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“Felt appropriate,” I say matter of fact. She rolls her eyes this time as a staff member hits the button to the elevator, and we wait for it to open. I notice how she searches the lobby as if we’re being followed. Even when we step into the elevator, she warily stares between the closing doors as if she’s waiting for someone to jump out.
“No one is going to hurt you here,” I remind her and rub my thumb over hers.
Her breath hitches and she looks up at my side profile. Those big brown doe-like eyes drink me in as if I were a mirage. “This feels surreal.”
I bring her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles. “I’m very much real, Elanee.”
A feint color flushes her cheeks. “Don’t do that.”
“What?”
“Use your charm on me. You know I hate it.”
But her body has always said otherwise. I lower our entwined hands instead, reminding myself that I shouldn’t be so forthcoming. I wasn’t a good man, nor could I make up for the damage my father had caused her.
My father had broken my mother into a million pieces and now I was reliving it all over again. Why was I still not strong enough to protect my mother or Elanee even now? I had more wealth and influence than I knew what to do with. I’d partly become a monster to face a monster, but it still wasn’t enough.
“Stop looking at me like that,” she says.
“Like what?” I ask as we hit the thirtieth floor.
“Like I’m going to disappear.” And she says it in a way that I know it’s her own insecurity bubbling to the surface—our mutual fear.
“But you already have once,” I quietly remind her. It immediately takes me to the night before she left for Russia and how our friendship ended.
The doors part and her breath is shaky as she retracts her hand and looks toward the penthouse.
I’m a selfish prick. Even in this dire situation I can’t help but take my hurt out on her. And I hadn’t even meant to. But I drink her in as she steps out, watching that tight leather ass move side to side. Her eyes widen as she takes in the splendor of the penthouse and its unique marble design. The entire place is built like a Greek temple of sorts, with large white pillars and furniture laced with gold. The ceiling -all doors are open, removing any barrier onto the terrace and pool, allowing a cool breeze to sweep through, the sun shining in brightly.
In front of us is a large daybed with wooden pillars and a pool on the balcony that overlooks the city in the distance.
“This is beautiful,” Elanee breathes and it’s my girl again. She has only ever been strong and opinionated. Forceful and regal in her ways. And she’s still in there.
“Is there anything else you need to make tonight more comfortable for you?” I ask.
She bites her bottom lip and tucks her hair behind her ear. “I need slippers.”
“Slippers?”
“The Velcro ones that can be wrapped around tightly. I don’t like anyone seeing my feet,” she says quietly.
My eyebrows furrow. I’d seen her feet numerous times during her harsh routines and training, but I nod anyway. Anything to make her more comfortable.
“Thank you,” she whispers and looks back toward the view.
My phone buzzes in my pocket and I fish out my phone.
Layla: Checkpoint.
Me: We’re not in a game. But we’ve arrived as well. I’m not leaving you in charge of clothing choices ever again.
Layla: *Smirk Emoji* I don’t know why it bothers you. I wear those kinds of clothes all the time.
I don’t reply.
Layla: But in all seriousness, keep her safe.
I pocket the phone and admire Elanee as she peers into the pool.
