Total pages in book: 120
Estimated words: 113464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 567(@200wpm)___ 454(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 567(@200wpm)___ 454(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
“I’m going to go down and get something to eat,” I whisper as I sit up. “Can you give me something to wear?”
“No need.” He doesn’t even look away from his screen, only jerking his chin in the nightstand’s direction on my side of the bed. “I brought food in for you.”
Yes, he did. A banana and a couple of protein bars, a packet of trail mix, and two bottles of water. If I was feeling really suicidal, I would make a snarky comment about the feast he prepared. I think I’ll keep it to myself.
“I’d better go put some pajamas on.”
“Why? You’re fine the way you are, and you’re staying here with me tonight.”
Like it’s a done deal. Like his word is law.
“I had work to do when I came home tonight, you know.”
“You don’t have to worry about that anymore.”
The pit in my stomach is expanding with every word he says. I don’t think I’m so hungry anymore. “What do you mean by that?” I whisper, even though I’m pretty sure I already know.
“You don’t have to worry about your work anymore. You don’t have to go.” His fingers never stop moving as he speaks.
Calm, be calm, don’t react. But how can I not? He’s sitting here deciding about my life without bothering to ask for my opinion. He can’t even be bothered to stop typing.
Digging my nails into my palms keeps me from reacting, but only so much. At least it stops me from panicking.
I need to take a deep breath and let it out slowly before saying another word. “I don’t understand. Do you know something I don’t?”
“Hmm?” I still don’t have his full attention. Is this a test? I hate that I even have to ask myself that. Here I am, playing chess again, weighing every choice, every word.
“Did I get fired, and nobody told me? Because things seemed fine when I left the office today.”
Finally, he looks at me—and he even rolls his eyes. He has the nerve to do that. “Don’t play dumb.”
My teeth are going to break if I have to grind them any harder. “Who’s playing? I’m in the dark here.”
With a sigh, he sets the laptop aside. “You aren’t going anywhere,” he informs me, speaking slowly like he would speak to a child. “You’re here, with me, and that’s it. I’ll give you everything you want on the condition you stay here. That’s a fair exchange, I think.”
I’m glad he does. I sure as hell don’t. “You want me to quit my job? I just started.”
“You don’t have to work. That’s what I’m trying to tell you.”
“But I want to.”
“You want to sit in a cubicle and stare at spreadsheets all day? Is that your big plan for your life?”
It’s better than sitting around the house all day. I practically have to bite my tongue off to keep from saying it. I don’t think he would take it very well if I did.
“I’m not sure what the plan is yet, but I know I worked really hard for four years to get that job, and it’s a great company. I don’t want to throw it away.”
“It’s nothing. Small-time bullshit.”
It’s so funny when I think back on how unimpressed I was at first with my job and everything that came with it. Now, facing down the possibility of having to leave, anger and pride swell in my chest and make me want to fight like hell. “It matters to me. Doesn’t that count?”
“I don’t want you leaving the house. End of story.”
So that’s what this is all about. I should’ve known. “You want me to be your prisoner? That’s what you’re saying.”
“It’s not that dramatic.”
“It is for me. I can’t be a prisoner here for the rest of my life. I need to go out in the world.” Because my throat is so dry, I grab one of the water bottles and take a deep gulp. It isn’t easy to keep my hand from shaking and spilling all over the place.
“How can I trust you? You throw it in my face that you want to turn your back on everything I’m offering, and you expect me to trust you to come home tomorrow after work?”
That’s just it. The more he talks, the better I understand his thought process, and the more determined I am to never step foot in this house again after I leave. Already, there’s a plan taking shape in the back of my mind. I’ll pack my things before going to the office, and I’ll have Tatum bring them to me after she gets home. Otherwise, I’ll carry my necessities with me to work. I’ll sign the lease, and then I’ll go to Dad’s and work everything out from there.
“Well?” Callum lifts an eyebrow. “What am I supposed to do here?”