Temper (Knights of Fury #3) - Chantal Fernando Page 0,30
men, run, and I do a lot of physical work. I live a fit and healthy lifestyle.”
“I can see that,” I say, sliding into the bed and under the covers. We lie facing each other. “I probably should have turned off the light.”
He smiles widely, and it hits me right in the chest. “I’ll get it.”
He turns the light off and joins me back in bed. Just like I thought, it’s comforting being next to him, and when his arms come around me I can’t help but feel safe and protected.
“I’m sorry for all the shit I’ve dragged you into,” he whispers, kissing my temple. “I never should have asked you out on that date.”
My life would have been much easier if he hadn’t, but for some reason I can’t seem to regret ever getting to know him. “It’s not like you planned for all of this to happen,” I reply, yawning.
And my actions today proved how easy it is to make certain decisions to protect yourself and your friends. I never thought I’d be capable of doing what I did, purposely running someone over with a car.
How the mighty have fallen.
Still, against Temper, I sleep like a baby.
* * *
I wake up alone, and to my phone ringing. “Hello?” I say.
“Hey, how are you?” Ivy asks. “Mom wants to speak to you.”
Shit. I’d been speaking to Mom through Ivy, but I knew I could only get away with that for so long.
“Abbie?”
“Hey, Mom,” I say, rubbing my eyes and sitting up. “Is everything okay?”
“My daughter left without saying a word; do you think everything is okay? When are you coming home? Ivy said you’d just be gone for a few days and you’re in Los Angeles of all places,” she rattles off. “I don’t know what you’re thinking, Abbie. You know how much I need you here. I forgot my medication yesterday because you weren’t here to remind me, and I’ve had to up the dose of my anxiety medication because I’ve been so stressed.”
I consider how to answer her. “I’m sorry I left without saying anything. It was a last-minute decision, and I’ll be back soon,” I say. “And you’re a grown woman; I’m sure you can remember to take your pills. Just set an alarm on your phone, or ask Ivy to remind you.”
She pauses and then says, “I’m worried about you. This doesn’t seem like you at all, Abbie. This just isn’t in your character. I’ve waited three days, but now I want you to come home. Enough is enough, and we need you here. Poor Ivy has enough on her plate. She has to manage college and cover your shifts at Franks.”
Guilt fills me, but it’s not like I can just return, especially after what happened last night. Ivy can manage just fine; Mom is the one struggling. “I will make it up to Ivy,” I promise. “But I can’t come just yet, Mom. I’ll be home soon, though, okay? So don’t worry. I’m fine. Did Ivy show you the pictures of me?”
“Yes, I saw them,” she says, sighing. “I just don’t understand why you went on a random holiday without saying anything to us. What aren’t you telling me?”
A lot.
“Nothing, Mom,” I lie. “I have to go, but I’ll call you soon, okay?”
“Abbie—”
“I love you both, bye,” I say, quickly hanging up before she can guilt trip me any further.
“Fuck,” I whisper to myself, groaning and rolling over, and hide my phone under my pillow, like that’s going to save me. How long am I going to be able to get away with this? She’s not going to accept this from me for very long, and the last thing I want to do is stress her out when her health is only just improving.
Forcing myself out of bed, I get ready for the day then head to the kitchen for some coffee. I smile when there’s a note on the table with some calla lilies lying on top it. Picking them up, I admire them before reading the note.