Page 23 of Hiding Secrets

"How the fuck have you not found her yet?!" I was yelling now.

I never yell, but everyone’s inability to find my Eden has me seeing shades of red that I didn’t know even existed. Eden needs to come back to me. What if they were hurting her? She needs me to keep her safe.

She is mine.

"We are doing everything we can. The camera footage was altered that night. We have nothing to go on, sir." One of the men in the room says, the same bullshit excuse they’ve all been repeating since she was stolen from me.

"There has to besomething, somewhereyou haven’t looked. Someone doesn't just up and vanish, not my Eden. Figure it out!" I direct the last words at Joshua who is front and center with his eyes lock on me.

"Yes, sir." They all say in unison before turning to leave and walking out of my office.

How could this be happening?

I thought she would be back by now. Everything fell apart without her by my side. I need to hold her, look into her eyes and hear that she loves me. Who would look out for her if I wasn't there? I brace myself on my desk, bowing my head.

She’s never coming back to you.

I slam my palms down and swipe my hands across my desk as a roar leaves my chest. My computer, phone, and other objects hit the floor. Picture frames shattering and pieces of glass slide across the wooden flooring.

You were never good enough for her, you know that.

I need her. I need her to come back. She’s the only one who can ease this traitorous voice. I drop to my knees, just as the light hits a piece of glass shining in my peripheral. I look over to see the photo of Eden under the shards of glass. I push them away, not caring about the mess.

I pull the picture closer to me. We are younger in this photo and she looks at me like I am her whole world. I need to see her, Ineedto see her eyes light up with her love for me.

She doesn't love you.

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" I slam my fist to my temples with every word.

Pathetic.

24

Hunter

I watch as Elliott runs her hands over the spines of the books lining the shelves of my office. There was a slight grin playing on her lips as she places her finger on the top of a book and pulls it out. I can't help but watch her over my laptop as she flips to the first page, her eyes lighting up as she begins to read. My chest pings at the sight of happiness filling her eyes.

I’m not falling for Elliott. I’m comforting her. Easing her mind to heal…

Who am I kidding? I knew I was falling for this girl the moment she clung to me in Kam’s bed. Everything changed in that moment. Her soft cries, those doe-like eyes slammed shut, her hand grasping my arm telling me not to leave her. My heart ached for her, with more than just empathy…I wanted to consume that pain, make it my own to bear so she wouldn’t have to feel that way ever again. I knew my reaction was more than just keeping my word to Kam.

Fuck…Kam.

He's either going to punch me in the face or never let me live this down. He wanted us to find someone again for a long time. This would only get his hopes up, because unlike me, Marcus was not going to give in to his feelings if he even had any for her. I might be a quiet, reserved man but when it comes to her I can’t help but soften. Even after everything she went through, I can see the fight she has.

“Which one caught your eye?” I say, keeping my eyes on her.

She stops reading, bringing the open book to her chest as she turns to look at me. Her cheeks start to develop into a beautiful shade of pink. I raise my hand and motion for her to come. She arrives as I turn in my chair, her feet stopping right in front of mine.

I grab the books from her hands, looking at the title.

“Falling into Hope” she whispers.

“Romance your thing?” I smirk at her.

Of all the books she could have chosen, it's one of the few romance books I own, and agoodone at that.

“I–I don’t really know…” I quirk my brow at her response, “I wasn’t given a lot of options on the books I could read in Everton. I mean, I like the first page.” She lets out a soft chuckle.

---