Page 47 of Don't Speak

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

Pulling into the driveway of Nikki’s house, I can’t help but look over and admire her sleeping form. She’s been passed out since we left the theater. I’ve had a lot of time to think on the way here, and I’ve decided I’m going to tell her about me first thing in the morning.

She told me she loves me. She told me the three words I’ve been daydreaming about hearing since I laid eyes on her.

She loves me. Hearing those words, knowing how vulnerable she had to feel in order to say them, made my heart swell with so much happiness.

So much pride. I never thought I’d feel this way again.

She’s giving herself to me. All of her. Not just her body, but her mind and soul.

I can’t keep this from her anymore. It’s time.

I just hope she understands. If she leaves me, I will chase her to the ends of the earth to earn her love back.

I turn the truck off, get out, and walk around to her side.

Opening the door, I unbuckle her seatbelt and pull her out, cradling her in my arms bridal style.

She doesn’t stir. Once I make it to the door, I use the hand tucked under her legs to unlock the door and walk inside.

I kick it closed with my foot, taking her straight to the bed.

I lay her down, removing her shoes and her dress before covering her with the blanket.

Quietly, I exit the room, turning the light off as I go.

I walk back out to my truck, grabbing my laptop from the back seat.

Heading inside, I turn and lock the door, walk over to the couch, and sit down, placing the laptop on the coffee table.

It’s been a minute since I’ve checked my email.

I told David to send me anything he’s found through there since I’ve been spending time with Nikki.

I didn’t want my phone going off frequently and her starting to question things.

As soon as I log in, I notice an email from David that was sent earlier this morning.

Hey Dean,

I came across this article this morning.

It looks like Nikki’s mom is missing. Neighbors heard screams and called the police to check on her.

When they arrived, she was gone, and the house was trashed.

I figured you would want to know. Still no word on Sean.

The police are still on the hunt. I’ll let you know if I find anything else.

-David

David attached a link to the article in the email.

It confirms what he stated. Dana has been missing since this morning, and the authorities don’t have any leads.

There were several empty alcohol bottles smashed on the ground, and they found some narcotics.

They’re leaning toward it being a drug-related crime.

She’s been gone since early this morning, around 4am.

The timing seems to be a bit suspicious. Considering Sean wasn’t at the cabin when I paid a visit, I wonder if he’s behind it. If he’s going after Dana, I can only assume Nikki is next. I have to tell her what’s going on, and I have to find him—now.

Just as I think that, Nikki pads out of the room, rubbing sleep from her eyes.

“Hey. I got worried when I didn’t feel you in the bed. Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” I tell her, quickly closing the laptop. “Everything is fine, baby. Just checking my email before heading to bed. I’ll be there in a minute.”

She turns on her heels, heading back into the room.

My thoughts spin for a few moments before I get up, shoving the laptop into its bag and placing it under the coffee table.

I look back one last time as I reach the door to the bedroom, knowing this could be the last night I spend with her depending on the results of tomorrow.

I don’t know how she’s going to react, and it unnerves me.

I don’t want to hurt her. I wince at the thought, my heart twinging in my chest. Hurting her is going to crush me.

I hate that I waited this long, regret rising in my body.

There was just never a right time. I should have trusted her enough to tell her, and then we could have figured this out together.

But I have to live with the choices I made.

I just have to believe that deep down inside, she knows that my feelings for her are real.

I turn back and walk into the bedroom, closing the door behind me. Sliding in, I shuffle close to her, wrapping an arm over her waist and pulling her against me. I breathe in her scent, taking all of her in, hoping this won’t be the last time I get to hold her.

“I love you, too, little lioness,” I whisper softly. But her soft snores tell me she’s already asleep.