Page 35

Matthias

RING!

I let the call ring through, irritated beyond belief. Roman’s unannounced visit has already thrown off my day. I need to get this conversation over with so I can have lunch with my sweet girl.

This delay pisses me off.

His presence pisses me off.

Not because he’s here, but because Margot could’ve seen him.

I don’t care if he knows about her. Hell, I want the whole fucking world to know she’s mine. But not yet. Not before I’ve solidified our relationship.

I’m almost certain she won’t run anymore, but Roman showing up, covered in blood , strutting in my house like a fucking animal? That could spook her. Thank God, I intercepted him at the door.

My phone rings again.

I clench my jaw and pick up, ready to snap. “What? ”

The guard at the front gate clears his throat. “Uh, hey boss. Just wanted to verify the maid taking your dog to the vet.”

Silence.

The words don’t register at first.

Maid? Dog? Vet?

“What did you just say?” My voice is calm. Too calm.

“The girl, uh, she rolled up in your Mercedes. Said she needed to bring your dog to the vet. He was in the backseat. She said it was urgent, so I let them through. But something felt off, so I wanted to confirm with you.”

Buzzing.

That’s all I hear.

A slow, creeping static buzzes in my head.

“You let her go?”

My voice is even. Controlled.

I already know the answer.

I already know what’s happening.

But I need to hear it.

“Yes? She said the dog was sick. And, uh, she seemed in a hurry, but...”

I don’t hear the rest, because he let her go.

He let her go.

It can’t be Margot.

She wouldn’t run.

She wouldn’t.

She was excited about our lunch this morning. I know she wasn’t upset anymore.

She wouldn’t leave.

But as much as I tell myself that, I know the truth.

I take a deep breath. “When?”

“Uh… about three minutes ago.”

The guard sounds nervous now.

He should be.

I end the call.

I turn. Walk out the door.

Roman falls into step beside me. “Where the fuck are you going?”

“She left.” The voice isn’t mine. It isn’t me who she left. “Why would she leave?”

She was happy.

She was mine.

Why the fuck would she leave?

Roman stiffens. “Hold it together, dude. Who–”

“Margot! MARGOT!”

I shove open the door to the only room that will prove me wrong.

It’s empty.

No Benny.

No Margot.

She’s gone.

Dread curdles in my stomach.

Then, it ignites into fury.

Who the fuck does she think she is, leaving me?

She doesn’t get to leave.

She doesn’t get to fucking leave.

She’s mine .

I thought we were past this.

I thought she understood.

I sprint to the garage, and sure enough, my Mercedes is gone.

I grab the keys to a BMW SUV. I’ll need the extra space to put Benny in the back when I bring her home.

And she is coming home.

I get in and open my tracker app. She’s on her way to her house.

Of course .

Of fucking course.

I clench the wheel so tightly my knuckles turn white.

The passenger door opens and Roman slides in.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” I growl.

“I’m coming with you.”

“No. Fuck off. Get out.”

“No.”

“Fine. Just stay quiet.” I exhale sharply. I don’t have time for this. I gun the engine and tear down the driveway.

Roman laughs. “So, this is her, huh? The reason you haven’t left your house?”

I grit my teeth. “Shut the fuck up.”

“Seems like an awful lot of effort for just some girl.”

I don’t answer.

I can’t.

Not when my pulse is roaring.

Not when I’m seething.

Not when I’m already planning what I’ll do when I catch her.

He shakes his head, laughing. “Damn. She’s really got you fucked up, huh?”

I slam the gas harder. “I let you come. Now shut the fuck up.”

My thoughts are racing.

Why did she leave? Did she seriously run because of a fucking audiobook? She wouldn’t take Benny if she was just getting her equipment. She’s not just running an errand. She’s trying to leave me.

The thought rips through my chest.

No.

No, no, no.

She wouldn’t.

She wouldn’t.

She’s mine.

I will find her.

And when I do–

She will never run again.