64

Nathaniel The splash of water is loud, but it isn’t louder than Gwyneth’s shriek. It’s the first time I’ve heard that sound from her. The terror in it tears through my chest and clashes against my bones. Fuck. I don’t want her scared, terrified, or any of the negative emotions she’s written on her list. But now this has happened, and in hindsight, I shouldn’t have touched her when King was around. Even if he was napping, because he’s a fucking hyena and if he’s suspecting something, he won’t sleep. He’ll be roaming and digging around like a fucking lunatic until he gets what he wants. But I couldn’t stop it. And it’s not for lack of trying. I gave her the space she demanded, even though I hated it, because it was the right thing to do. I wasn’t going to drag her into my mess or give her hope that doesn’t exist. However, every day I spent without her was absolute fucking hell. Concentration? Zero. Sleep? Nonexistent. And it’s not about her body or how perfect she feels in my arms. It’s