Page 100 of Once You're Mine

The term of endearment has my soul wailing. I bite down on my fist until the tang of blood hits my tongue. I can’t go to him, not when I’m the one who asked for space. But hearing his voice and the concern underlying it? I’m like an addict wanting a drug, knowing it’ll just hurt me.

The silence is charged, becoming heavier with every second I refuse to speak. My sobs immediately quiet with Hayden standing on the other side of the door. I don’t stifle them for his benefit. I do it for mine.

I won’t give him a reason to break the lock, as well as the remaining shreds of my dignity.

At the sound of his footsteps receding, I release a sigh of relief. I might’ve held my breath when there was a mere three inches between us, but my tears continued to stream down my face. Sometimes I think they’ll never stop. But like all things, they come to an end.

I lie down on the floor, uncaring about comfort or anything else while chasing the blissful reprieve found in sleep. Closing my eyes, I concentrate on my heartbeats instead of the man down the hall. Except my brain refuses to cooperate. I might’ve told Hayden he’ll never invade my mind, but I lied.

The man follows me into my dreams.

Turning them into nightmares.

Now You’re Mine