Page 16 of Lost In The Dark

“Please don’t let this change your mind though, Addy. We want you to come home with us, and we can keep you safe. We have the best security at home. I want the chance to get to know you,” Eli all but pleaded.

My heart was racing as I considered what I would be entering into by going home with them. I’d need security to prevent me being kidnapped for ransom. The press would be digging into my life, and that seemed like a whole new hell considering I didn’t even know what they would find about the last two years. It was terrifying and a huge part of me was saying I should just go back home, and continue being a nobody. But I couldn’t do that, because I didn’t want to be alone anymore. I had family now, and I wanted that. I had no idea what would happen if my memories of the last two years returned to me, and that petrified me. I didn’t want to be alone if or when that happened. I wanted to be with Asher and Eli, who I knew could make me feel safe.

“I’m not changing my mind,” I told Eli. “All I have ever wanted is some family who care…and that I could care for too, Now I…I have that, I’m n-not letting it go,” I added emotionally.

“Good, because we’re not going anywhere either,” Asher promised.

CHAPTER 5

ADDY

When the car pulled up outside a huge, brightly lit hotel on the Las Vegas strip, the security from before had appeared to open the doors.

Asher got out first, then I followed, Eli getting out of the other side. It wasn’t until I stood on the street and looked around that panic started to build within me. There were people everywhere and it was so noisy and hectic. I broke out in a cold sweat and my heart started to pound violently, as I found my self filled with fear, which was ridiculous. Sure, it was probably the busiest place I had ever been – that I remembered anyway – since I’d never left the tiny town I grew up in, but that still didn’t explain the overwhelming terror that was consuming me. It was like I couldn’t breathe. A man passing, not paying any attention to anything but his cell in his hand, knocked into me and I completely panicked, running to Asher, and wrapping both of my arms around one of his.

“Addy?” he questioned as he turned to face me. “What’s wrong?”

“I…I don’t know,” I gasped breathlessly. “I’m just scared. There’s s-so many people…a-and so much noise,” I admitted.

“I’m going to pick you up, okay?” he asked gently. I nodded, not caring about what anyone else thought as he gathered me intohis arms and huddled my front into his. I just needed to feel safe. He pressed my face to his chest with a hand on the back of my head and I sighed in relief as some of the noise around me was muffled out. “Just try to breathe. I’ve got you now.”

“What’s wrong?” I heard Eli ask.

“The crowds and noise are too much. I should have thought. Can you check us in? I need to get her somewhere quieter,” Asher explained. “I booked the penthouse suite, so we’ll head right up to the top floor.” I stayed hidden as Eli agreed. Asher told the security to stay with Eli, then we were moving.

The noise only got louder as we moved from the heat and into an airconditioned building. I heard the ‘ding’ of an elevator, and the swish of doors opening and closing, then there was a blissful silence. I lifted my head and looked to Asher, feeling suddenly embarrassed.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered.

“Don’t you dare apologize; you hear me?” he said firmly. “You’ve been through something terrible, and none of us know how that will impact you yet. Whatever happens, you never apologize and you never get embarrassed. We’re here for you, whatever you need, yeah?”

“Okay,” I agreed shakily. “You c-an put me down now. I’m better.”

“You’re also exhausted. Just let me carry you. You can be all strong and independent when you’re feeling better, but for now let us take care of you.”

“Strong and independent?” I scoffed.

“Isn’t that what women are all about nowadays? Showing us men how very little you need us? Ridiculous if you ask me. Everyone needs to lean on the people who care about them sometimes. Doesn’t make them any less.”

“I’m not so good at the strong part anyway,” I told him. “I have the independent part covered though….or at least I did, before.” Now I just felt so weak and broken, and I didn’t even know why really. Fear had hit me again with no real explanation and it terrified me. What had been done to me to make me so fearful and emotional? Was I broken? And If I were, would I ever find a way to fix myself again? It certainly didn’t feel like it as I shook and gasped for breath, clinging to a man I barely knew.

“I have no doubt that you have strength, Addy. I’ve seen it so many times already, but you don’t ever need to cope alone through anything anymore, because no matter where you go, or what you do, Eli and I will always be here for you. If you choose to move away, then all you’ll need to do is call and we’ll be there every time you need us. You have big brothers now, sweetheart, and I have a feeling we’re going to be the overbearing, protective kind.”

“I can live with that,” I assured him as a smile crossed my face.

The elevator opened into a lush looking hallway, lined with gray, paneled walls and plush looking carpets on the floor. Huge flower displays were on two side tables and crystal light fittings hung down from the ceiling. It was beautiful, and way out of my league. It was so obvious to me and to anyone who saw me that I didn’t belong in such a place.

Asher stepped into the hallway and headed to the single door at the end of it. A plaque was on the wall beside it, engraved with ‘Penthouse Suite.’ Even the solid oak, carved door looked fancy.

“What do you want to do when we get in there? Are you hungry? I could order some room service?”

“Maybe something small,” I shrugged. “But I really need to shower, if that’s okay? I…I feel gross.”

“Of course it is. We’ll need to find something to keep your cast dry, though. Eli will think of something,” he assured me.

The elevator doors opened and Eli appeared flanked by the two security guys. He walked over to us and forced a smile, but he was clearly worried and he looked exhausted. He and Asher both did.

“Okay?” he asked as he looked to me.

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