I ignored his request and said quietly, "You should have someone else take care of you. It's already late. I need to go back home."
The sky outside had turned fully dark, and the pull of my own home—and the mate bond waiting there—pressed on me. I wasn't sure what would greet me when I returned, but I knew I couldn't stay.
John's expression changed at once, his mood sinking. "So you think I have anyone else to depend on besides you? If you're busy, then go."
His tone was sharp, but underneath it, I could feel the same old emptiness, that instinct to withdraw and shut everything out.
I frowned, trying to stay steady. "I'll arrange for someone to stay with you."
"Scarlett!" His voice rose, edged with hurt and frustration. "Are you holding this against me? Do you want me to be left alone again?"
"No." My answer came quickly, though my chest tightened. "It's not like that."
