Page 64 of It Destroys Me

“Because she’s mine!” His calmness evaporated, and he turned maniacal like he had in the past. “Give her back or?—”

I decided to take the advice I’d given Astrid and hung up on him. “I’ve got to kill this asshole.”

Chapter 13

Astrid

Hours passed, and we didn’t hear from Theo. He didn’t come to the house to get me. It was radio silence.

Scarlett sat with me in the living room, her kids playing with their toys on the floor.

Axel couldn’t keep his eyes open much longer, so he’d gone to take a nap.

Scarlett watched her kids play before she looked at me again.

“I know he’s okay, but I don’t know what’s taking so long.”

“Call him.”

“He would have called me if he wanted to talk.”

“Anytime I called Axel, he always had time to talk to me. You know he’s okay, so call him.”

I was a bit disappointed that he hadn’t called. All I’d gotten was a quick text and nothing else. I left the couch and stepped out of the room to make the call. With the phone to my ear, I listened to it ring.

He didn’t pick up on the first or second ring. But he did pick up. There was a long pause because he didn’t say anything right away. “Hey, sweetheart.”

I closed my eyes as I treasured the sound of his voice.

He remained quiet as he waited for me to speak.

It took time to form words. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

He said nothing.

“Axel told me you were shot.”

“Don’t worry about it. I get shot all the time.”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?”

There was no smirk in his voice. Just the same seriousness. “I failed you.” His voice was strong but full of defeat. “I’m sorry.”

“You didn’t fail, Theo.”

“He’s alive, isn’t he?”

“You’re alive. That’s all I care about.”

“That’s why I haven’t called. Didn’t want to have this conversation.”

“Theo…” My heart ached for him.

“Axel told you what happened at the house?”

“Yeah.”

“I want to come get you, but I can’t.”