, but opened them again to find him looking at me.

“What’s wrong?”

“This is going to sound really stupid, but can you hold my hand? That way when I’m asleep, my subconscious self will know you’re here.” My cheeks flushed and I ducked my head, feeling ashamed for even asking.

“Never be ashamed to ask for what you need.” He scooted the chair across the floor and took my hand. “Now, close your eyes and sleep.” His thumb stroked back and forth.

With a sigh, I did as I was told. Contentment filled me, and for the first time since he’d left, I was able to sleep peacefully.

I’d chosen this.

It might just turn out okay.

Chapter 31: Collette

My eyes popped open when Ian’s hand left mine. Fear raced through me at the thought that he might leave me again.

“It’s okay. I’m just going to get some dinner ready for us.” He grabbed my hand again and lifted it to his lips for a kiss.

“Take a shower, then we can eat.” The words he said made sense, but I wasn’t thrilled to have to leave his side.

I took a sniff and winced. Several days of no self-care had taken its toll on me.

“Got it.” Not worried about him disappearing in my need to shower, I hoped that he hadn’t gotten too big a whiff.

Scurrying out of bed, I dove into the bathroom and took a look at my appearance.

“Ugh!” I needed to brush my teeth first. After puking and then fainting, my breath smelled terrible. Not what I considered sexy or something that I could use to keep him from leaving me.

It must have been more than just attraction that he felt for me because I wasn’t anything to look at. The dark circles under my eyes made me appear weak and fragile.

The reflection staring at me looked horrible. No one could even be attracted to me with the way I looked right then.

I must have scared him pretty badly because he hadn’t mentioned my appearance until after I’d eaten and slept for a bit first.

Maybe it wasn’t love, but it was the only time I could remember that anyone besides Andy had cared enough to worry about what happened to me. I was filled with a bit of giddiness at that idea.

The warm shower spray felt soothing to my skin as I let the soap wash off all the grunge from the past few days. I felt revived already, and I knew it would be more so when the shower was over and I could get some more food in me.

---