Page 164 of Theirs to Possess: The Marriage Claim

Numb, hardly able to think from the emotional roller coaster and exhaustion, I head to the kitchen for coffee. I need my brain to wake up so I can form a plan.

But when I pour a cup from the carafe that is waiting for me, the bitter scent isn’t appealing.

Hoping it will help, I add creamer. But the first sip tastes burned. There’s probably nothing wrong with the drink since I have it every morning. It’s me and the way I’m reeling. With a sigh, I dump the beverage down the sink.

My phone rings again, and I grab it from my purse. Dorian’s name appears on the screen, and my hand begins to shake. I ache to answer it, but I don’t dare. Instead, I decline the call.

Then before I can open our group chat or read the messages that are frantically demanding attention, I drop the device back into place.

Only then do I realize what a mistake I made. By sending him to voice mail, he knows I’m awake.

Suddenly afraid he’ll come home, I hurry to the bedroom I used to share with them to gather a few things. Anything more might arouse suspicions when I leave.

Dorian’s owl cuff links glint on the dresser and one of Brennan’s jackets is draped over the armchair.

So familiar.

So painfully familiar.

Trying to ignore the way the atmosphere seems to sizzle with tension, I tear off my robe and pajamas, and I dress in lightweight slacks, a pair of sneakers, and a comfortable T-shirt.

Next I grab a small tote bag and stuff my toiletries inside. My laptop and cell phone charger join them, then I place a rolled-up T-shirt on top to hide the contents from the prying eyes of the cameras that are just outside the penthouse, the elevator, and the parking garage.

I give the room one last glance and snatch up my battered copy ofJane Eyre. I’ll need the comfort.

Finally I grab the cat sling from the top shelf of my closet.

As each second passes, my heart thumps harder.

Curious as to what’s going on, Calypso pads over to me, wrapping her body between my legs and meowing. “We’ll be back home soon.” My voice cracks. “Promise.”

There’s only one last thing to do.

In the living room, I take out my phone again.

There are the missed calls from Dorian, along with multiple texts from both of them and one from my sister.

Knowing I dare not stall any longer, I open our group chat.

I force myself not to read any of them.

Instead, I type in the words I’ve silently been rehearsing.

Calypso doesn’t seem to be herself this morning. I made an appointment with the vet. Back soon.

The lie that part of me desperately wants to be true makes tears sting my eyes again.

Brennan replies instantly.I’ll have a driver meet you at your car.

That’s the last thing I want, but something I should have expected, especially after the incident with the reporter.

I type my response.That’s not necessary. I’ll take a car there and back.

Dorian jumps in.Not optional, little one.

Little one.

How I used to love that endearment. And this will probably be the last time he will ever use it.