You Will Be Mine (Forever and Ever #7)(61)

“Every time I call, she doesn’t answer.”

“That’s her right!” I marched to him then looked down into his face. “If you keep bothering her, I’ll make you regret it.”

“Are you threatening me?” His eyes looked cold and calculating.

“I threaten any man who hurts my girl.”

“Your girl?” he hissed. “What have you done to deserve her?”

“What have you done to push her away?” I snapped. “That’s the real question.”

He looked like he wanted to punch me.

“She doesn’t need your money. She doesn’t need your support. She’s a grown woman who can take care of herself. If she wants to be left alone, then you should do as she asks.”

“I just want to talk to her.”

“You lost that privilege.” I stepped back and headed to my truck.

Her father stayed still and stared at Beatrice through the passenger window. Never once did she look in his direction.

Once I was inside the truck, I started the engine then pulled onto the road. Beatrice stared out the window like everything was normal. She wasn’t crying and she didn’t look scared.

I headed back to my place then walked with her inside. I didn’t ask her anything or try to make her feel better with empty words. It was hard for me to understand what she was feeling. I’d never questioned how much my dad loved my mom. If it came down to it, my dad would sacrifice himself for his family. If anyone even slightly threatened any one of us, that person would be taken out within an hour. My dad didn’t mess around.

When she was inside, she looked exactly the same. Her voice was unreadable, almost dead. She seemed particularly interested in my blank TV screen.

I came close to her then looked into her face. “What would you like to do?” I had no idea what she was thinking.

She paused for a long time, her lips immobile. “I want to sleep.”

“Okay.” I walked into my bedroom and pulled out some clean clothes. “These should fit…somewhat.” I left them on the bed. “I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“Okay.”

“Good night.” I gave her a sad look before I shut the door and sat on my couch. I wasn’t tired. All I could think about was the episode I witnessed. If her father just wanted to talk to her, why did he go about it in a hostile way? If my dad did the same thing, I’d be freaked out.

I leaned back into the couch and sighed. I hoped Beatrice would be able to get some sleep. She might feel better in the morning. I closed my eyes and tried to clear my thoughts.

My door cracked. “Conrad?”

“Hmm?” I opened my eyes and sat up.

“Can you sleep with me tonight?”

I wasn’t expecting her to ask. “Sure.”

She disappeared into the bedroom and left the door open.

When I came inside, she was laying in my bed. My t-shirt looked like a blanket on her. I pulled off my shirt and jeans and stood in my boxers. “Is it okay if I sleep like this?”

“Yes,” she whispered.

I got in between the covers then lay on my back. Could I touch her? Could I hold her? It was difficult to figure out what she wanted sometimes. I would just ask her, but tonight wasn’t the best time to ask for clarification about our unusual relationship.

Beatrice moved to my side of the bed and cuddled into me. Her arm moved across my stomach and she rested her head on my shoulder. One leg was tucked between mine. She was affectionate with me like a lover.

My heart was beating so fast I could hear it in my ears. She was holding me like I meant something to her. We were snuggled in bed, and she was wearing my clothes. The sheet touched our bare skin. I hooked my arm around her and anchored her close to me. Her quiet breaths hypnotized me into a deep calm.

“Thank you,” she whispered. “I knew I could count on you.”

Without thinking, just feeling, I moved my lips to her forehead and pressed a gentle kiss there. The act was spontaneous but premeditated at the same time. I did it like it wasn’t my first time. She took a deep breath the moment I touched her, but she didn’t object or move away from me.

I cuddled into her even more, feeling my heart swell like it never had before.





Chapter Sixteen


Skye


Having a beautiful penthouse in the city was pointless when I couldn’t enjoy it. The light from the city burned like a wild forest fire. I liked to watch them because it distracted my mind from my all-consuming depression. It was the only thing that stopped me from thinking about Cayson.

But he came back to me, vivid and clear.

His lips were on my neck.

His scent was on my clothes.

My heart was forever scarred by the love we shared.

Whenever the pain became too much, I wanted to fly to him and beg him to take me back. I didn’t care if he had a girlfriend. I didn’t care who he was sleeping with. I just wanted him to be mine again.

But then the doubt came flooding back.

He was over me.

He didn’t want me anymore.

We were done.

I didn’t know how much weight I lost, but my clothes barely fit me anymore. They were baggy and loose. My bras were even a little big because my chest had shrunk. I’d appreciate the change if I were happy, but I was too miserable to enjoy it.