Chapter 3

He saw my red eyes and reached for me.

I smelled it on him. Purfume faint and sour underneath his cologne.

I shoved him back, grabbed the glass ashtray off the counter and hurled it at him.

"Get away from me!"

It caught him on the temple. Blood ran down his brow.

He didn't touch it. He just watched me with something close to panic.

"Is it the baby? Are you in pain?"

I sat on the floor and watched him bolt out, then come back with water and pills, blood dripping onto his white collar. He held out the pills like I might shatter if he moved too fast.

"Why?"

I looked at his face and the tears came.

Days ago we were picking out names. We were talking about the future, the three of us.

Minutes ago he was mutilating a guard because I smiled at him.

"Why did you betray me?"

Dominic went still. His hand tightened around the pills.

"You know."

I waited for him to explain. I told myself I would believe anything. Anything at all.

"I'm sorry."

His voice almost cracked.

"I know you'll be upset that I had the guard handled behind your back. But I can't stand the idea of another man looking at you."

He stepped closer.

"You have no idea what it took to pull you away from Killian. What I had to destroy just to stand next to you. And some kid gets to open your door like it's nothing."

"I know what I am. I'm not apologizing for it."

"Hit me. Scream at me. Just don't leave. You leave, and I'm done."

I looked at him and knew I should walk out.

But I couldn't. I couldn't give up the way he held me. I couldn't give up these days that felt like the only good thing left.

So as long as I didn't see it with my own eyes, I could pretend none of it was real.

I smiled.

"I want your mother's pot roast."

His eyes lit up and he turned toward the kitchen.

Then his phone rang.

He glanced at the screen.

"Something came up. I'll make it when I'm back."

He was out the door before I could answer.

I got in my car and followed him.

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