Page 36 of Ruthless Secrets
I should have walked away from this job the moment I learned it was owned by the De Lucas, let alone Marco. But I can’t change the past. All I can hope for is that Marco lives up to the man I imagined him to be in my mind. The man who took me to bed that night all those months ago and worshipped my body like his life depended on it.
Sam sits up straighter. “Fuck it, we need wine.”
“I don’t think I have any.”
“Good thing I picked some up on my way, then.” She jumps to her feet to go and grab the bag of takeout.
Normally, I wouldn’t bother having a drink, especially on a weeknight, because the effort to pump outweighs the desire for alcohol. But right now, I really just want to numb my feelings, so I don’t object.
Zoe will just have to make do with formula tonight.
“Why don’t we watch a movie?” Sam carries the bottle ofwine and two glasses over to the coffee table. “It might help take your mind off things.”
I highly doubt that some 90’s romcom is going to distract me from the fact that my child’s father hates me and likely will want nothing to do with either me or Zoe, but I don’t want to hurt Sam’s feelings. She’s only trying to help, and it’s either watch a movie or spend the next two hours talking through all the potential outcomes to this situation.
So, we sit in silence and watch the film, though I don’t pay attention to a single word that is being said.
The wine only makes me feel sicker, so I barely touch it along with the food, but Sam doesn’t comment.
When the credits finally roll, I get to my feet and start clearing up. It’s almost nine, which means it’s officially an acceptable time for me to go to bed and sleep off this day.
Sam brings the last of the plates into the kitchen. “Are you going to go to work tomorrow?”
I groan. “I hadn’t even thought of that. There’s no way I can work at Nox after this. Do you think it’s too late to get my old job back?”
Sam shrugs. “Let’s not make any rash decisions before you’ve spoken to Marco. For all we know, he could turn up first thing in the morning with coffee and doughnuts, ready to play happy families.”
I highly doubt that will happen, but I appreciate Sam’s efforts to cheer me up.
“And, Clara, I’m here if you need someone to talk to. No matter the time, you can call me.”
I walk her to the door. “I know. Thank you, Sam. For everything.”
She gives me one last hug before leaving, and I shut the door quietly behind her.
My apartment feels deathly silent and for a moment, all Ican hear is the sound of my own heartbeat pounding in my ears.
I really should take a shower, but Zoe is due for her dream feed, so I quickly prep her bottle and head into the bedroom.
But when I get inside, the crib is empty.
“Oh, my god! Zoe!”
I hastily turn on the overhead light and glance around the cramped room, though I know in my heart Zoe isn't here. She can’t even stand up by herself yet, so there’s no way she could have suddenly learned how to climb out of her crib.
But that doesn’t stop me from throwing back the covers on my bed and looking under it as well as the crib.
She’s not here.
“Zoe! Zoe?—”
My eyes land on the open window beside my bed, and my knees give out.
Someone was in my room. While I was next door drinking wine, someone broke into my apartment and took my sleeping baby right out from under my nose.
I don’t have time to crawl to the bathroom before I throw up all over the floor.
What if I never get her back?
