Page 104 of Hiding Secrets

“I don’t want to be in the way again.”

“You were never in the way, El.” I grab her dainty biceps in my hands, rubbing them softly up and down, “I just want you to be safe. Marcus is right, you would be safest with both of us. Plus, it would be a lot easier being there in the actual building.”

“I haven’t been to a city in a long time. Just the small ones outside of Everton.”

“You’ll have us every step of the way.”

“Do you really think Samuel would have men there searching for me?”

“I don’t think he has a clue where you are, but I don’t take chances with who I care about. I’m being overly cautious.” I watched her take a breath, my words must have eased her nerves a bit. “I didn’t mean to scare you more, baby.” I lean in kissing her soft lips. Her body releases its tension, melting into me. “Come on. We can pack together, yeah? We’ll spend the day packing and leave later tonight so we can be there in the morning.” I kiss the top of her head.

***

When we reach her room she shuffles through the few drawers she has here and it makes a part of my heart ache that I haven’t made a point to make her feel more at home.

“I don’t really know what to bring…” She starts to fold a couple shirts, “Am I going to your office?”

“Of course. I said you were stuck with either Marcus or I and I meant that.” I reach up into Kameron’s closet where I know he keeps his luggage. “I can’t have you getting hurt.” I grab a duffelbag and bring it back to her, helping her pack the few clothes she has folded already.

“I don’t have much to wear for an office…all I have is my gym wear and lounge clothes.” Her voice sounds more timid than before.

“You look amazing in anything.” I try to reassure her, but I see the way her face changes at my words.

She nods at me, her nerves still evident, but I plan to make sure she feels much better by the time we get into the city. I grab my phone from my pocket and shoot Kelly a text as Elliott keeps putting items into the bag.

We could drive there and be there by tonight, but I want to treat her like the princess she is, so I tell Kelly to get the private jet ready for three. She probably thought it was for all of us but I added in a request of finding a few outfits for El. I can already hear the dots connecting, a million questions waiting for me when we arrive.

I give her a list of colors and ideas that I think Elliott will like, so Kelly has something to go off of, and I pray that I get it right.

Until then, my main goal was to make sure Elliott was comfortable and able to enjoy the small bit of freedom out of this house. Even if it was the last thing I wanted.

63

Elliott

“You want me to get inthat?” I mutter to Hunter as we all stand in front of a small private jet. “I’ve never been on a plane before.”

“It’s easy! You get in, you sit, you fly, you land. Bam, done.” Marcus claps his hands together and I jump.

“That easy huh?”

“Yup, now come on princess, we don’t have all day.” Marcus walks to the plane, greeting the pilot and flight attendant with a nod of his head.

“We use this all the time to get to our houses and the company building. Saves on commuting.”

“How do you have your own plane?”

“Money.”

“Yeah, but aren’t these like alotof money?” I whisper for some reason.

“Yeah they are.” He nods in agreement, “Good thing we have a lot.” He shrugs, putting his hand in mine and holding my small bag in the other as he starts walking to board the plane.

“Wait, are you sure this thing is safe?” I pull my hand from his as he takes the first couple of steps up the ramp.

I’m learning something new about myself today: I am afraid of flying. Maybe heights. Either way, a new phobia was unlocked.

“Baby girl, I would never put you in danger. Trust me?” He extends his hand for me to take again.

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