Tides of deception ✺ Outlander/Stephen Bonnet Fanfic

♤43. I'll miss you

The next morning, the silence in Julie's apartment was broken by a knock. She froze, her mind racing-what if it was her husband's men, come to drag her back? Heart pounding, she approached the door cautiously.

"Who's there?" she called, forcing her voice to remain steady.

"It's me," came the familiar voice, low and steady, with just the slightest hint of impatience. Declan.

Relief flooded her, and she slowly unlatched the door, opening it just enough to see him standing there, tall and solid, with his usual serious demeanor. For a moment, he seemed almost... softer, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he met her gaze. She couldn't help but feel the tension in her shoulders ease slightly as she stepped back, allowing him inside.

Declan's eyes swept over the room, then landed on her with an attentive look, his brow furrowing. "What is it you need, Julie?" His voice was quiet, but there was a careful steadiness in his words, as if he were trying to understand why she'd asked him here.

She hesitated, then smiled softly. "Would you like some tea first?" Her tone was tentative, aware that even this small offer might be out of the ordinary for him.

He looked surprised but nodded, shifting uncomfortably in his spot. Julie busied herself at the small table, hands moving deftly as she poured the tea. She watched him out of the corner of her eye as he settled into the chair, his large hands awkwardly encircling the delicate teacup. He brought it to his mouth with a kind of gentleness, as though afraid he might break it. Seeing his fingers wrapped around the tiny cup, Julie felt a flicker of warmth-a reminder of the humanity behind his quiet strength.

When the silence grew too heavy, she took a breath and let it all spill out.

"I feel trapped, Declan," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "I thought I could just stay here... that I'd feel safe. But every time I close my eyes, I'm terrified they'll come for me." She paused, glancing down at her hands, her words tumbling out faster than she intended. "And I can't escape this marriage, not unless... not unless he decides to let me go."

Declan's face darkened slightly, though he kept his gaze steady. "So... he's the only one with that right?"

She nodded, the weight of it hanging between them. "Yes. Only he can file for a divorce," she murmured, her eyes shadowed with frustration and sadness. "The only way it's even allowed is if there's proof of... adultery or if one of us vanishes for months." Her voice wavered. "And even then... it's never guaranteed."

Declan listened in silence, his expression unreadable, though his eyes softened as she spoke. He took a slow sip of tea, clearly uncomfortable but intent on absorbing every word.

"So," he began after a long pause, "you feel locked up here?"

"Yes." Her answer came in a small voice, her gaze lowered.

He leaned forward slightly, a hint of understanding in his eyes as he studied her. His voice was low and thoughtful. "Maybe," he said carefully, "we find a way to get you out of here. Just... enough so you don't feel so trapped." He glanced at her expensive gown, his mouth twitching into a brief, almost mischievous smile. "I'll bring you some normal clothes. Something less... recognizable."

A glimmer of relief shone in her eyes, and she nodded, feeling the faintest flicker of hope. "Thank you," she whispered. The idea of being able to go out, even if only for a walk around the city without drawing attention, made her feel as though she could finally breathe. She looked at him, gratitude mingling with a sense of vulnerability. "I... don't know how to thank you, really."

They both fell silent, and the air between them grew charged, like an unspoken weight had settled into the room. Declan's gaze lingered on her, and Julie felt her heart beat faster, a slight thrill running through her. His face softened, the edges of his usual stoic expression blurring as he held her gaze.