Chapter 8: Now You’re Mine: Chapter 8

My whispered confession sounds loud in the quiet. I bow my head as mortification drapes over me, weighing me down. “The panties in the box are mine.”

Hayden settles on the bed next to me, and the scent of his cologne wafts under my nose. I want to breathe him in, but I don’t. He takes my hand in his, refocusing my thoughts by gently sweeping his thumb over my skin in a soothing caress.

“You haven’t done anything wrong, so why do you sound guilty?” he asks.

“I’m not. I’m ashamed.”

“Why?”

I squint at him and yank my hand to remove it from his hold, but he tightens his grip until I give up. “I was wearing them on June 24th, and when I woke up drugged, I wasn’t anymore. I haven’t seen them since that night. Now do you get it?”

“Yes, I do.”

The fury lacing his response has my fingers twitching. “Don’t make me talk about it anymore.”

“And the note?”

“I have no idea who sent it or what it means.” I close my eyes, unable to look at him when I say, “I’m really tired. Please leave me alone.”

He takes a deep breath as though to remain in control of his temper. “I’m not leaving you. Not now, not ever. When I told you that you’re mine, I meant it. You’re mine to protect, to care for, and to avenge. I won’t ask for your permission, but things would be easier if you’d stop fighting me.”

I look at Hayden, really study him. From the stubborn set of his jaw to the narrowing of his eyes, this man is determined to be in my life, even if it’s by force of will. My will.

His refusal to leave should upset me, but the truth is I need him. As much as his presence overwhelms me, it comforts me more.

“You’re obviously upset, and not just with me,” he says. “What happened to you today was complete bullshit, and I understand that you’re scared, but I promise I’ll do everything in my power to resolve this. You may not trust me, but you can trust in that.”

“I do.”

“Good.”

A knock on the door has Hayden straightening and both of us turning our heads. Harper comes into view, her steps purposeful and her face crestfallen.

“Oh, Calista,” she cries.

My friend is by my side in an instant. Then she turns to Hayden with her hands on her hips and glares at him. “Scoot over. It’s my turn with her.”

My eyes widen when he simply dips his head in acknowledgment before rising from the bed. Harper is quick to take his spot and grabs my hands, squeezing them gently.

“I’ll be right outside,” he says.

As soon as he’s gone, Harper sniffles, bringing my attention back to her. “Are you okay?”

“Other than being a tiny bit sore, I’m fine.”

“Oh, good. I was so worried. All of the glass and blood…” She swallows. “Today was shitty. That’s all I’m saying.”

I nod. “It’s better now that you’re here. Thank you for coming.”

“Of course,” she says with a scoff. “We’re best friends. And since I hold that honorary title, do you want to tell me what really happened? I know it wasn’t because your blood sugar dropped or some other medical issue.”

“If I tell you, can you promise me to keep it a secret?”

Harper reaches out to tuck a stray curl behind my ear. “You’re my ride or die, my bestie boo, my OG for infinity. I’ll never betray you.”

“Even if it’s to keep me safe?”

“Is it really a betrayal if my motives have your best interests at heart?”

I groan and flop onto the pillow. “Why do you have to be so…”

“Sexy? Brilliant? Talented? I could go on all day.”

“Annoying,” I say with a smile.

“Don’t be hateful just because I’m taking Hayden’s side in whatever argument you guys are having. Don’t think I haven’t noticed. You’re more depressed than Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh, but your issue with him isn’t what landed you in this hospital bed.”

I blow out a breath. “I know.”

“Are you going to trust me enough to tell me now?”

“Yes. Don’t interrupt me, or I might not be able to get it all out.”

“I want to help you, even if that means simply sitting here quietly.”

I make a face. “Is that possible?”

“We’re about to find out.”

Before I can change my mind, I tell Harper about the night of my assault, Hayden’s reaction, and his mission to find out everything and put an end to it. I don’t admit to him being my stalker, but I do reveal the details of his behavior at the T&A, as well as him following me at night to and from my apartment. Knowing Harper, she’ll make the connection on her own, and if she doesn’t, that’s fine with me.

My friend sits there without moving or speaking, but her eyes fill with tears, and she grips my hands tighter with every bit of revelation. By the end, I almost wish she were her usual self instead of stunned into silence.

“Now you know,” I say.

“Now I know.”

“Aren’t you going to say something?”

Harper closes her eyes shut, and a tear leaks out. “You can be Eeyore if you want.”

My chest squeezes in on itself. “As long as you’ll be my Tigger. We both can’t be sad.”

“You’re right.” She wipes her face and straightens her shoulders. “Hayden is a demented Christopher Robin, and you’ll be your normal Piglet self in no time.”

“Rude.”

“Okay, fine. You can be Kanga. She’s sweet and nurturing.” She gives me a pointed look. “Listen, you can deny it all you want, but at the end of the day, that man acts like his world revolves around you. Is it a little on the unhealthy side? Sure. But if I thought for one second that he’d hurt you, I’d kill him.”

“The two of you are so… violent.”

“Some things, or people, are worth it.”

At the sound of the door opening, we shift our attention to the nurse walking inside. “Hello, Miss Green,” she says.

“Thank you for trusting me.” Harper jumps down from the bed and leans over to plant a kiss on my cheek. “Don’t bust a stitch tonight.”

“Huh?” I peer around the nurse to gape at my friend. “What are you talking about?”

She winks at me. “TTFN. Ta-ta for now.”