“Okay.” He eyes me suspiciously, but I keep my face impassive.

Eating up the distance between us, he cups my face in his big hands.

“You’ll stay in this condo today. We clear on that, Tink?”

I just nod my head. I’m going to miss being called that.

He places his forehead to mine and closes his eyes as he takes a soft kiss from my lips.

When he pulls back he looks calmer than he did moments ago when he thought I was going to go out. Another reason I should get out of here. Not only doesn’t he take me out in public with him, but he doesn’t want me to leave his condo at all. In fact, now that I think about it, I haven’t left in weeks. Everything else he’s been having delivered, even the groceries. Is it so bad he really doesn’t want anyone to know I’m here, or is his addiction to sex worse than I thought?

“Keep your phone close,” he says, placing one last kiss on my lips before leaving the room. I wait until I hear the front door click closed, then I start to pack my things.

It doesn’t take long to get what few items I have together. Counting the money I confirm I have a little more than five grand in cash. The only thing of Bray’s I have is the phone, and I don’t want to be accused of taking something that isn't mine.

I scroll through the phone until I find Sam’s number and press call. It rings once and the voice on the other end makes my skin crawl.

“Becs, I’ve been waiting for your call,” Nico says into the phone.

“Where’s Sam,” I shoot back, not wanting to talk to Nico. I’m sure he’s still pissed about the whole club incident.

“Is that any way to treat your man? I’m going to have to teach you some manners.”

“Fuck off, Nico. I would never take you up on your deal.”

“Oh, Becs, I think you’ll do whatever I tell you if it keeps Sam breathing.”

His words snake up my spine and I can feel the blood rush to my ears.

“I can pay.”

“Yes, you can,” he says in a tone that implies I won’t be paying with money.

“With cash, Nico,” I grit out. I grip the phone so hard I’m surprised it hasn't cracked.

“I have enough cash. I have something else in mind.”

“First, where is he?” I need to know how much time I have. Does he already have Sam or can I stall?

“Oh, he’s safe for now. The cops have him in custody but when they’re done with him, I’ll take his life or I’ll take you. I need collateral to make sure Sam keeps his fucking mouth shut and you’re going to be it.”

“Collateral?” I question.

“Sam let himself fall into the cops’ hands, and he knows a little too much for my liking, but I’m guessing he’ll keep his mouth shut if I have you.”

“Fine. Just don’t hurt him,” I say, but no way am I going to let Nico have me. Maybe I can get Sam out of jail and we can run. I have the five grand. We can start over somewhere else.

“Good. Come to the club tonight,” he says before the line goes dead. Typical Nico, he doesn’t question if I’ll be there because he thinks I will be, and maybe I will if I can’t get to Sam first.

Dropping the cell phone onto the nightstand, I look around to see if I’m forgetting anything. My bracelet is lying next to the phone but for some reason I want to leave it. Bray said he liked it. I want something of me to stay with him, because I’ll always keep a piece of him with me.

Sliding my backpack on, I make my way to the front door. The call only confirms that it’s better that I leave Bray behind. If he found out about Sam and Nico he would never let me go. It’s time to stop pretending like Bray’s world is mine. No that’s not true, he didn't let me pretend to be a part of his world. We can’t stop the real world from seeping in anymore. It’s time to face reality.

BRAY

I slide into the back of the town car and Hank pulls away from the curb. I look back at the building and touch my finger to my lips.

I have a lot happening today, and my mental checklist is full. I start to go through my day, but my little fairy keeps coming to mind. By the time I’m at the office, I’m annoyed with my inability to concentrate around thoughts of her. I can’t get Rebecca out of my mind, and I have this overwhelming feeling that I need to go back to her.

My job is demanding and it’s all I’ve been able to do to spend the hours I can with her. I hate every second I’m apart from my fairy, and I’m realizing that work isn’t as important as it once was. The drive I once had for it isn't as strong.

Cindy has been in and out a dozen times with files and notes and reminders of meetings. I know I should have all this already mentally prepared, but I can’t focus on anything but my Tink. The last time she walked in I just snapped at her to get out, not even letting her finish her sentence.

I lean back in my chair and look out the window to the city below.

“What am I doing?” I ask myself. The only place I want to be is by Rebecca’s side. I saw the pleading look in her eyes this morning, but I was selfish and could only think about my meetings. Nothing in the world is more important to me than my Tinkerbell, and I made the mistake of not showing her. In my quest to try to control my feelings for her, I’ve distanced myself, and that’s not what I want. I’m scared to death I’ll end up obsessed like my father was, but I have to let her know how I feel. I have to tell her I love her.