Page 126 of Bad Wolf

I know what I have to do. As soon as Knox said it, I knew what it would take.

My idea starts to take shape, and I figure I haven’t much choice anymore. I want to be with him and he’s made himself clear, hopefully what I’m about to do will be enough to show Knox I’m all in. That my dad showing up doesn’t change a single thing.

That I’ve heard him.

That he’s my priority.

That I love him above all else.

I slap my knees with my palms and stand, resolute. I’ll start with the bedroom.

I rush into the room that’s been my safe haven these past few months and pull the suitcase out from under the bed. Opening it up on top of the comforter, I begin filling it with everything I own.

Since I’ve bought a few outfits for work and some other bits, the luggage is bulging, and I’m still not finished.

Tackling the bathroom next, I collect up all my toiletries and makeup, my trusty curling iron and a new hairdryer I upgraded to, and then give up when I can’t close my vanity case.

I race into the kitchen and grab two canvas shopping totes from one of the drawers with the Cupcake logo on the front.

Then I move around the apartment, picking up the little things I’ve left lying around–my laptop charger, blanket, one of my bracelets. I’m too rushed to do a thorough search and decide it doesn’t matter. I can always come back tomorrow.

This is really just an actions-speak-louder-than-words, type of statement.

Flustered, I look around and take a breath. This is fucking nuts.

I’m nuts.

Those thoughts don’t stop me from reaching for the board sitting on its little easel on the counter and scrawling a note in chalk across the black slate.

Scott,

I’ll never be able to thank you for all you’ve done to help me. I’ve loved living here with you and I’ll find a way to make it up to you. Just know that if there’s anything you ever need, I’ll come running.

Love, W x

Heading back into the spare room, I do one last sweep and then load myself up so I can get out of here.

Hopefully Knox has calmed down a little and draws out his meal.

The elevator doesn’t move fast enough for my liking, but I finally make it out onto the sidewalk and hail a cab. I really need to download the Uber app.

Luck is on my side, because a yellow taxi pulls over and I scramble in, giving the driver the address of my destination.

After what feels like forever, the driver pulls up in an area that has him rushing me to pay and then, with absolutely no finesse, I’m hurtling through the lobby of Knox’s building like a mad woman, heading for the security desk when I crash into a very hard, very wide chest.

“Fuck, Wren! Are you okay?”

Righting myself I look up into Jason’s handsome face. “Oh, thank God it’s you.”

But then I still. “You’ve already finished with breakfast. I’m too late!”

His eyes rove over my bedraggled appearance and shopping bags full of stuff, heavy and slipping off my shoulders.

“Too late for what? Are you leaving Knox? After one conversation, one fight? After everything you’re just gonna walk out of—”

His sentences all lead into the next and the panic that crashes over his features has me cutting him off,

“I’m not leaving him. Can you please let me up?”

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