Page 40 of Catching His Runaway

Taking a quick shower to start my day, I make my way down and snatch some toast and fruit. Valeria might try not to be obvious about it, but she’s got this thing about fruit. Always lights up whenever she gets some loaded up in a bowl. I’ve noticed the way she saves her strawberries for last.

Will her face light up before she sends a smile in my direction if I show up with some?

God, look at me. Looking forward to pleasing this woman. What will she do if she finds out how much damage she’s done after one night of giving in? I can already see her using her new discovery to her advantage.

By the time I hit the dining area, I’ve eaten one piece of toast. Looking around, my brows furrow when I see Eliza and Urzo together with Bia.

Urzo invites me to sit, I frown in return.

“Haven’t seen your sister around, have you?” Setting everything down in my hands on the table, I take in the empty chairs.

“Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that?” Urzo doesn’t smile, but there’s humor in his voice.

“Trying to find her. Don’t touch this, it’s hers.” Giving the order, I take my other slice of toast as I try to find her.

I get an odd sense of deja vu as I search the halls. I ask some who pass me, but no one has seen her. Of course, she’s happy to avoid everyone here when given the choice.

She’s not in the library. Camellia is plucking out a book, flipping through it.

“Haven’t seen Valeria, have you?” Ignoring the voice whispering in the back of my mind, I keep my words steady.

The poor woman jumps at my voice, clutching the book to her chest. She shakes her head. “Not since yesterday.”

Perfect.

The gardens are next. She’s not on the bench or sniffing flowers, or whatever it is that drags her out there.

Santino is with his daughter in the grass, and he’s watching her double fist the blades. I could ask him, but I don’t think either sibling has tried talking to the other much.

No point in raising any alarms. She’s got to be here somewhere.

Valeria wouldn’t leave. She couldn’t, not with the dangers of what’s outside of this place.

Returning to the dining area, I scowl when I see the fruit is still there, untouched.

“Tommy–”

Turning away, I leave and make my way to the kitchen as I hear the concern in Bia’s voice.

Startling the women inside by pushing my way in, I search like I expect to see something different, something out of place to show Valeria’s been here.

There’s nothing. She’s not here.

My lungs burn as I make my way toward the grand staircase. Taking two steps at a time, I feel like I’m reliving the very same nightmare as yesterday.

Maybe she headed back to bed after stretching her legs. Maybe she’s waiting for me.

Maybe she didn’t slip away right under my nose.

I’m breathless by the time I reach the room. Shoving the door open, I call out her name like it’ll make a difference.

My bed is empty. The door leading to the bathroom is open, and the room is dark.

Running my hand through my hair, my fingers tug at the strands hard enough to give myself a headache.

I need to feel something other than fear. Pain is preferred.

Trying to collect my thoughts as I look around, my eyes lock on the dresser. I move to yank open the drawer; the sight before me doesn’t bring the relief I desperately need.

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