Page 16 of Bred By the Mercenary

Nodding, my head spinning, I feel as if I’m moving through a dream. I go into autopilot, gathering some clothes and essentials and packing them into a duffle bag. Before I know it, Daxton has the bag in one hand and my hand in his other, leading me out of my violated home.

“It’s going to be okay, Amelia,” he reassures me as we walk out. His confidence gives me reassurance, yet inside, I can’t help but wonder how anything will be okay again. I don’t feel safe anymore, not on my own, and the reality of that shakes me to my core.

The drive to Daxton’s place passes in a blur. My toes are tapping with anxiety in my shoes, and I’m gnawing on my lower lip. I catch him taking glances at me, but he’s not forcing me to speak, and I appreciate it as I’m trying to compose myself. To accept what Ryker’s done to me all because I dumped him.

When we finally pull into an underground parking garage beneath a ritzy hotel in the city, I’m taken aback.

“Wait, you live in a hotel?” I ask as he parks the sleek black sports car and kills the engine.

He glances over at me, his eyes soft but carrying an intensity that speaks of fierce, almost overprotective intensity.

“Some floors in the hotel are sold to owners. It’s easier, as they handle cleaning and offer hotel services. Plus, it means someone’s looking after my place when I travel for work.”

Stunned, I get out of the car as he retrieves my bag from the backseat. We head to a pristine elevator, which ascends smoothly, stopping on a floor that screams extravagance and opulence. The hallway has plush carpeting, artwork of the city lines the walls, and engraved tables with a bowl of fruit and a phone by the wall look more like art pieces.

I glance up and down the short hallway on either side of the elevator.

“So, there are only two apartments on this floor?”

“Of course,” he replies, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Curiosity piqued, I follow him to Suite 3001. As the door swings open, I step inside and am instantly blown away. My mouth drops open. The penthouse-style apartment is modern and reminds me of those in architecture magazines. Everything is flawless. It’s two floors, with a sweeping staircase that seems to float in the space. Huge windows offer a panoramic view of the city, the night sky dotted with stars so close, it feels like I’m soaring in the sky. I gasp at the sight. He lives here?

“Who exactly are you?” I ask, scanning the place.

The living area has a massive modern fireplace with a circular leather couch in front of it. Off to one side, there’s a bar, fully stocked, and the bottles gleam under the light of a crystal chandelier that hangs overhead. I’m speechless, feeling like I don’t belong here.

“You must think my place is a dump when you live here!” Still in awe, I’m captivated by the view outside the massive windows.

“You should see the view from the balcony. Just unlock the door and check it out.”

I turn to see him ascending the stairs with my bag, and he catches me staring.

“I’m putting your bag in the spare room for you to use,” he explains with a smile that steals away the awkwardness. I can’t explain it, but from the first time I met him, I’ve never felt uncomfortable around him…even though I barely know him. I’m drawn to him, and something deep inside my gut tells me I can trust him.

“Thanks,” I answer, while on the inside, I’m slightly giddy. I just had my place trashed, but being here has stolen the fear I felt earlier.

Strolling over to the balcony door, my fingers fumble slightly as I unlock it. Stepping outside, the cool night air brushes against my skin. The city of Seattle stretches out below me, a river of lights and shadows, the water in the distance, and the stars above seem to almost mirror the twinkling lights below. It’s breathtaking. If I lived here, I’d spend every moment on the balcony.

I lean against the railing, taking deep breaths, letting the tranquility of the night seep into me. It feels like a much-needed pause, a moment of peace amid the chaos of my life.

My thoughts move to Ryker. He’s down there somewhere, most likely proud of himself. Fucking asshole… he destroyed everything I had, and I don’t have a lot to begin with. The ache in my chest deepens. How I’m going to go back to my apartment and live there? I guess this is my cue to move out and fast, so first thing in the morning, I’ll start looking for a new place. Furniture can be replaced, and I’m safe, which is all I can wish for.

Daxton’s footsteps reach me from inside, and I turn to see him crossing the room and heading into the kitchen, which I can just barely make out. I still can’t believe I’m here in this luxurious place.

Turning back to the view, I try to soak in as much calm as I can. I know I’ll have to face the ugly reality soon—deal with everything that’s happened and figure out how to stay safe—but for now, I allow myself this moment, this brief escape, high above the city, where my problems seem non-existent.

He joins me on the balcony, leaning against the railing and staring out into the night. Then he turns to me with the kind of grin that could melt hearts.

“I hope you’re hungry. I just ordered a bunch of food. I haven’t eaten tonight.”

A smile forms on my lips. “To be honest, now that you mention it, my stomach just growled. I haven’t had dinner, so I’m in.” I find myself chewing on my lower lip, noticing how his gaze lingers on me, unabashed and intense.

“Last time we were on a balcony, things got a bit wild,” I say, a reference to the night that seems to have started all this.

His eyes twinkle with something that has my knees weakening as he turns to face me, an elbow on the railing.

“I haven’t been able to get that night out of my head. I’ve never tasted anything as sweet as you.” He winks as he says that.

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