Page 16 of Where You Belong

I hated how insecure and weak I felt to put up with this from him for all these years. What they say is true though, once you find yourself in this position, it’s hard to walk away.

I stare back at Corbin, not wanting to admit the words out loud, and he curses under his breath.

“Damn, baby, I’m so sorry.” His jaw clenches, and the muscles in his arms grow taut.

“I appreciate you being here, making sure I’m okay. I need to get inside and check on Huxton. I’m sorry.”

His eyes flash toward the house. The sun has long since gone down. The only light comes from the streetlamps at the corner of the block and the few lights on the front of the houses.

“I understand,” he says, slipping his hand down my arm, running his fingers through mine before he drops them at his side. “I’m going to say this again because I want you to know nothing’s changed. If you need anything, and I mean anything, I’m here for you. You’re not alone. You no longer have to put up with him or his scare tactics. You say the word, and I’ll be here as soon as I can. Okay?”

I nod, not wanting to tell him I’d hate to get him mixed up with my problems again. Despite how great our time together has been, I know what kind of mess this could turn into if we were to continue down this road. If Atlas got any hint Corbin was more than some innocent bystander, he’d make my life a living hell.

All I want is to get through the next few months without further incident and convince him to finalize the divorce so I could move on with my life.

“Thank you,” I whisper, giving him a weak smile before passing by him. When I make it to the front door, I glance back to find him watching me. He raises his hand, waving at me with that smile that makes my heart come alive again.

Huxton sits at the breakfast bar, his little arms crossed with his head resting on them, fast asleep. I hate to wake him, knowing he’s so tired, but I’m relieved he missed what went down outside.

I don’t want him to go to bed on an empty stomach, so I quickly make him a bowl of cereal and rustle him awake, promising to tuck him in when he finishes. He’s fast asleep as soon as his head hits his pillow fifteen minutes later.

I opt to spend a little extra time on self-care tonight, deciding to take a bath and get some reading in before I head to bed myself. I’m curled up in bed with my Kindle when a subtle buzz comes from my nightstand, pulling me from my story.

Corbin: Hey, it’s Corbin. I’m sorry, I know I should’ve asked you first, but I begged Madelyn for your number. I just wanted to check in to see how you’re doing.

I smile, pressing my phone against my chest.

Haelynn: You don’t have to be sorry.

Haelynn: I’m doing okay, lying in bed doing some reading. Thank you for everything tonight and for checking in.

Corbin: You don’t need to thank me. Now you have my number. If you need anything at all, I’ll be there.

I stare at the screen, wondering what he looks like at this moment, trying to picture his face in my mind. I glance over at the empty space in my bed, picturing what it’d be like to go to sleep next to him.

Corbin: Good night, Haelynn.

Haelynn: Good night.

Chapter Six

Corbin

“You better have donuts or get the fuck outta here,” Alex shouts, pointing toward the door when he sees I’m showing up empty-handed.

I’m on my lunch break and decided to drop into Compass Security to catch up with the guys. It’s been an uneventful day, which I’m always hesitant to acknowledge out loud. It’s a curse that always comes back to bite you in the ass.

Gage took over running Compass Security after his dad decided to step back. It was important to him to keep the business going, and Gage didn’t hesitate to follow in his footsteps after he was discharged from the Navy.

“You’ll have to get up off your ass and get some yourself.”

I slip my hands into my pockets and nod toward Gage, who’s sitting behind his desk, his head in his hands, staring at papers strewn out in front of him. His brows furrow, a pensive look etched on his face. I was waiting for the moment he’d inevitably pop a blood vessel in his forehead.

“What’s up with you?” I ask.

“Nothin’,” he mutters under his breath, not bothering to look up at me.

Alex’s gaze bounces between me and back over to Gage. He shakes his head and shrugs, just as baffled as I am by his mood.

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