SHARING EMMA [18+]

36. Glimpse of Him

[EMMA]

I'm incredibly lost when it comes to knowing what I can trust and can't these days. After listening to everything Ryker said, I'm overwhelmed by this intense feeling of dread that every single word he uttered is absolutely true. It's hard to explain, but it's one of those moments where you just feel it deep down, regardless of whether it makes logical sense or not.

I'm still trying to keep an open mind though. The last time we crossed paths, he shamelessly used me as a pawn in his vendetta against his father, leaving me with no reason to believe his current words. He could very well be attempting to manipulate me once again. Yet, there's a flicker inside me that suggests he isn't playing games this time. In fact, he appears genuinely concerned.

Then again, maybe he's just exceptionally skilled at pretending to be genuine.

God, my head hurts.

"So you're telling me that my nightmares are only going to worsen?" I groan, my hands covering my face in frustration as I slump down onto the bed, silently cursing my luck.

"Yes," Ryker responds, his voice unwavering. "That's precisely why we need to get off this damn island as soon as humanly possible."

I suppose there's some logic to his words. I can't afford to jeopardize my pregnancy due to someone's vengeful plot. However, the storm raging outside grows more ferocious with each passing minute, casting doubts on our ability to leave this place anytime soon. It seems we'll have no choice but to wait.

I release my hands, letting them rest on my thighs as I shoot Ryker a piercing glare. "Listen, I couldn't care less about escaping this forsaken island. But I won't take a single step without Carlos. Where the hell is he, by the way?"

Ryker runs his hand through his hair for what feels like the hundredth time before he lets out a heavy sigh. "He went to see the chief of the tribe."

That definitely doesn't sound like something Carlos should be doing at this hour, especially in this treacherous weather. "Why the hell would he do that?"

Ryker shrugs. "Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. Maybe he intends to confront the chief. Scratch that—there's no doubt about it. If Dad believes the tribe had a hand in poisoning you, then he probably went to remind the chief about their agreement or, worse, break it off. Like I mentioned before, they had struck a deal where the tribe would let go of past conflicts in exchange for resources and job opportunities my dad could provide to the islanders."

I narrow my eyes, attempting to process this new information. "So, you're telling me that Carlos is willingly putting his own safety at risk just to remind the chief of their agreement? That doesn't seem like the smartest move, given the circumstances. What if things go horribly wrong?"

He avoids my gaze, his eyes darting away. "I'm confident he can handle himself. Besides, he's not alone. Tomas is with him."

"I won't really consider it a solid backup." I rise from the bed and walk over to the closet, grab a coat, and pull my hair up.

"What are you doing?" He asks, following me with his gaze.

"We need to get him back."

"There is no "we" here. You're not going anywhere."

I turn to face him, finding his brows furrowed in disapproval. Not that his opinion holds any sway over me.

"Well, someone has to go, and judging by how little you seem to care about him, I doubt you'd be willing to undertake the task yourself. Furthermore, I can't ask you. I know you'd rather leave him to rot if it offered peace to your wounded self. But I simply cannot abandon him. I love him. And until I make sure of his safety and well-being, I doubt I'll find even a shred of relief."

I take a deep breath, fortifying my resolve. "I'm going, with or without your support."

It's a risk, but one I'm willing to take.

I walk past him, but he grabs my arm and forcefully turns me around. "Emma, don't."

I don't know what he expects from me. I can't just leave the man I love. "You don't understand."

"Give it a shot."

Tears well up in my eyes, but I refuse to let myself break down at this moment. It's not the right time to focus on my own emotions. "Fine. He's the father of my child. I have to bring him back. Is that reason good enough?"

"Emma!" He looks shocked, and his grip on me loosens slightly. "You can't mean that."

"Mean what?" I pull my arm away and glare at him. He's just wasting time, can't he see?

"That you're pregnant with my...?"

"It's true."

"But you can't be certain."

"I don't know what you want me to say. And honestly, I don't think this is the time to delve into the details. I still need to find a way to get to Carl. And you're just wasting time."

I start walking away, already making plans to locate the head of security. Surely, he can arrange for someone to drive me to where the tribal chief resides, but Ryker blocks my path once again.

His face contorts with a mix of emotions—confusion, anger, and maybe even a touch of hurt. "No. You can't go anywhere. Have you seen the weather outside? It's a damn storm out there."

"Exactly. That's why I need to reach Carl before it worsens. You have no idea. I'm literally freaking out here. Get out of my way. Please!"

"No." He shakes his head and stands in the doorway, refusing to let me pass. "You stay. I'll go. I'll find him."

"Forgive me if I find that hard to believe."

"Emma!" He looks infuriated, on the brink of exploding, yet trying to hold back. "I said I'll find him. But you need to stay put. Until we return, you won't leave this place under any circumstances. Do you understand me?"

My heart tells me not to trust him, but I still nod. "But you have to bring him back. If you don't, I swear I'll never forgive you."

"I promise you. I will bring him back. You have my word." His voice carries a hint of sincerity that resonates within me, despite my doubts.

"You better keep that promise, Ryker. I don't know if I can bear the weight of losing him." The thought of Carl, the man I love, in danger, sends a shiver down my spine. I can't imagine a world without him. I know he is not perfect but I also know that he cares and loves me, and that should be enough. We have the rest of our lives to sort out the mess our lives are currently in, but for now, I just want to find him and bring him back. I want nothing more than to see him safe.

Ryker's features soften momentarily, his guard slipping. "I understand. I know how much he means to you. At least, I know now. Just trust me. I won't let you down."

I take a deep breath, pushing back my fears and insecurities. "Okay. Find him and bring him back safely. And please, hurry."

Ryker promptly departs, and I rush to the window, catching a glimpse of him leaving the mansion with the head of security. They engage in a serious conversation, but I can't make out their words.

The rain outside grows fiercer, each drop pounding against the windows with an unrelenting force. The sky becomes an ominous canvas, periodically pierced by brilliant flashes of lightning that reverberate through the air, casting an eerie glow upon the surrounding darkness.

A suffocating fear tightens its grip on my chest, constricting it with an unyielding hold. Maybe it's the weather amplifying my worries, but in all my years, I've never felt so restless and on edge. This fear is unfamiliar, unsettling.

All I can do now is hope and pray that Carl is safe, that he's not caught up in any danger.

"Please, let him be okay," I whisper to myself—as if pleading with the elements themselves.

A/N: What do you think so about to happen? Do you think Carlos is in any danger? Do you think Ryker will keep his promise?