Page 67 of Corrupted Bride

“Thinking.”

“What time is it?”

“Early?”

I look at the clock, groggy and confused. It’s barely past five. “How long have you been there?”

“A few hours.” He’s in a black shirt and black sweats. His hair’s a mess and his eyes are red-ringed from exhaustion.

“Bass, come back to bed. You need to sleep.”

He looks away like he can’t stand to make eye contact right now. “That wasn’t supposed to happen.”

“I know. It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not okay, Marisol.”

I flinch at my full name. “Please, come get a few more hours of sleep.”

He stands. There’s an envelope in his hands. He walks to my bedside and places it down on the nightstand. “That’s everything you need.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Don’t make this harder than it has to be. It’s what you really want, right?” His face is a mask of darkness. He looks angry and in pain, but determined. “Take it and don’t look back.”

“Bass? What are you talking about?”

He walks away. I call out again but he ignores me and disappears out the bedroom door. I shove off the blankets, get to my feet, and tell myself I’m going to chase after him⁠—

But first, I open the envelope.

Inside is cash. A lot of cash. There’s an ID with my picture on it but a fake name, Darlene McMannon, plus a birth certificate and other documents, everything I’d need to start a new life.

And a car key. I’d bet my right foot there’s a Honda Element waiting for me in the driveway.

Last of all is a note, scrawled in his cramped handwriting.

Marisol, you didn’t sign up to die by my side. Take this and go. Don’t look back. It’s what you really want, and I can’t deny your freedom anymore. Cruz will be safe here, I swear it. I’ll watch out for him no matter what. Only drive, and don’t stop driving until you’re far away. Start over for me. Don’t think. Just drive.

I crumple the paper, tears streaming down my face.

That fucking asshole.

God, that bastard, that prick, that piece of shit.

Why is he doing this to me now?

Last night was good. It was so good. I felt like we crossed a line, like we found something together. The last few weeks have been hinting at it, and I’ve been thinking it could be real, but I wasn’t sure. Not until being with him at that party and realizing there wasn’t a single person in the entire world I wanted to be with other than him.

Now he’s sending me away.

Giving me this gift.

What the hell?

I squeeze my eyes shut. I’ve wanted this for so long. I fought for it, got Danny nearly killed for it, risked Hector and everything a second time, and now it’s here. Freedom is in my hands.

Drive and don’t look back.