Page 171 of Theirs to Possess: The Marriage Claim

I promised her I was fine and that I wanted to be alone.

And of course, she didn’t listen, though wallowing in my misery is the only thing I want to do.

Reluctantly I wipe my eyes with an already-damp tissue, blink back the tears that are threatening to pool down my cheeks, and open the door.

Margaux’s mouth falls open as her green eyes—so like mine—scan my face. Then she seems to get hold of herself. “Jesus, Isla.”

She brushes past me.

“Come in.” My sarcasm hangs on the air, unaddressed, as I take a quick peek down the hallway to be sure neither Brennan nor Dorian is nearby. Then I slam and lock the door.

She sets the bag she’s carrying on the counter. “You look like hell.”

“Thanks for pointing that out.” I scoop back a handful of hair. “I hadn’t noticed.”

“Have you showered today?”

She knows I haven’t.

“You’re still in last night’s pajamas.”

While you’re dressed beautifully in a flowing sundress.A little embarrassed, I smooth the hem of my wrinkled T-shirt.

Feeling even worse now, I sigh and head back to the couch. The moment I’m settled, Calypso leaps into my lap.

After she’s finished in the kitchen, Margaux walks into the living room carrying a pint of ice cream and a couple of spoons.

She places the container on the coffee table. Rocky Road. How appropriate.

“Figured we needed this.” She drops down beside me and offers me a spoon.

Since I haven’t eaten all day, I accept.

Leaning forward, Margaux pops off the lid. Instantly Calypso goes to inspect before turning up her nose.

“Dig in.”

I take a small scoop. The cold, creamy sweetness hits my tongue, but it’s not as delicious as I expected. That makes me sigh again.

Margaux has a couple of bites, then turns to me. “Did you know you have security?”

“I…” Scowling, I look at her hard. “What?”

“There’s a black SUV in the parking lot. The windows are tinted, but through the windshield, I saw the guy watching me. When I started walking up the steps, he got out and followed me. It was like a secret agent thing. Stayed back a little while he seemed to be talking to someone, even though there was no one else around.”

I move Calypso onto the cushion beside me and creep toward the window. I nudge aside the blinds and look.

Sure enough, there’s a vehicle parked facing my apartment. He has a clear view of the building and the stairs.

Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised.

I know how vast my husband’s resources are. And it wouldn’t have taken Brennan and his team long to figure out where I’d gone.

Lowering the window covering back into position, I drop onto the couch again.

“Have you heard from them?”

“At least a hundred times.” Dorian couldn’t have slept more than an hour or two. If that long.