This Is War, Baby - K Webster Page 0,87

and flashed him a seductive grin that he seemed to relax about the cake.

I’d actually enjoyed spending my birthday with War, Land, and Edison. It made me miss Mom and Dad more but Dad still won’t respond to my e-mails. To say I’m hurt is an understatement.

The alarm sounds as it activates and I sigh. Land and Edison must have gone for the evening. That leaves me alone with War and I’m not sure how things are with us. I’d like to think that we could forget about his episode last night but I can’t be certain. All I know is that I miss him.

I hear a timid knock followed by the sound of his voice. “Baylee? Can I come in?”

I shiver and turn to see his powerful presence standing in the doorway. His gaze falls to the water where my naked body is hidden beneath a sea of foamy bubbles and I can’t help but smile. I like that he’s distracted by thoughts of my body.

“Yeah.”

He awkwardly makes his way into the small bathroom and sits on the edge of the tub. His jaw clenches as his eyes drag along my wet flesh. “I’m so sorry.”

I lift my hand from the water and draw hearts in the suds. “What happened?”

A loud sigh escapes him and he pinches the bridge of his nose. “I have a delusional disorder. When my OCD gets severely out of control on occasion, I’m more prone to episodes sparked by paranoia and fear and my haunting past. The crash from the pill and the wine coupled with memories of my mom were too much. I spiraled out of control,” he huffs out and meets me with a serious stare. “If I’d done something to you…”

I shake my head. “Don’t even think about it. Yes, you hurt me. Will I heal? Quickly. But for me to be with you, I need to understand you. I want to help you, War. You have to open up to me.”

His lips press into a firm line. “I know and I’m working on it. I hate not being in control of myself. It’s embarrassing for you to know all the broken, wrong parts of me. I fucking hate the way this shit rules my life.”

I scrunch my brows together and recall some of the things I’d learned while researching his conditions. “You know there are psychotherapies you could try. A therapist could help.”

He grumbles but nods. “I think with time—with you—I could try them again. I want to get better for you, Baylee.”

Sitting up in the water, I watch him as his gaze falls to my breasts. “We’ll get through this. You know that right? I know we’ll find a way to be together.”

A breathtaking smile spreads across his face. The man is handsome and when he smiles, the world tilts on its axis.

“You’re beautiful. And I’m lucky you haven’t run for the hills.”

I laugh and splash at him, loving the now boyish grin I’m met with. “Who says I’m not planning to run tomorrow?” I tease but then regard him seriously. “I’m not going anywhere. I was actually hoping you could make love to me again.” I’m not sure if he’ll take my bait but am thankful when his eyes darken.

“You still want me? Even after…” he trails off, shame morphing his features into a frown.

“I can’t help but want you. I mean look at you,” I tell him playfully, “you’re hot.”

He flashes me a wicked smile that makes its way straight to my core. “You’re an amazing woman, Baylee. Don’t ever think for one second that you’re anything less,” he says softly. “When you get out, I have something for you.”

As soon as he’s gone, I’m already standing in the tub, eager to find out what he wants to give me. His gifts always make me happy. I dress in my robe sans underwear and smile to see him stretched out on my bed.

“That was quick,” he says with a smirk. “You and your love for presents.”

I laugh and bounce on the bed beside him, careful not to touch him. Once I’m settled, he opens his palm up to me. Inside are two rose gold earrings in the shape of a heart with a B inside.

“These are pretty,” I say softly and open my palm to him so he can drop them into my hand.

He flashes me a shy smile as he gives them to me. “That first day when you longingly stared out at the ocean and