“No. No using your credit card. Nothing that can be traced to you or your whereabouts. Not until we have a clearer idea on who is trying to hurt you.”
The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end at the idea of someone out there trying to hurt me. “Okay, I’ll use the card.”
“Good. I have to go, but when I get back, we are talking about that kiss.” His calm tone and facial expression give nothing away.
Was it a good or bad kiss? Will it happen again?
I gnaw on my lip until he pulls it from my teeth. “Trust me, Callie. I’m not running. I’m coming back. I just need a few days. Do you trust me?” Eli searches my eyes, waiting for me to answer.
Of course I trust him. This sweet, thoughtful man has given me every reason to put my complete confidence in him. He saved my life twice. There is no one I trust more.
“Yes, I trust you.”
“Good. Now, you rest up. Get what you need delivered. Play your guitar. Write some songs. Whatever you want, just don’t leave the house.”
“But—”
He covers my lips with his finger and shakes his head at me. “Before you argue with me, listen. I’m not chaining you to the bed.”
My eyes widen, and my legs flinch at the idea of being chained to Eli’s bed. Holy hell, I’m twisted.
The man between my legs doesn’t miss it, his nostrils flaring as he takes a deep breath. “We are going to come back to the chains, but for right now, I need you to keep your location under wraps. No socials, no pictures. Stay hidden. I trust my family, but that’s it. Stay here. Stay safe. Promise me.”
“Fine,” I relent. It’s not worth fighting with him. He’s right. We don’t know who or why someone is trying to hurt me.
“Say it.”
“I promise.”
The wide grin on Eli’s face takes my breath away. He’s devastatingly handsome, and every cell in my body wishes he would stay.
“That’s my girl.”
“My girl.”Those words hit me in the stomach, sending it into freefall. Am I really his girl?
“Text me if you need anything.” He stands up and cups my cheek in his palm. “I’ll be home soon, princess.”
Home. A flurry of emotions swirls in my chest. I haven’t had a home in so long, and the idea of making a home with Eli sounds like one I never want to leave.
Hurry.
Like he can read my mind, Eli nods, assuring me of his speedy return, before planting a quick peck to my lips that leaves my body humming with anticipation.
I watch him walk out of the bedroom door, hoping like hell he really comes back to me. Soon.
twenty-four
Callie
Eli: Good morning, princess.
Ichucktheburnerphone Mason set up for me across the bed. I’m not responding to his message. I refuse.
It’s been two days, and all I’ve received from him are “landed”, “good morning” and “good night” texts.
He has yet to answer any of my questions about what’s going on or to tell me when he plans to return. His lack of communication leads me to wonder what’s going to happen when he comes back.
Will things go back to the way they were before the fall, or was he telling the truth when he said things have changed?