Page 60 of Hiding Secrets

My hand lands on my lips to hide a smirk, the banter between them is a welcome distraction to my growing anxiety.

“Well, duty calls again, Ms. Do–Elliott. I am glad to see you’re starting to feel somewhat better.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Raf, just Raf.” He winks before heading towards Hunter’s study like everyone else.

Marcus’s gaze is still on me. He hasn’t moved from his position, “Well, that’s our cue as well. We won’t be longer than needed.” Kameron gives me a tense, awkward smile, seeing Marcus’s daggered stare as well. He kisses the top of my head and turns away.

“Please don’t rush. I’ll be fine.” I smile wider to assure Hunter, who’s still watching me attentively.

I must not be convincing because his worried expression doesn’t change.

“Are you sure?” He asks low enough to keep the question between us.

“I’m a big girl. I’ll be fine.” He raises a brow to me, “I’ve got my book, the gym, food, a cozy bed, a living room to myself to watch all the TV I could want, and a fully stocked kitchen. I’ll be more than fine, I promise.” I cross my arms trying to hide my sudden surge of bravado.

Pathetic.

“If you need anything, tell us. I don’t care if it ends the whole fucking meeting.”

“Yeah, okay.” I avoid his eyes, still annoyed more at myself than him but he snatches my chin in his hold.

“Promise me.”

“Promise.” I huff out with a small eye roll.

Why do I want to cry and beg them not to leave me with my thoughts? Why am I this fucking needy?

I’m not mad at him or annoyed, but I’m taking it out on him. I’m frustrated at myself for the uneasy feeling creeping up at the idea of being alone.

“Good, I’ll address that attitude later.” He gives me a stern but playful look before dipping down to my lips, taking my breath away. I was getting used to the feeling of his kisses. So much so that I was craving the next taste, “We’ll be back.” He turns on his heels and leaves.

Marcus lingers, rooted in his spot as Hunter walks past him.

I lock eyes with his and he gives me a curious tilt to which I return with a shake of my head.He gives me one more scan before turning away and leaving me alone in the hall. The echoesof his steps fade into nothing as the door of the study closes with a thud.

Well, well, well…looks like it's just you and me.

Fuck off, I shake the taunting voice out of my head. I know what it will try to do, try to convince me to believe. I knew it would crawl its way to the forefront of my mind, but I didn’t think it would show up so soon.

It’s only what you deserve, you whore.

Shut. Up.

I walk down the hallway to Kameron’s room, grabbing the book I’ve been reading. I’m three-fourths of the way done and I have been dying to see how it will end with this couple and the way their past has been trampling all over their happiness.

I clutch it in my hands and head out of the room. I planned to distract my thoughts with the last chapters of this book, snacks, this comfy ass couch, and some tv. I rush to the living room, plopping on the couch and pulling the throw blanket on, snuggling into the corner spot on the L-shaped couch.

I read the first sentence of chapter 23. Then I read it again, not actually processing what I read.

Whore.

I shake my head, starting from the beginning of the sentence again. I stare intensely at each word. Hoping to whatever there was out there now, the Divine? God? I don’t know, that I could actually comprehend what these words were trying to tell me.

You don’t deserve to be happy. Not after what you let happen.

“I didn’t let anything happen!” My voice echoes through the room, my eyes stare blankly ahead as I take in the fact that I just yelled at the voice inside of my head out loud.

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