My expression droops.
Maybe she got tired of waiting.
The car jerks right. The tire clips the edge of the road. I right the wheel and focus on the exit ramp, taking it as safely and quickly as possible. I follow the signs mechanically as I cling to the wheel.
Maybe she left for good.
Fuck, no. She can’t do that right now. It’s not safe. Her plan has been clear from the moment that ring landed on my lap. She’s leaving when the war is over.
Not a moment sooner.
A grim sensation slithers into my system.But what if she did?
It’s not over. She still loves me. Anyone with eyes can see that. It scares me to see that she still loves me, even when it should comfort me.
But that doesn’t scare me nearly as much as realizing that she’s going to leave mewhileshe still loves me.
I scratch my scalp. This is a nightmare. It’s sabotage. She’s going to make me chase her to ruin my plans. She clearly doesn’t like the idea of an attack. She’ll do anything to stop me.
The explanation is logical enough to keep me from losing my shit.
Ten minutes later, I’m speeding toward the safe house. I’m not even trying to think of where she is anymore. I’m just trying to figure out why I’m freaking out so badly.
I reach for my phone to call her.
I can’t lose her.
She could be anywhere. She could be hiding in the basement. This could be a silly game to make me drop my attack.
It doesn’t matter. Only she matters. Only the baby matters.
I clutch my phone to my ear. The line trills repeatedly. I know she won’t answer. I know it makes me look psychotic to blow up her phone. And I don’t care.
Because when this is over, we can get back to normal. We can get back to being a family. When this war ends, I can be the husband and father she needs, not just the one she wants.
The question is, can I manage to do that when I have no idea how to be normal?
Chapter Fifteen
Liya
Machines beep. Orders ring through the air. Cash registers ding. A line of people stretches to the door from the counter. I slip past it in sunglasses, a beanie, and a hoodie. It’s almost too hot to be wearing the thick cotton, but it’s too dangerous for me to be exposed.
This is a huge risk. But it’ll be worth the reward.
A staircase leads to the underground level on the other side of the McDonald’s. It’s not until I’m away from the stairs that I dare to take off my shades. I check my phone.
Mets hat. Green shirt.
Only one guy matches that description. He has weathered features, tan skin with an orange hue like fall leaves, and almond-brown eyes. He spots me and sits up a little bit. He doesn’t wave. There’s a tray in front of him with a few burgers and a cup.
I rub my hands together. I’ve never done anything like this in my life. Is it the right thing to do?
Determination tightens my expression.
Of course, it’s the right thing to do. I slide into the booth across from him.Willow vouched for this guy. I’m safe.
I look over my shoulder.