Chapter 44 44
Maisie's Pov
“I got held up.” That wasn't a lie. I did get held up by work.
I dropped my phone and purse on the console table and kicked off my heels, aware of his gaze tracking my every movement.
Roman looked like he wanted to make a retort but his voice trailed off when my phone buzzed.
His eyes flickered to the phone and his brows rose.
“Who's that?” He asked.
“Nothing.” I snatched my phone and turned, hoping foolishly that he wouldn't follow me to my walk-in-closet.
He did.
He just stood there while I picked out a pink T-shirt and baggy shorts.
The silence stretched for a while before he finally spoke.
“You smell different.”
I stilled. “What?”
“You went somewhere,” he said, approaching me. “Perhaps met someone.”
I turned to face him then, crossing my arms. “Is this an interrogation?”
“No.” His voice dropped to a dangerous low pitch and I swallowed hard. “It's me showing concern.”
I scoffed. “Since when?”
If I would, I'd punch myself in the face for that lie. Roman was care itself and had shown it towards me even from the very first time we met. I was being such a major bitch and I hated it so I took the coward's way out.
“I’m tired, Roman,” I said. “Can we not do this tonight?”
“Do what?” He asked softly, closing the distance between us. “Pretend nothing's wrong?”
The phone buzzed again and Roman's gaze snapped to it.
“Who keeps texting you?” he gritted out.
I hesitated for a second too long. He noticed.
“Maisie,” he said, using my real name. “Who is it?”
“Someone I ran into.” I whispered. Why was it hot in here?
“Someone?” He repeated. “Or someone who's interested in you.”
“That’s none of your business.” The words came out sharper than I intended and Roman flinched. No, I'm sorry I didn't mean it.
He took a step back and my heart sank. I wanted to pull him back but I couldn't.
I could see the hurt flicker in his gaze before it quickly vanished, replaced by a stoned look.
“I thought we were partners, Maisie.” He said quietly.
“We are!”
“Then why does it feel like you're hiding things from me?!”
I turned away, pressing my palms against my face. “Drop it, Roman.”
I waited for him to say something. Anything.
He did but it wasn't what I wanted to hear.
“Fine. I will.”
When I looked back, he was already gone, leaving the air cold in his wake. The guilt of lying to him slammed into me and I choked on a sob.
I hated this. I hated hurting him. I hated the way my chest tightened at the thought of him walking away.
I stood there for a long moment before my phone vibrated again.
Tyler : I'm sorry if I’m making you uncomfortable.
I stared at the screen and sniffled. I should block him or worse, delete his number but against my better judgement, I typed back.
Me : You're not.
The reply came almost instantly.
Tyler : Oh. That's great. I just wanted to know if you've gotten home safe.
Me : I have.
I'm home but it doesn't feel like it. Not when Roman's not here.
I closed my eyes and sucked in a breath. I fucked up. Again.
That night, sleep refused to come.
Roman laid beside me, turned away. His breathing was steady but I knew he wasn't sleeping. I couldn't. Not when my wolf was restless and kept blaming me.
‘Why do you keep hurting him?’ She cried.
‘I’m not. I'm protecting myself.’ I replied.
‘From what?’ She pressed.
‘From love. I'm afraid of falling too much. I might lose everything, become weak, or worse… relive the worst pain of my life.’
Pressure built behind my eyes and I opened them. The second I did, the tears rolled down my cheeks.
I tightened my hold around my waist and curled into a fetus position. I couldn't stop crying. I didn't know how to.
I shut my eyes and prayed everything else would go away and I'll just be free of this hurt.
I didn't notice when a sudden warmth enveloped me. I didn't think. I wrapped my arms around it and held it tight.
“Don't cry.” It didn't sound like an order. It sounded like a plea.
I nodded my head against its chest and sniffled softly.
“You're okay.”
The voice echoed softly in my head and like a lullaby, it lulled me to sleep.
The next time I threw my eyes open,it was still dark and I was lying on the left side of bed. I looked to my right and no one was there.
Of course he left. No one would want to share the same bed as the person who hurt them.
Just then, the door clicked open and he walked in.
I swallowed hard. He was dressed the same way he did every night. Shirtless, pajama trousers with that scent always clinging to him. The scent I'd grown to like over time.
“You're awake.” He said, not moving from the door.
For some reason I couldn't speak so I nodded instead.
“Mm-mm,” he shook his head. “Try again. With words.”
Heat suddenly rushed to my cheeks. I hated how a few quiet words from him could turn my composure to dust.
“I couldn't sleep.” I managed in a whisper.
He pushed away from the door and made his way to the bed.
“Why?” He asked.
Before I could answer, he reached for my bedside table and picked up the herbs the pack healers had made for my insomnia.
“Did you take this?” He looked at me this time.
I shook my head, then remembered what happened earlier and whispered again. “Yes.”
A sigh escaped him and he palmed it. “I guess we have no use for it now.”
I panicked. “Why?”
“It’s past midnight and you're still awake. It didn't work so why keep it?” He raised an eyebrow.
“But I want to…” my voice trailed off. He was right. I didn't need it.
“Sorry.” I sank back into the bed and drew my knees up to my chest.
I heard the door click open, then the sound of the toilet flushing before he stepped into the bedroom. By the time he returned, I was already in my fetus position, praying those warm hands would return and hold me like they did before.
And they did. Only this time, I knew whom they belonged to.
Roman's hand settled at my waist like it belonged there and he pulled me closer. “You don't need pills. Not when I'm here.”
I opened my mouth to protest but he murmured against my neck. “Go to sleep, Maisie. I'm not going anywhere.”
I didn't argue further. I melted into his hold and gave into the warmth he offered.