46. Kabir

Chapter 46

Kabir

then

She's going to leave.

The dread churning in my gut when I woke was so acute, I expected to find the bed empty beside me.

It wasn't. She was right there. But something's changed.

What used to be listlessness has transformed into a restlessness. Where before, she feared herself, I sense she's eager to reacquaint with herself and learn all she can.

She's going to leave.

She's going to run.

I'm fighting every impulse screaming at me to make her stay.

It's Monday morning, so Gerald arrives bright and early, ready to review the schedule for the week while I dress.

Hunter hurries past the door, but quickly backtracks and stands at the threshold .

She's dressed in stretchy workout attire that shows off an expanse of creamy skin along her midriff. Her hair is piled on top of her head, and she's wearing a bright smile.

"Hey!" She practically skips into the room and pecks my lips. "I'm heading out to a yoga class. I didn't realize you were still home."

I smile at her enthusiasm, at the vivaciousness bubbling from her these days. "Have you done yoga before, love?" I ask, amused.

She shakes her head, her smile turning a little sheepish. "No, but I thought I could give it a try. Plus." She brightens again. "It's next door to this new patisserie I wanted to check out. I'll bring you home something yummy," she promises.

"Go on, then. Have fun."

She kisses me once more, then turns to the door. As she's exiting, she calls over her shoulder. "I'll bring you something, too, Gerald!"

"Ah, you're too good to me, lass," he tells her, his cheeks going pink.

"Hunter," I call after her. "Send me a picture of your ass in downward dog."

"Spence!" she groans, already down the hall based on the sound of her voice. She knows I'm teasing. Honestly, she's probably only acting offended on Gerald's behalf.

The elevator dings, then the flat falls silent once more.

I'm straightening my tie when I look up and meet Gerald's eye in the mirror.

"She's different, sir. More lively than when she first came to us," he remarks.

His fondness for her, I fear, rivals his fondness for me. Not that I blame him. I can be a true ass.

And Hunter? She's life itself.

She's brightness and sunshine—laughter and hope personified.

She's so very good. And she's finally on the right track.

"She is."

"She's happier," he observes. "And if I may be so bold, I think you are, too. She suits you, sir. "

An ache grows in my chest as I consider his words.

She suits me.

She most certainly does.

Never before have I encountered another human I'm more compatible with and at ease around. From conversation to sex drive, we're a perfect fit. I could see myself settling down, committing to a single person, if that person was Hunter.

"Will you ask her to stay?"

His question irks me. Not because he asked it, but because it's vexing. I've been grappling with the same thought for days.

There's a desire for more there, beneath the surface. I first sensed it as she was coming back to life. Now it's there every day.

It's subtle. An untethering of sorts. But she's pulling away.

As she heals and grows more confident, she's clearing out the wilted versions of herself to make way for new growth.

Being anchored to me may have saved her, but it could ultimately hold her back, too.

Will I ask her to stay?

I won't.

I want her here with me, always. But I don't want to have to ask.

It could be tonight, it could be next week, it could be months from now. But she will leave. Because although she could be happy here— we could be happy—she could be happy elsewhere, too.

I want her to find her happiness. Whether it's with me or with another, she deserves all the joy life has to offer.

Gerald clears his throat, pulling me from my thoughts.

"No," I finally tell him with a firm shake of my head. "I won't ask her to stay. I don't expect she'll be around much longer either."

Without another word, I exit the bedroom.