❥𝑹𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆

Chapter 59

Valerie

It was late at night. I was laying in bed, the spot besides me empty, cold.
My eyes went to the clock, over and over again.

Why isn't he home yet?

I thought about calling him. But I knew he was busy, even though staying at the paddock this late was unusual.
I began to worry.

When the time was just about to hit midnight, the door opened.
Charles entered the hotel room.
I wanted to sit up and greet him, but my body was too tired.

I stayed where I was and listened to what he was about to do.
Charles moved around very quietly, he put off his shoes and went straight into the bathroom.

Then I heard the shower running.

A few minutes later, the mattress sank and he lifted up the blanket to slide under it.
A cold hand touched my waist as I was laying on my side.

I exhaled.
»Where were you?«, I whispered.

Charles moved closer, his upper body clinging to my back.

»I had to clarify something in the paddock, sorry I couldn't be back earlier.«, he breathed into my shoulder.

There was something strange in his voice. It sounded like guilt. Or sadness at least.

»Everything okay?«

The silence after my question was longer than I hoped it to be.

But then, a kiss came over my neck.
»Yeah, don't worry.«

I laid my hand over his, which was still resting on my waist. He flinched for a second, but calmed down easily after.

Something was odd about him. I just had a feeling.

But I was too tired to dig any deeper that night.

***

I woke up by sudden movements.

It was still dark outside,

I rolled on my back, my head turning to my left.

»Charles?«, I whispered, but stayed with no answer.

He laid flat on his back, his hands resting uneasily on his stomach.
I reached out for his hand.

His whole body was shivering, his face warped in agony.

»Charles?«

I tried to wake him up, but he pushed my hand away.

Mumbled words came out of his mouth that I didn't understand.

I didn't know what to do.

I sat in bed, looking at the man I loved most in this world, suffering.

It made my heart ache.

What should I do?

It wasn't a few moments later, that I thought I heard quiet sobs.

»Charles?«, I tried again. But I left unnoticed.

So I moved closer, lowering myself down.
I placed his head on my chest and took his trembling hands in mine, this time without resistance.

My fingers ran through his hair, forming regular circles.

After some time, his breathing settled and his body calmed down.

Thank god.

I exhaled deeply.