Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
I can’t say if I would have come this far or built this life if I had. Once the baby was born, I probably would have run back to my father for help, but at least I would have had my child and my woman.
Now… I don’t know what I have. My eyes focus on the small being in my embrace. I pull her to my chest and start to rock. There will be no more hiding this small creature.
I’m not truly sure I want to continue trying to find the missing link to what happened almost three years ago. She’s here, she’s mine, and she needs me to protect her.
I’ve failed one child of mine. I can’t afford to make that mistake with this little one too. It’s not an option.
“Gregor,” my best friend and head of security calls my name.
I look up at Ethan. Clayton and I got lucky with friends. Without David and Ethan, we wouldn’t have been able to pull any of this off.
“We should go. I gave them my information in case they need anything else. For now, let’s get you two out of here,” he says.
“Where’s that woman?” I ask, my voice breaking.
“She said she was going to the restroom and never returned.” He frowns.
“I want her found.”
“I’m on it. Come on,” he replies.
I blow out a breath.
“Take me to the house. My mother is on her way in. When she arrives, I need you to look after them until I can… I need to start fixing my mess,” I say, placing a kiss on my daughter’s small head.
Ethan nods. I see the guilt in his eyes. This isn’t his fault. His sister died the week in question. I wouldn’t have wanted him anywhere other than with his family.
If I got shit-faced and got someone pregnant, that’s on me. I’ve never blamed anyone else for this. I’ve just had questions. None of them matter now.
She’s gone.
Chapter 14
Here to Mend
Gregor
When I enter the room, Chloe is still sitting on the floor in the exact same spot I left her in. She’s still wearing the clothes she had on when we flew in. I didn’t think my heart could break anymore today.
Whatever was left just spilled out on the floor before me. She looks as lost as I feel as she stares at the wall. I don’t think she’s seeing anything. She’s just sitting, waiting.
I can’t help but wonder if this is how she looked after I abandoned her and our child. Was this how it was after she had to make the choice that will forever haunt us both? I deserve this pain. She doesn’t.
I drag my heartless shell over to her. Gathering the last of my strength, I bend and lift her up into my arms. Carrying her limp body into the bathroom, I stand here before the toilet. Holding her up with one arm, I peel her panties down with the other.
Before today, I would have felt nothing but desire as I drag the fabric down her toned thighs. Today, there’s nothing sexual about this. She’s not responsive at all—no fight, no sass, nothing.
I set her on the toilet as the tears roll down my cheeks. When I hear her start to relieve herself and I’m sure she’s not going to fall over, I move to the bathtub and fill it with water. I pour in the bubbles that were left in a basket for us inside.
Checking the temperature, I cut off the water and return to retrieve Chloe. I remove her panties from her ankles and take off her dress and bra. I will her to curse me out and tell me to get out.
Yet, she just stares ahead. I lift her, walking her over to the bath. Gently, I place her in the water.
Making quick work of my own clothes, I climb in behind her. I put my arms around her, locking her in my embrace and bury my face in her hair. Then I break down.
I sob for our past, I sob for our present, I sob for our future. I sob and beg God to show me how to fix this. I’ve never felt this helpless in my life, even when I had nothing.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” I say, kissing the top of her head. “I’m so sorry, baby.”
When I’ve cried my voice raw and she begins to chatter in my hold, I release some of the water and add more warm water. This time I wash her quickly before getting us out and toweling her off.
When we’re back in the bedroom, I dress her in one of my shirts and tuck her into the bed. I order room service. Although, I’m sure neither of us will eat it.
Once the food arrives, I leave it behind, climbing into bed. I spoon a sobbing Chloe and hold her tightly. I don’t know how, but we have to make it through this.