She bit her lip but took my hand. “I’m not sure I can sleep.”
My heart ached for all the worry in her eyes. “Then just rest.”
I walked her into the bedroom, kicked off my shoes, and climbed into her rose-scented sheets. I’d be lucky to stay awake long enough to cuddle her.
Luckily for me, she wasn’t far behind, coming beneath the covers to lie down next to me.
“You’re too far away. Come closer.” I pulled her so she lay with her head on my chest. I kissed the top of her head and held her tight. “I’m so sorry. For all of this.”
My father had created this maelstrom of anger and devastation. He believed that Monique should marry me, whether she wanted to, or not.
If only he was normal. If only he truly had a kind heart and cared for others.
And right there, in that moment, an idea began to form.