So disappointed
I’m so disappointed. I was hoping to get some kind of information or insight—something that I could tell Evans. If Dr. Edwards truly doesn’t remember Murphy, then it seems unlikely that he’s the source of the rumor. Someone else is leaking this information—but I have no idea who. This is really, really bad. If this person keeps talking, or if they leak some proof…I leave the hospital feeling dejected and discouraged.
At least I tried.
I weave my way through the parking garage downstairs until I find my car. As I drive home, I think about how excited I am to see Alfred when I get there. Cuddling him will be such a comfort after this crazy day.
I pull up to the house and climb the front steps, digging around in my bag for my keys.Evans left the outside light on for me. When I finally find my keys and get the door open, the foyer is dark and quiet. In fact, it’s too quiet. “Hello?” I call out, but no one answers. I know that Henrik is at a shoot, but Bellina and Evans should be here. Did something happen? Did a gossip blog leak our address? Was Alfred kidnapped? Oh my God. I will never forgive myself if something happened to him. Never. I should have been here, not running around the hospital like an amateur detective. Where is everyone?
“Bellina?” I yell as loud as I can, and then listen hard. Still, there’s no answer.
“Alfred, baby, where are you?” I rush upstairs towards his room, and flick on all the lights as I go. His crib is empty. His blankie and his stuffed elephant are gone too.
I dig in my pocket for my cell phone. With shaking hands, I dial Bellina’s number. She was supposed to be here with Alfred. Where did they go? Even if they went out somewhere, it’s late and they should be home by now.
Don’t cry, Ciara. It’s okay. It’s going to be okay. Inhale.
What if they’re hurt? Oh my God, what if Alfred’s hurt and no one can help him? He’s just a baby. Oh my, God. My baby!
“Hello, you’ve reached the voicemail box of Bellina…”
Why isn’t she picking up?
“They’re gone,” a voice says behind me. I nearly drop the phone in shock. It’s Evans. Oh, thank God!
“What do you mean?” I’m so confused I can barely get the words out. “Where are Alfred and Bellina?”
“Don’t worry,Ciara, everything is fine, I promise”Evans says. He takes a few steps toward me and I realize with a start that he’s only in a towel. His skin and hair are wet from the shower. My eyes flicker down to his bare chest, and I frown at him. “Evans, I don’t get it. What is going on?”
He moves closer to me, reaching out a hand to touch my cheek. “It’s simple Ciara. I banished them to my sister’s for the night so you and I can have the place to ourselves.” His voice low and seductive, giving me shivers inside my stomach. I feel heat blooming in my cheeks as my excitement builds.
His eyes meet mine and I can see the desire blooming in them as he looks at me. Without losing eye contact, he reaches for the towel, dropping it to the floor.
“Are you ready for a night you’ll never forget?”