Page 143 of Enthrall
“Don’t be like this. I’ve been honest with you right from the start.”
“Don’t go,” it came out as a sob.
“What we do requires concentration. Focus. Stop rubbing your stomach like I’ve delivered bad news.” He sat up and folded his arms. “Your support would be appreciated.”
“Support.”
“Yes. Be mature. Accepting. Non-judgmental.”
“How can I?” I snapped. “You’re off to play manwhore for a week.” It came out wrong.
Richard rose off the bed and let out a long, steadying breath. Casually, he strolled out. The front door opened and shut.
I was alone again.
CRYING IN ENTRHALL’S PARKING lot yet again, I recalled the last time I’d been pouring my heart out here. Right after Richard had fired me.
He’d been trying to protect me from his lifestyle as well as his past. The thought of him not being in my life wrenched agonizingly at my heart and the knot in my stomach tightened.
I’d ruined everything.
Peering through my car window, I took in Enthrall. The building appeared so elegant from the outside with all that ornate brickwork sculpted along its facade. No one would guess the kind of things that went on in there. I couldn’t go in until I’d gotten these tears under control. I dared not arouse suspicion about having an argument with Richard this morning.
I didn’t mean that awful word I called you.
It felt like someone was trying to dig my heart out with a spoon. I grabbed my iPhone and I dialed his number. I was sent to voice mail. A lifeline within this terrible storm.
“Richard, I’m sorry,” I sobbed. “I hate myself.” I clamped my hand over my mouth, afraid of wailing into the phone.
I waited for him to call back. Richard had opened up his heart for the first time in years and I’d betrayed his trust. My moans filled the car again.
A ping snapped me back.
I read his response.
Richard: “Mia, I love you. Everything is fine. We’ll talk. Are you still my girl?”
Mia: “Yes. Do you hate me?”
Richard: “I only have love for you. I understand. Please be happy. Eat breakfast.”
I’d been nothing but cruel to him and he’d responded with kindness. It was all too much. I burst out crying again.
Mia:“I miss you.”
Richard:“Miss you too, my sweet Mia. More than you know. I may be off the grid soon. Don’t worry. Nothing will change between us. Unless you want it to.”
Mia:“No.”
Richard: “Tell me you’re okay.”
Mia: “Now I am.”
My cell’s low battery signal flashed on and off.
Mia: “Cell dying.”
Richard: “Steppinginto a meeting. Will call later. I love you!”
