Page 70 of Tainted Tempos

I knock twice and, without waiting for a response, throw open her bedroom door and cross the threshold.

“Mckenna,” I say, my tone hard.

She looks up, her mouth dropping open in surprise.

God, she’s gorgeous.

She looks fragile in the bed, her hair piled on top of her head. A bandage covers the back left side of her scalp, ending at her neck.

Christ, I missed her.

“What are you—” she stutters.

“I love you,” I declare. “I fucking love you, Mckenna.”

She freezes for a full heartbeat before pain blazes across her expression. “I know you do. Loving each other isn’t the problem, Mav.”

“Then what is it?” I ask, striding to her bed and dropping to my knees. I reach for her hand, and she clasps my fingers, tugging until I shift to perch on the side of her bed. “What is it?”

“You went behind my back,” she murmurs. “You took control of a situation I’m trying to get a handle on.”

“I’m trying to help you.”

She nods emphatically. “And you have. But you crossed a line, Mav.”

“There are so many lines, it’s like playing fucking hopscotch,” I growl. “I’m not going to apologize for keeping you safe.”

Mckenna rolls her lips together and sighs. “I need to be able to trust myself and sometimes, with you meddling and taking things on, it makes that harder.”

“I never meant to scare you.”

“I know. But I was terrified. And that made me realize how scared I truly am. Every day on campus, walking to my car, getting coffee from The Grind. I keep waiting toseehim.” Her eyes fly to mine, brimming with tears. “It’s like I’m suffocating and can’t suck in a breath. And I’m trying, Mav. I’m seeing a therapist. I told Allegra and my father the truth. I’m trying. I want to be a good wife. A worthy wife and a true partner.”

“You are!”

She shakes her head. “I’m not. I’m not there yet. I need to be okay on my own before I can ever be the woman you need.”

“You are the woman I need. The woman I want.” Nerves in my stomach tighten. My heart beats erratically.

“Not like this.” She points to herself. “I’m not thriving. I’m fucking surviving. And I deserve more. You deserve more. We both do, our marriage does. Please, can you give me some time?”

“Time and space,” I mutter bitterly. “We’re back to that?”

“I just want to take a few days at my dad’s house. Get my head on right. Figure out what to do next.”

“About Bran?” I sneer.

“About everything,” Mckenna replies.

“Fuck.” I hang my head, hating that she’s pushing me away. Again. When all I’ve ever done is try to show up for her. Be present for her.

“Maverick, please,” she pleads with me. Two tears spill over, rolling slowly down her cheek. “I need a break.”

A break.

I stare at her. My mouth opens and closes, but words don’t come.

She’s hurting, and I’m...making it worse. My presence is hurting her.

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