Chapter 7

ChapterSeven

CHLOE

I’m thankful for the credit card my mom gave me years ago when I first came to New York. It was for me to use while I was in school, but after I married Sawyer, I tried to give it back to her. She insisted I keep it just in case, and I’m glad I did.

Sawyer has always enjoyed taking care of me, and I loved it too. The way he did it made me feel special, but now I’m not sure how I feel. I’m second guessing so many things, and it’s not only the bet. Are there other things he manipulated me to do? His shiny new CEO job pops into my head, but I can’t go there right now.

When I slide my ID and card to the older woman at the hotel check-in desk I notice her name badge says Judy.

“How many nights will you be staying with us, Mrs. Ingram?”

“I’m not sure. Can we start with one?” How sad is it that I’ve never checked into a hotel on my own? Sawyer is the one who does all of this.

“That should be fine,” she agrees and then clicks away on her computer. “Oh, I didn’t realize your credit card has the name Chloe Matthews.”

“Yes, that’s my maiden name.”

“I’m sorry but?—”

“Please,” I hurry to say as sadness begins to overwhelm me. Her eyes run over my face, and I’m sure I’m red and blotchy from all the crying.

“All right,” Judy says softly.

“Can you put the room under my maiden name too?” She gives me a small smile and nods.

She probably thinks I’m on the run from an abusive husband. Technically I am on the run, but the only thing Sawyer would ever do to me is spank me. He’s going to have to catch me first. He’s not used to me not obeying him, and truthfully, I loved obeying him.

To submit under his controlling ways was something we both craved. All I wanted was to be inside whatever beautiful cage he created for me. It made me feel safe and loved, and I was adored and coddled. I’m sure some people might think it’s insane for me to want that, but that’s why I thought we fit. It was what we both needed, and now I wonder if it makes me a fool.

“All right. I’ve got you all checked in.” She slides my room key along with my credit card and ID back across the counter. “If you need anything I’ll be here at the front desk until tomorrow morning.”

“Thank you.” I give her the best smile I can muster before I head toward the elevators to find my room. The second I enter, I drop my bag and kick off my shoes. Then I fall onto the bed and curl into a ball.

When I got home it was a mad dash to pack a small bag and change. I knew I was likely on borrowed time because I had a gut feeling Sawyer would somehow get out of being arrested. He’s good at getting what he wants if I’m any indication.

My ring finger is bare and it feels as empty as my heart. In my rush of emotions I pulled it off and left it on Sawyer’s nightstand. My mind flashes to all the times he asked me to marry him, and more tears begin to fall.

I feel like a silly little girl that was stupid enough to marry the first guy that gave me attention. I fell for all of it and never questioned anything.

Even if it started as a bet and turned into more, it still stains everything. I didn’t think Sawyer was the kind of man that would get involved in something like that, but it only reminds me how na?ve I really am.

My eyes close, and although I don’t think I’ll be able to fall asleep, my body must decide to give me a break. Maybe it’s the rush of emotions and all the crying, but I’m out quickly and sleep hard until the sun wakes me up.

The curtains are wide open because I didn’t bother to close them last night. Everything is so bright, and as soon as I sit up, yesterday comes rushing back. My mind immediately conjures the memory of Paul drunk and shouting to everyone that his friends made a bet to sleep with me. Then the memory of Sawyer being unable to deny it comes back, and it makes me sick. The urge to vomit hits me, and I bolt to the bathroom.

I barely make it before I throw up, not that there’s much in my stomach. After I’m finished, I rest against the wall and my stomach cramps again. Am I throwing up because I remembered yesterday or could it be something else?

My hand goes to my stomach and I recall the date. “Ohh, I’m late,” I whisper. It’s not by much, but when I count back again to double-check the time, it’s the same.

Pulling myself up from the floor, I get my bag so I can brush my teeth and take a shower. I’ll feel more human after that because I can’t process this right now. When I get out, I force myself to get dressed even though all I want to do is crawl back into bed.

“What are the actual odds?” I ask myself as I lift my shirt to stare at my stomach.

All this time I’ve wanted to get pregnant so badly and it happens now? Now? Tears sting my eyes, but I make myself take a deep breath. I’m not crying again right now. The first thing I need to do is get a test. There is no way I can wait.

When I grab my purse my phone slips out. I pick it up knowing I can’t turn it on here because Sawyer might be able to see where I’m at. I’ll have to wait until I’m outside of the hotel or somewhere farther from here.

Guilt eats at me as I walk into a pharmacy, but I can’t focus on that right now. All I need to do is focus on getting a test and getting out of here. Standing there in front of the wall of pregnancy tests, I decide to grab two different types.

“Crap,” I hiss when I slide my card through the machine at the self-checkout.

It’s not until after I use it do I realize it’s the wrong one. It’s too late now so I grab the tests and don’t bother with the receipt. I’m rushing out of the pharmacy because I know I’m likely busted. Sawyer will be watching for transactions, and he’ll see the location of the purchase. Deciding that now is probably a good time to check my phone, I turn it on.

The screen barely has time to light up before a million texts and missed calls begin to show. I don’t have a chance to read anything before it starts ringing in my hand. I clear the call without looking to see who it is and then send Sawyer a text.

I’m safe.

Once it goes through, I power off the phone and shove it into my purse. On the way back to the hotel, I keep looking over my shoulder. If he shows up, I need to be tucked away in a room and not roaming the streets where he could spot me.

I stop at the front desk and confirm another night, but I’m not sure if I’ll stay. I don’t want to be rushed to check out, but maybe I can’t stay in one spot for too long. When I make it back to my room without being caught, I let out a deep breath.

Then for some stupid reason I burst into tears. All I want to do is go home.