Page 46 of Daniil
Chapter18
Courtney
I’mfine during the day but as soon as it gets dark, anxiety sets in and I can’t sleep.This is the fourth night in a row that I’ve dozed on the couch instead of getting into bed, and I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up.I’m a mess and I’m not sure why.
Everyone here has been wonderful.Lennox and I are rebuilding our friendship, spending time together in the afternoons, and I worked out with Natalia this morning.I hoped the gym would be empty since it was so early, but she was there running on the treadmill, so I hopped on next to her.Micah was with me in his stroller, happy to gnaw on a frozen teething ring while we ran.
Then Daniil walked in, and I did a quick cool down before heading out.
It was a shitty thing to do since he’s bent over backwards to be accommodating but I’m not sure how to behave.The family dinner meant to welcome me managed to make me feel like an outsider more than anything else, and I know certain people aren’t happy with me.There’s no doubt Elen thinks I’m a horrible person for keeping Micah a secret and Sandor has been polite but distant.
The prospect of spending another night on the couch, staring at the ceiling while my heart races and my chest tightens and I overthink every single thing in my life is more than I can bear.So, though I hate disturbing Micah, he can sleep anywhere.I gently settle him into his stroller, make sure I have a bottle in his diaper bag, and then take the elevator down to the main floor.
There are gardens in the back, with spectacular fountains, beautiful flowers, and enough lighting to make it comfortable.Evenings here are pleasant, even in July, and it’s nice to be outside.The guard at the back door smiles politely as I pass, opening the door for me and murmuring that I should knock when I’m ready to come back in since they keep it locked after eleven.
A faint breeze lifts my hair, and I wish I’d brought a ponytail holder.
But it’s a beautiful evening and I’m completely lost in thought as I stroll along the perimeter of the gardens.The rose bushes are blooming, and the aroma is strong but not overwhelming.The hydrangeas creeping up one wall are a flurry of pink and purple, and even at night you can’t miss their magnificence.
I’m so lost in thought I jump when I hear my name.
“Sorry, that’s why I called out.”Daniil comes down the path.He’s in shorts, a tank top, and flip flops—something I’ve never seen before.Well, I’ve seen him in shorts since it was hot as balls in Vegas, but he always wore regular T-shirts and sneakers.His hair is a little messy too, which I’ve only seen after a particularly energetic lovemaking session.
I’d almost forgotten how sexy casual Daniil is.
“Baby okay?”he asks, looking down.
“Yeah.I just…can’t sleep.”
“Tonight or since you’ve been here?”His voice is gentle, as if he already knows the answer, and I can’t imagine what it would prove to lie.
“Since I’ve been here.”I hate admitting weakness, but I don’t know how much longer I can do this.
He sighs and then reaches out to brush his knuckles across my cheek.“Is that why you’re wandering around the gardens at one in the morning?”
“Who ratted me out?”I demand, though I don’t have the energy to be mad.
“The guards always make a note in the log when someone goes outside after midnight.It’s for safety reasons.Joe got the alert and texted me, just in case.”
“Just in case…what?I tried to make a run for it?”
He chuckles, shaking his head.“You really are a spitfire, you know that?”
I frown.No one’s ever called me that before.“Is that a good thing?”
“It is to me.I think you’re spectacular, Courtney.I always have.”
I don’t know how to respond so I don’t.
“Well, I’m sorry if I disturbed your sleep.”
“I was up reading.”
“Business or pleasure?”
“Business.Always business.”
“Do you ever read for pleasure?”
