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“Mom said they were leaving you alone. It’s why I came up to check on you.”
I smiled weakly. “Leaving me alone after I left the den maybe. Before that, while you were napping with Miranda, Dad was interrogating me about Axel.”
Will’s eyebrows raised.
“Nuh-uh, don’t go thinking whatever you’re thinking. Mom doesn’t want him to be my bodyguard. And I don’t want a bodyguard in my loft unless it’s Axel. I don’t trust anyone else in my personal space.”
“You can’t go back there alone.”
“Darwin and Jones can guard the entrance from out in the hallway. I honestly don’t need anything more. I’ll be okay. I just want to go home.”
“No. You’re staying here.”
I cut my eyes toward Axel’s gravelly voice at the door. I hadn’t noticed him enter. Instantly, anger swept through me.
“Excuse me? I’m going home.”
Axel looked from Will to me. “You’re staying here. Only for a night or two, then I’ll take you to the loft.”
“Where do you get off bossing me around? I’m a grown woman. I make my own decisions.”
He shoved his hands into his jean pockets. “I already talked to York and Mr. St. James. It’s decided. Deal with it.” His dark penetrating eyes bore into mine.
The gall of this man, strutting into my bedroom with an air of authority. He was infuriating. I wasn’t a child. Why did everyone treat me like one? Especially Axel. He, of all people, should treat me as an equal.
I turned to face Will. “Please. You know I don’t want to be here.”
“Simi, I have to agree with Axel and the others. You’re safer here. It’s just for a night or two.”
Damn him for siding with the others.Traitor.
“I’ll try to take you to the loft tomorrow, but I’m not making you any promises. Monday would be better.” The unwavering tone in Axel’s voice crushed me. I felt utterly defeated.
Tears pooled behind my eyes as memories of being controlled rushed back. But I’d never let them break free.
“Fine. Whatever. I’ll stay. Now, if you’ll both leave, I’d like to be alone.”
“Sim—”
I placed my hand on my brother’s knee, cutting him off. “I’m tired, Will. Don’t overthink this.”
He let out an exasperated breath. “Okay. If it makes you feel any better, Miranda and I are staying too.” He stood and kissed the top of my head. Staying tonight, maybe. But I was sure they’d go home tomorrow, then I’d be alone with my parents.
“It doesn’t. But I guess I’ll see you in the morning.”
“You can count on it.”
Will exited the room, but Axel didn’t follow him out. He closed the door instead. It was then I noticed my black Prada tote hanging off his shoulder. Axel faced me with a grim, almost pained expression.
“I brought you a few things. Thought you might want a change of clothes.”
I furrowed my brow, staring at him as he set my bag on the bed in front of me.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Do you actually care?” I opened the bag, curious as to what was inside. On top was my favorite oversized Gucci sweatshirt. My heart slammed against my ribs as I poked through the other items Axel selected for me. Somehow he knew what I’d want. He even brought a pair of fuzzy socks and my favorite silver scrunchie.
“We’re going to find him.”
