Page 16 of Ghost

It was that doubt that ate away at our marriage and ultimately ended my life as I knew it.

Doubt is a treacherous thing.

It can lead you down roads that you have no business being on.

And tonight, it led me to hurt a complete stranger.

Now, I had to figure out what I was going to do about.

Whitney

I had no idea how long I’d been lying there wide awake, staring at the ceiling. It felt like days. I’d tried to sleep, but every creak, every little groan had me tossing and turning. We were miles away, but my mind kept racing with what-ifs and the lingering fear that Dylan would find us. I was terrified that he would try and finish what he’d started.

I glanced down at Toby and sighed when I found him sleeping peacefully. For a brief second, it was like nothing had happened, and then, I spotted the bruises on his arms. Guilt washed over me, and it was all I could do to keep myself from sobbing. I loved him so much, and I hated that I’d gotten us into this mess.

“I love you... I love you so, so much.”

I carefully brushed a strand of hair from his forehead, and his eyes fluttered open. “Hey, Mom.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“It’s okay. I’ve been awake.” He closed his eyes and rolled to his side. “I’ve just been laying here.”

“Something on your mind?”

“I guess.”

“Wanna talk about it?”

“How long are we gonna stay here?”

“I don’t know... but it won’t be forever.” I ran my fingers through his hair. “I just need to figure out a plan.”

Dylan sighed and mumbled, “I hope it’s soon.”

Heartbroken that I had caused him so much pain, I leaned down and landed a quick kiss on his forehead. “I promise I will get us out of here as soon as I can.”

Over the next few days, we kept to ourselves and barely left the room. We needed the time to decompress and face our new reality. Once or twice a day, one of the guys or one of their girlfriends would bring us food and check on us.

They didn’t ask questions, didn’t push. They just made sure we were okay. It was the little things—Ghost nodding at me without a word or that girl Bridget leaving an extra treat for Toby. It was those little acts of kindness that slowly made me feel like maybe, just maybe, we’d be safe here.

We’d been there for almost a week when there was a knock at the door.

Thinking it was one of the guys bringing more food, I ran my fingers through my hair and said, “Come in.”

The door eased open, and Toby leaned into me when a man I’d never seen before stepped inside the room. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a commanding presence, much like Viper’s. He was fierce but attractive, with salt and pepper hair and a neatly trimmed beard.

A kind smile slipped across his handsome face as he said, “Good morning.”

“Good morning,” I replied with a nervous edge.

“Hope I didn’t wake you.”

“No, sir. You didn’t. We were awake.”

“Good.” His eyes skirted over us both. “You two settling in?”

“We’re doing okay.”

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