Page 138 of Double Daddies
“I’ve got to go pack. Here’s the money for my drinks. I’ll see you when I get back.” I place the money on the table and walk away without turning back to look at Lainey.
I haul my backpack over my shoulder and grab my smaller duffel bag. My phone lights up with a message from Elijah.
E.
Be there in fifteen minutes.
After opening my door, I step out of my apartment and lock it. I told Elijah to meet me at a small gas station a couple of minutes away from my apartment so Lainey wouldn’t be able to see who was picking me up and tell Mateo.
“There you are. Lainey told me you were leaving soon. Where are you going?” Mateo asks.
My whole body freezes, and my heart lurches into my mouth. “Shit,” I whisper. I was hoping to get away before Mateo found out.
“I’m going on a work trip,” I say, plastering a smile on my face as I turn toward him.
“To where? For how long?” he asks.
How have I not realized how controlling he is before this? How have I not realized he wants me to tell him everything, but he won’t tell me much himself?
“Just to Missouri. There is a farm that I am going to visit since it is an attraction and becoming more popular. It might take me a week or two. My boss told me to pack for a week,” I explain.
At some point, I do need to go to Missouri and interview Gene, the owner of The Little Farm. It’s been on my list for the past several months, but I just haven’t figured out a good time to visit or even asked him if it’s okay.
“No, you aren’t going,” Mateo growls.
I step toward the stairs and away from him. “Sorry, but it’s my job.”
Mateo grabs my wrist, squeezing before I can get away from him. “You aren’t going. You just got back. I’ll tell your boss you aren’t going.”
I yank my wrist out of his hand, wincing as it throbs. “No, you can’t and won’t do that.”
I rush down the stairs, praying I can make it outside before he says anything else. My hands touch the door before I hear Mateo right behind me.
“You aren’t going anywhere, bitch!” he yells. “You’re staying here with me where I know you won’t be fucking two men at once.”
I turn, rage coursing through my body. “I would never cheat on you. You know that.”
I walk out of the building and make my way toward the gas station. I don’t know how much time I have left, and I don’t want them asking me any questions.
“You could have been sleeping with men on all your trips,” Mateo shouts.
I place my bag on the ground and turn around, prodding my finger into his chest. “I have never, and I would never. But just so you don’t have to worry about it, I’m breaking up with you. We’re done. I no longer want to be with you. We’re over.”
I don’t give him time to say anything before I grab my bag and run toward the gas station, hoping and praying that Elijah is there.
“Nora?” someone calls out.
When I look to my left, there’s a man getting out of the passenger side of an older truck.
“Nora Robins? I’m Elijah,” he says.
I rush over to him, turning my head to see if Mateo is anywhere, but I don’t see him. “I… Please…” I gasp for breath.
He grabs my duffel bag, pulling my backpack off before helping me into the truck. I slide to the middle of the bench as Elijah gets in after me.
“Breathe,” another deep voice croons.
Screaming, I push my body toward Elijah’s and look at a broad, muscular man in the driver's seat.
