Page 130 of Corrupt Me

“Did you?”

“I’m watching over her 24/7, but maybe a chip will help curb my constant concern.”

I can’t call him a damn creep because I am the same way.

“While my responsibility lies with the Family, Celine is my priority. So, I am asking you. Who would you choose?”

“Bailey,” I answer, not even pretending to think about my answer.

“Duty is one thing. Love is another. There’s only a perfect match when they serve the one you can’t live without.”

An understanding passes between us, and when I see the dot finally moving, I say, “They’re going back to the estate.”

He tips his chin in a strained nod. “Good. Soon, we’ll know what the fuck is happening here.”

Kaden walks to the door and says over his shoulder, “Tell her the truth. Secrets just create an unnecessary strain in the relationship.”

“You would know.”

“I learned my lesson. Learn yours before you fuck up.”

With that, he leaves, and exhaustion presses down heavy on me, but the bed holds no appeal without her. Nothing does. Everything feels so insipid, and time drags by so slowly it’s as if it stops to enjoy my turmoil.

When my phone pings with a text, my heart races, pounding in my ears, almost deafening me. The relief that floods me when I see her name has me dropping on the edge of the bed.

I’ll never stop loving you, but I need some time alone. Please understand. I’m so sorry.

All the life drains from me as I read her text.What the fuck am I missing here?

My fingers fly over the keyboard.What happened?

Fuck texting. I press the call button, but it rings four times before she finally picks up. The silence that greets me delivers a sucker punch to my gut, stealing all my breath.

“Bailey, angel, talk to me.” I can hear my own desperation loud and clear, just like I can hear her muffled sounds and her shuddery breaths. “Fuck this. I’m on my way.”

“Please. No. If I see you, I can’t do what I must do.”

I don’t fucking like the sound of that at all.

“Can you promise me something?” she whispers, her voice barely audible.

Gulping, I say without a second thought, “Anything.”

She sniffles. “Don’t hate me. I love you so much, Hunter. I wish… It doesn’t matter. I’m sorry.”

When the call disconnects, the phone slips from my hand and crashes to the floor. The sound resonates with the abrupt shift, leaving me desolate. With my face buried in my palms, I ponder what could have happened. But the muffled voices outside the door pull me out of my catatonic state.

Blake and Mia are in the hallway. My sister is dressed for bed in matching shorts and a top, while Blake looks ready to go out. I thought he’d stopped fighting. He casts a look my way before kissing my sister and heading downstairs.

When my sister notices me, her expression falters. She swallows hard, opening and closing her mouth as if searching for the right words.

Why is everyone acting so damn strange? My mind races with possibilities, each one more unsettling than the last.

“What is it?” I ask in a rough tone, losing my patience.

“Bailey called Blake.”

Three words that sever my heart from my chest, the organ beating its lasttudum, tudumon the floor. I lean against the wall to support myself.She wants his presence, but not mine.

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