Page 155 of I Shouldn't Feel This Way

“She had a big cry,” I continued, “and fell asleep because it tired her out—by that time it was almost midnight. I wanted to take a short power nap before driving home, and woke up a few hours later, realizing that I’d lost track of time. My phone was on silent because I didn’t want to be disturbed while she was opening up to me. I sent you a text as soon as I got up, but you didn’t text me back, so I figured you were sleeping.”

“I called the police, Noah. I thought something terrible had happened to the two of you.” Vanessa walked over to me and hugged my waist. “I’m so relieved you’re okay.”

“I’m sorry I worried you.”

Vienna’s scowl refused to disappear.

“Bothof you,” I added, though it still didn’t turn her frown upside down.

“You’d better let Officer Raymond know they’re back,” said Vi.

“I will,” Nessa answered, grabbing the cordless phone.

“You should get some sleep, Vienna.” I tried to smile warmly at her. “Today’s your last day with us—let’s make the best of it.”

“Yeah, I bet you’re happy I’m leaving soon.”

“Uh … what is that supposed to mean?”

What the fuck? Where is all this hostility coming from?I wondered.Maybe she’s ticked off about Evan.

“Relax, I’m kidding—and yeah, I need to sleep.” She yawned and turned to leave.

I was about to head into the kitchen and make some coffee when my wife finished her phone call and then stepped in front of me.

“Okay, it’s all taken care of. Let’s head upstairs and sleep, honey.”

“Actually, I’m not tired anymore. I was thinking I’d shower and get some work done before noon.”

“Noah, you should take the day off. You’re always working. Give it a rest, please, at least for today.”

Stall, stall, stall—it was all I could do at the moment.

“Give me an hour and then I’ll join you,” I said.

“No.” She shook her head and pulled my arm. “Those cases can wait. You need to sleep.”

I tried to object, but before I knew it, I had been dragged into our bedroom and Vanessa was slowly undressing me.

“I’m perfectly capable of disrobing myself,” I stated.

“I know.” She smirked while she unbuckled my belt.

I stopped her before she tried to do anything beyond taking my clothes off. “Get in bed. I’ll be right with you.”

“As you wish.” She stripped down to her panties and slid under the covers.

I left my boxers on and got in next to her. I was about to close my eyes and sleep, when I felt her hand move down my stomach. “Vanessa, I’m tired.” I grabbed her wrist and gently moved it away from my manhood.

“Oh, all right.” She sighed disappointedly and kissed my cheek. “You’ll probably have more energy when you wake up.”

As guilty as I felt for rejecting her, I had promised Aria that I wouldn’t sleep with my wife, and I didn’t want to let her down.

What do you think this means, Noah? She’s your wife, yet your loyalty lies with your daughter. Think about this long and hard. What … do … you … think … this … means?

Christ, not again. I grabbed a pillow and placed it over my ear as I turned over and tried to fall sleep.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

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