Page 104 of Scarlet Vows

My mind strays. Last night was…

Incredible.

Sublime.

Fucking mind blowing.

And no doubt too much for her. Greedy fuck that I am, I pushed it too far, and now she’s gone. It’s barely light out, and I should be at the gym. It’s piling on my stress that my routine’s off kilter by Alina’s sudden absence.

I’m a monster. I should have known it would be too much and that it’d send her unraveling.

The thoughts keep piling up as I search the rest of the house.

Definitely gone.

I grab my keys and my bag and head to my car. On the way to the gym, I swing by the park and the shelter just in case she’s there.

I could go to Isla’s and…what? Scare her senseless?

Outside the gym, I park and try calling her, but there’s no answer.

My heart thuds hard and heavy, and I feel sick.

Fuck. I need to calm down. Her clothes are still there. Equally important, all of Albert’s toys and food and bedding are there, too. Just the dog, the girl, and the leash are gone.

And…well, unless she has Gus on speed dial, I doubt she’s with the driver. She can drive; she’s got a car.

There’s a whole fleet of cars she could choose from if she’s been to the huge garage.

She could be anywhere.

I decide to text her, knowing my workout time’s diminishing by the minute. Today isn’t a quiet day, work wise.

Me

Alina, I’m here if you want to talk. At the gym, but I’ll be back home in an hour. No pressure.

It’s not much, but when she doesn’t respond, I go in and hit the gym. Hard.

No Isaak today, which I knew, but it means I can push myself, make it all count, and when I leave, my legs and arms are lead, my stomach muscles protesting a little, too.

I head back home and get in the door when my phone vibrates. I race up the stairs to my room to get ready for the day when I see the name.

My heart skips a beat, a bolt of adrenaline shooting through me.

Alina.

Alina

I’m ok.

Me

Whatever you need, it’s okay. We can hit pause, pretend last night didn’t happen. Whatever you want, I’m okay with. I just need to know you’re okay. I need to know if you’re not.

I suckin a breath and wait.

Alina