Chapter 51: The Escape

I wait until the middle of the night to leave. I know he deserves better, but I don't trust myself to actually walk away if I have to do it face-to-face.

Carefully, I pull away from the circle of his arms. His breathing is steady and deep, and he hardly even stirs as I quietly slip out of bed. I gather my few things and quickly dress. I've been debating whether or not to leave him a note, to tell him where I've gone and why. It feels less cowardly, somehow, to write him a message, even if I'm still sneaking away while he's asleep.

I pause next to the bed, looking down at him. He looks so big and strong, even when he's asleep, but there's a slight softness about him, too. It's that softness that makes my heart ache now.

Against my better judgment, I lean down over him, brushing my lips softly against his brow.

"Goodbye," I whisper.

Then I sneak quietly out the bedroom door.

I make it about ten paces before I first have to fight the urge to turn back. But I place my hand on my bell