Page 43 of Masterson Made

“So you’re blaming me for whatever it is you’re out in the world doing?”

“Whatever I’m doing?” I ask, insulted by whatever she’s inferring. “What the fuck is it do you think I’m doing?”

Her eyes drop to the ground.

“I don’t know.”

I feel a huge knot form in the pit of my stomach when I notice Elizabeth starting to wipe away a few stray tears with the back of her hand. This is the second time I’ve made her cry. I feel disoriented. Like a ship that’s lost its way because the compass has been broken. She either is furious or truly doesn’t trust me, and that is something that I don’t know can ever be fixed.

For the first time, I’m afraid that I truly may lose her.

“When do you plan on going to Cabot?” I ask in defeat.

“Soon.”

“How far is it?”

“A few hours by train.” She stops sniffling and finds her bra and shirt and puts them back on. “I’ll stay the night and I’ll take Knox with me.”

I take a deep breath and make sure I ask my next question with no bass in my voice. I’m not trying to be combative, but what she’s suggesting makes little sense. It feels like she’s abandoning me.

“Why are you taking Knox?”

“I’m breastfeeding. It’ll be easier if he comes with me.”

“Can’t you just pump some bottles and leave him here with me?”

“Pumping enough milk is just too hard for me. It’s better when he just takes it from my breast.”

“And how’s that going to work when you’re there to have a meeting? What are you going to do with Knox?”

“I’m sure the sitter would go with me for a few days, or maybe I’ll ask Aunt Juliette if she wants to help. She’s always looking for an opportunity to spend time with him, and Knox loves her to death.”

My reaction is emotional but after the last few weeks, not to mention the last few minutes in this room, the thought of Elizabeth leaving to take a meeting right now sets every hair on the back of my neck at attention.

“Now’s not the right time,” I tell her.

Elizabeth’s spine straightens.

“I’m sorry, but what?”

“Now’s not the right time to go. You’re not going.”

“I wasn’t asking for permission, Roman.”

I look around the room at the ramifications of our lovemaking. The entire contents of her desk are strewn around the room. Our clothes are askew. Her computer screen is cracked. And all of it a direct reflection of the current state of our relationship.

In total shambles.

16

ROMAN

Present Day

The Warehouse

“That’s for my son,mudak.” My female captor practically spits on me.