One Night Only

Chapter 27

Lounging in the tub, I stare at the white tiles on the wall. All I feel is empty. The water is no longer hot like when I got in. It is now cold but I'm too numb to care. It has been two weeks but the ache in my heart feels fresh. I have nothing.

There's a knock on the door and I know who it is before he even speaks. He checks in on me every few hours. Even during the night. "Madison? You've been in there for hours."

Hugging my legs to my chest, I lean my chin against my knees. I want to be alone. "I'm coming in," he says, turning the doorknob.

Dominic enters the room, slowly peeking at me to make sure the important parts are covered. He slowly moves closer, sitting on the floor beside the tub. "I have good news and bad news."

"What's the good news?" I ask softly, my voice void of emotions.

"I found you an apartment in the city. It's under my name but it's yours. It's already furnished and I had your clothes sent over."

"And the bad news?" I ask.

He takes a deep breath. "I got a call from the boss. He's on his way home."

I wince at the thought of him being anywhere near me again. Boss. Everyone around knows I don't want to hear his name so this is the only thing they're calling him. Turning forward, I continue staring at the tiles. "I'll leave tonight."

"I got you a new phone. My phone number is programmed in it so whenever you need anything just call. I'll help you with everything. I even have a cousin in the city who offered to give you a job when you're ready," he pauses. "I hope you don't think I'm rushing you. I'm just trying to help. Especially because I know you don't want to see him."

I shake my head a little. "You're not rushing me. It's time for me to go."

He places his warm hand on my shoulder and inhales sharply. "Madison, you're freezing."

He leans forward to turn the water on but I stop him. "I'm getting out. I want to say goodbye to Bryant. I'll put him to bed before I leave."

He nods. "Okay. By the time you're done he should be ready for bed. Don't be long."

Standing, he leaves the room and I cross my arms over my knees, leaning my head against them. I have been sleeping in Dominic's room since the day I try so hard not to think about. I only stayed because I knew Owen had left the state and I didn't have anywhere else to stay but Dominic reassured me that everything would be fine. At first I refused to see Bryant because I knew it'd hurt but I knew he was confused and alone. So once I was able to go the day without crying, I decided to spend some time with him. But not too much. Each day I would shorten my visits because I knew this day would come. The day I'd leave and never return. The last time I'll get to see Bryant.

My chest tightens at the thought and a sob escapes my lips. I feel so weak and helpless. Attempting to push my emotions aside, I release the water and stand. I don't know when Owen will be here so I need to hurry. Turning the hot water on, I attempt to warm myself but it's impossible. Getting out, I quickly get dressed and brush my hair before leaving Dominic's room. When I reach the end of the hallway, I see Dominic walking towards me fast. He doesn't have to say anything for me to understand. My eyes quickly scan the room, stopping on Owen who is talking to a few men. Aubrey appears beside him but I am quickly pulled away from their view. "Come on. We'll sneak out the window."

"Bryant," I whimper.

"I know," he says softly. "I'm sorry, Madison."

Once we're in his room, we climb out the window before walking along the house. There's an SUV waiting out front and we quickly get in. He leaves the Bellevue House in a hurry and I refuse to look back at the house that has brought me so much pain. The drive to town is relatively short. He parks in front of a tall brick apartment building. It sort of reminds me of the house Michael runs but I try not to think about it. We get out and he leads me to the elevator where we go up to the third level. He stops at door 3B and hands me the key. "Welcome home, Madison."

Taking a deep breath, I unlock the door and enter the apartment. It's small but more than enough for me. "It's nice," I comment.

He goes into the kitchen area and opens the refrigerator. "It's fully stocked. You have everything you need but if you need anything just let me know. Also, there's a card hidden behind the picture frame in the bedroom for emergencies." I look down at the floor, my heart pounding in my chest. "What is it?" he asks.

"I don't want to be alone," I whisper.

I've been in a house full of people for months now and to be stuck in an empty apartment is going to kill me. I am not strong enough to be alone. He closes the space between us, wrapping his arms around me. "Madison, I wish I could stay but he just got back and I'm his second in command. I'm expected to be there. He's probably already wondering where I am."

I cling to him desperately before realizing I'm being ridiculous. "You're right. I'm sorry," I say, pulling away.

He cups my cheek. "Don't apologize. If it's an early night then I'll come back," he says, pulling something out of his pocket. "Here's your phone. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything."

"Okay. Thank you, Dominic."

"No problem. I'll see you soon."

He walks away, closing the door behind him. Taking a deep breath, I decide to look around a little more before going to bed.

**************************

Vote ★ Comment ★ Follow