Page 41 of Catching His Runaway

I stare at her clothes, forgetting to blink. They’re still here. Folded neatly, the sight forms a tingling sensation in my chest. Before it can grow, I crush it down with reality.

If she wanted to leave, she wouldn’t have risked trying to take clothes with her.

Eyes lifting, my brows narrow. Jerking toward my closet, I yank open the doors and look at the shelf above. Snatching the box from the top shelf, I pull too hard, and I curse as it slips from my hold and clatters to the ground. The contents scatter with a harsh bang.

Picture frames. A couple of folded outfits. Valeria’s old hairbrush. The little things she could’ve used just in case she ever came back. Memorabilia she would’ve missed if she thought I got rid of it. They make a mess all over my floor.

Kneeling, I shove through everything as I search. Not finding what I’m looking for, blood rushes to my ears. The ringing that comes after is loud enough to drive a man insane.

Growling, I leave my room. Moving in a blur, I crash into someone but don’t pay attention to who. I’ve got blinders on. Anger flares up like a hot iron forced into my throat, and something bigger than dread fills me.

Betrayal.

After last night, I thought… Fuck, I don’t even know. I thought she could be satisfied here.

Instead, she chose to wait until I lowered my guard? So caught up in the mess that was happening between us, I didn’t stop to think this could mean nothing to her.

As much as I don’t want to jump the gun, my mind betrays me. I can’t help but think of the worst-case scenario.

Hitting gravel once I’m out of the home, I’m all but jogging to the garage. Punching in the code for the doors, my lungs burn as I forget to breathe as the sight before me knocks everything else out of my lungs.

Her car is gone.

She’sgone.

Running my hand down my face, I turn around and search my surroundings like she’ll be tucked behind another bush, or a corner, ready to be caught.

But she won’t because she’s not here.

Moving back toward the building, my mind is numb, joining the rest of my body. Everywhere but one spot. The center of my chest fucking hurts.

Who do I tell? Who do I let down again?

I’m not scared of dying or losing my hands as a punishment for failing. I’m worried about the past repeating itself. Upset siblings, brokenhearted parents. Plenty of tears and broken belongings.

Valeria doesn’t understand that this family still loves her.

That I…

Hands appear in front of me, and I almost collide with Bia. Poor woman’s eyes flash before her eyes before I come to a stop.

“What happened?” Her question comes immediately, not even giving me that soothing voice of hers. No, she’s alert.

Is it that obvious? I guess I’m not as calm and collected as I usually am. Not emotionless, or cold-hearted, or whatever else the people around me whisper behind my back.

Right now, I’m feeling as human as the rest of them.

“Valeria’s gone.” My throat aches as the two words come out. “She’s left us behind.”

Her brows lift, and I watch the surprise fill her eyes. Rather than filling with tears like I expect, her brows soon come together, and she shakes her head.

She doesn’t look sad. More startled and confused than anything.

“You’re certain?” Her voice wobbles slightly, giving away the emotions she’s feeling beneath.

“She’s not on the property. I’m sure of it.” Curling my hands into fists, I glare at the tile beneath my boots. “I let her run.”

Bia grabs my hand, her worn fingers squeezing mine in hopes of calming me down. She doesn’t let me beat myself up, ordering me to look at her firmly.

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