Page 24 of Embracing My Nightmare
Elise
My phone was ringingon the nightstand and I reached over to silence it in the dark room. Rubbing my eyes, I looked to see six missed calls from Devlin and a steady knock was coming from my front door. Immediately, a text delivered.
Devlin: Please open the door, baby. I’m outside.
I jumped up and ran into the living room. Grabbing my gun, I asked through the door, “Who is it?”
“It’s me, lamb.”
The single word shot relief and uncertainty through my heart as I returned the gun to my purse and moved the chair from under the door handle. I slid the chain off the door and opened it to find a worried Devlin waiting in the hallway. He was wearing black sweatpants and a tight t-shirt. He stepped into my apartment and picked me up in his strong arms.
Kicking the door closed, he pulled me tighter against his chest and I buried my face into his neck, inhaling his scent, allowing it to instill calm in me. Tears began to fall, soaking his shirt and he sat down on the couch with me on his lap.
“Shh. It’s okay,” he murmured as I let the panic and fear bubble to the surface.
I tried to sit up and his hold on me increased, his arms wrapping me in warmth. Pushing against his chest, I sat back and asked through watery eyes, “What are you doing here? I thought you’d be gone for a few days.”
Devlin’s strong hand reached up and wiped the tears falling down my cheek. I leaned into his touch, needing the connection, to feel that this was real and not something I made up in my addled brain.
“I knew you needed me, and I finished up my business early. I told you, lamb. I’ll always be here when you need me.” He had a smile on his face that didn’t look natural. He appeared to be forcing a happy expression. When I could see in his eyes, the rage was burning deeply.
“Devlin, I don’t . . .”
I stood from his lap with some grunting from him and paced the living room, chewing on my lip in frustration. The man from the park had made me question everything and I needed to know the truth. I turned to look at him, hoping to see honesty in his eyes.
“I need answers.”
He made a motion with his hand to proceed, so I started simple.
“Who are you? I don’t even know your last name.”
“Callahan. I’m thirty-two, born in Portstill, never married, no kids, yet.” He smirked slightly, then continued, “I don’t have any relationship with my family, and I plan to keep it that way. I started my business when I was twenty-three and I have enough money that we never have to work again. My best friend and head of security is James and besides you, he is the only person I trust.”
“And you’re in cyber security? That’s how you made all your money?”
He swallowed deeply and I saw the hesitation in his posture. Clearing his throat, he stood and moved in front of me. I looked up, feeling small next to him.
Tucking a piece of hair behind my ear, he began, “Not all of my money came from my business, but everything I have now is built on a legitimate company. I made mistakes in my past and I’m working hard to be the man you deserve. I’m not a good man, but I’ll give you the world. All you have to do is ask.”
“I don’t want the world. The only thing I’ve ever wanted is you,” I answered and he pressed his soft lips to mine.
Keeping the kiss chaste, he pulled back and his expression changed briefly. It was so quick, I almost felt like I imagined it. Anger flashed and I felt the stranger’s words deep in my soul.
Not many people survive him.
“Do you want some coffee?” I asked, hoping to change the subject and push down the warning.
I wanted Devlin for so long. He was the only person I ever wanted, and I was allowing a stranger, someone who didn’t know me, to change my feelings for him. I was never truly scared he would hurt me, but the words kept ringing in my ears.
Not many people survive him.
Not many people survive him.
Not many people survive him.
Devlin appeared confused as I went into the kitchen and started a pot of coffee. I was leaning on the counter, my arms straight as I stared at the black liquid dripping into the pot. He stepped up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me against his toned body. I draped my arms around him and leaned into his embrace.
We stood silent in the kitchen, watching the coffee drip. I wanted to ask him about what the man told me, but I didn’t want to question him and his motives again. He explained how he found me and the instant need that grew between us. I didn’t want him to reveal that the stranger’s words were the truth. I didn’t want to lose him. Now that I had him, I didn’t know if I could survive without him.
