Page 127 of Mine

“Jesus, baby, calm down. Where’s the fucking light switch?” he mumbled as I flicked it on, revealing his intense green gaze, his eyes filled with concern.

“I’m sosorry,Cal,” I cried as he held me, his hands in my hair as he kissed my head softly. I buried my face in his chest as I inhaled his scent, masculine and strong.

“Do you still have feelings for him?”

I pulled away and met his eyes as I shook my head wildly.

“Absolutely not. I just wanted to make things right, and instead it went very fucking wrong.”

He frowned as he watched me, his hands pulling me away from him slightly.

“How wrong?” he demanded; his voice dangerously low.

I swallowed; my mouth dry.

I couldn’t tell him.

I knew for a fact he would probably kill Luke, and I didn’t want to carry the guilt around with me forever. Instead, I just explained that I felt terrible for betraying him, and that I thought he wouldn’t come back. That much was true, I just left out the fact Luke tried to assault me.

“I won’t ever leave you again. You need to remember that I love you, Gretchen,so much.”

I never grew tired of hearing him say that to me, but tonight it seemed to hold more meaning. I wasn’t sure why; maybe it was something to do with the fact I felt I had nearly lost him again, but something felt different.

He wiped my tears away with his thumb before kissing me softly on the lips, a smile on my face as he did. He had the ability to remove any stress from me just by being in the room. His sheer presence calmed me.

I climbed into bed and threw back the covers for him to join me as I yawned, feeling deliriously happy that he was back where he belonged—with me. I lifted so he could slide his arm beneath me, pulling me close to his bare chest as he sighed contentedly.

“I’m so glad you weren’t gone long. I hate sleeping without you,” I mumbled sleepily as he ran his fingers up and down my arm, the comfort it gave making my eyes close with delight.

“I’m sorry I had to go. But I’m back now. We’ll talk more tomorrow, okay?”

I nodded as sleep took hold of me, my body racked with fatigue and emotion. In the arms of Cal, I slept deeply, unaware that for most of the evening he laid awake.

Part Two: Chapter Twenty-Two

CAL

The house was empty, except for him. I made my way into the house, walking boldly through the front door.

I’m family, after all.

Thuds from the bedroom above me told me where he was, yet I stood still briefly, listening to the sounds of the house.

Yes, Luke is definitely home alone.

As I walked up the stairs, I didn’t bother to disguise my footsteps.

Let the fucker know I’m coming.

I pushed open his door as our eyes met; his filled with confusion, mine wild with anger.

He sat up from his push-up position on the floor and sat on his bed, scowling at me.

“What the fuck do you want?” he snapped as I imagined snapping his neck. “Who let you in? Your name is scum in this house—”

“I’m going to ask you thisonce. What happened with Gretchen?” I said, my eyes locked on his.

He smirked at me and I counted backward from ten, aware I would be useless to her in prison.