Page 63 of Alpha & Omega

As soon as the phone rang, I heard it ring on the other side of the door.

“What the fuck?” I mumbled.

Did something happen, or was he ghosting me?

I hung up and pounded on the door more forcefully this time. “Open the damn door, Tony. Now! I’m not leaving until you do.”

Worry twisted in my gut that he’d fallen again. Fuck, and he’d been doing so damn well, but I understood addiction enough to know that it didn’t take much to fall off the wagon.

Some shuffling could be heard on the other side, and then the locks clicked open, and the chain slid off.

He cracked his door open, hiding half of his face when he looked at me. “I’m not feeling well.”

I scanned his eyes for any signs of drinking, which were clear, and I didn’t smell anything, so I relaxed. “Why didn’t you let me know you felt sick? I could’ve brought you some meds and soup or something.”

His eyes were downcast, unable to look at me. “I’m fine.”

“Yeah, I mean, you sound fine. What are you sick with?”

“Uhm… you know… ah, just my, uhm, stomach.”

Bullshit. Why was he lying to me?

I shoved my way inside, ignoring his protests, and turned to look at him. Suddenly, my hands fisted at my sides, ready to fucking hurt someone.

“What. The. Fuck. Happened. To. Your. Face?”

The right side was bruised and swollen. No wonder he hid his face behind the door. He didn’t want me to see it.

Tony kept his eyes glued to his feet. “I crashed my bike and shit. It’s no big deal.”

“Again? You just got your license back,” I said, though I sensed he was still lying to me.

“Yeah, some asshole cut me off, and I over-corrected.”

I stood closer to him to inspect his injury. “What about the rest of you?”

“I’m fine, King. Really. It’s no big deal.”

It was plausible, but that sensation that he’d lied to me kept niggling in my brain. Something wasn’t right, but I couldn’t pinpoint what.

“Were you drinking again?”

Tony straightened his spine and fisted his hands at his sides. “No! Why can’t you trust me? I didn’t touch anything.”

“Okay… you’re right. I’m sorry. Idotrust you. It’s just that I’m getting flashbacks from the last time, and I’m worried about you. Do I need to take you to the doctor?”

“No! I’m good.”

His outburst wasn’t like him, but I guess I’d upset him.

“Okay. Sorry, Tony. How about I go grab us some lunch and we can chat for a while?”

“What I’d like is to be left alone.”

I tried not to let the sting of his words hurt me. He was really off, but I didn’t want to push him any more than I had.

With a nod, I walked to his door and opened it. “I’m… sorry I upset you.”

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