Page 36 of Billion Dollar Mistake

“I’ve got you,” he repeats, his fingers intertwined with mine as he grabs my hand. Reminding me how surprisingly soft but strong his hand is.

Only a couple of calluses, from weights maybe? But otherwise, it's large and warm, and it encapsulates mine. He’s making me feel wanted and safe, just by simply holding my hand and keeping me close to him.

We step into the elevator as I concentrate on my slow steady breaths.

“Keep breathing. I've got you. It'll only be a short trip up,” he adds softly. His thumb running over my knuckles.

“You'll be free soon.”

The fear is bubbling back in my throat. “Keep talking to me,” I beg. Panic is definitely hitting hard again.

“What’s your favorite color?”

I frown and turn my head to look at him. “What a silly question.”

“Just do it,” he says with a deep and bossy tone.

I keep looking up at him as I exhale and answer, “Black.”

He stares down at me, an unreadable expression settling on his face. “Do you seriously like black?”

“Yeah, what's wrong with black?”

“Nothing,” he mumbles.

“What's your favorite color?”

His eyes hold mine as something passes between us. “Black.”

My heart hammers hard in my chest as I whisper, “No.”

“It is.”

“Are you just saying that? Because it feels a lot like you're copying me,” I tease, desperate to lighten the mood. The air is getting heavy in here with the electricity bouncing between us in this elevator.

“Do I look like I need to copy a woman to impress her?” he retorts, his response carrying a hint of challenge.

“No. But I just feel like you’re messing with me or telling me what I want to hear.”

To keep me from spiralling out of control again.

“I’m telling you the truth,” he asserts with sincerity in his eyes.

“I trust you,” I admit.

“We are connected in such a strange, unique way that I can't even understand myself. It's never happened to me before…” It's like he's talking to himself. Yet, it's out loud.

I don't really know how to respond, other than, “Me too.”

The elevator doors open, and the relief floods my body. I’m okay now. I try to slip my hand out of his, but he grips me tighter. I look up at him and he shakes his head no, as if to he's going to continue holding my hand. End of discussion.

Today has been full of emotions and I don't have much food in my stomach.

The hunger. The highs and lows make me suddenly feel faint.

“Nova, you're awfully pale. Do you need to sit down?”

“Jeez, thanks for the compliment. But I’m fine.”

---