Whispered Desires

Chapter 39: Photographs

JASMINE

I was supposed to be back home by seven in the morning, but the storm in Los Angeles delayed my flight for a few hours. A storm. In L.A. of all places.

The universe must really hate me lately.

Not even bothering to stop by my place, I drive directly to Kilian's apartment building. He may not answer his phone, but he will sure as hell answer me when I'm standing right in front of him.

"Kilian?" Storming through the door, I drop my suitcase and glance around the apartment. It's eerily quiet, but as I round the corner, I realize why. The entire living room is covered in empty beer bottles and takeout-containers, and I can't help but sigh as I drop my purse on the couch. "You're probably still asleep... What the hell have you done with this place?"

My eyes land on the open bedroom door at the other end of the hallway, and a sudden panic settles in my stomach as I peek inside.

The bed is empty.

"Where the hell are you?"

My heart is pounding in my chest as I try to think of a reasonable explanation for this. The last time he wasn't home when I was looking for him, Kilian ended up being in the hospital.

God, no.

Did I see his car downstairs? I would've noticed his shiny ass Maserati, wouldn't I? Then again, it could be in the garage... Oh my god, what if he drove while being drunk?

"For fuck's sake, I will kill you if you're hurt somewhere..." I mutter and don't even realize what I'm doing as I dial his number again, but his phone rings right next to me on the nightstand. A quick glance at the screen makes my heart stop, and I find myself holding on to the headrest as the weight of the situation starts to kick in.

17 missed calls.

How long has he not touched his phone?

How long has he not been home?

Panic clogs my throat, and I lean against the wall for a moment, just letting my mind wander to figure out what exactly is happening right now. Is he at Hayden's place? Why would he be there on a Monday morning?

"Fuck. Hayden. Mila." A hand flies on my lips from the next realization of the day. "I am supposed to take Nova today..."

"Correct."

The voice makes my eyes fly open, and I subconsciously reach for the lamp on the nightstand next to me until I find Hayden standing in the doorway, one hand raised while the other hides the baby carrier behind his back.

"Good lord, Jas! Calm down!"

"Oh my God! Hayden! Are you insane? I could've killed you!"

"With a lamp?" He raises an eyebrow at me, and even Nova stares at me with wide eyes.

"Wanna see me try?" I can't help but snap back, and Hayden erupts into quiet laughter as he unbuckles Nova from the carrier to lift her in his arms.

"No, I don't." He chuckles but doesn't even look at me, his eyes as always focused on the baby girl in his arms.

Exhaling a shaky breath, I take a seat on the bed. "What are you doing here?" I manage to focus on the situation at hand. "And where's Kilian?"

"I came by your place, but when you weren't there I figured you're at your other apartment. I let myself in with the spare key..." Hayden steps over to me, a smile on his face as he sits down next to me. "Kilian's at our place. He's okay. Or, like, you know. He's Kilian."