Around and around we go

Chapter 19 - Jared

The drive back to the hotel was quiet. As soon as I slid into the back seat she curled up on her side, resting her head in my lap. I could see that she was deep in thought; barely blinking, staring off at something I could only begin to imagine what it might be. I was happy just being in the same space as her. I ran my fingers through her hair, brushing it out of her face, tucking it behind her ear. Even her ears are perfect. I traced along the edge of her ear, over the slight indents that used to hold a multitude of little hoops and studs. I thought to myself how well she used to pull off that look and to check with Shayla if we brought any of the new Mars Glyph earrings with us.

I continued tracing around the soft skin of her earlobe, humming softly. I swept her hair back and exposed the skin on her neck, where I lightly traced random patterns. She closed her eyes and let out the softest little moan, making my heart race. I tensed up and fell silent. I realized in that moment that I was actually nervous. One wrong move and she would be gone. Forever. Sensing my change in demeanour, she rolled over on her stomach. Nuzzling her face into my leg, making me very aware of how close she was to my cock and I tried very hard not to think about her perfect lips or the warmth of her mouth. She finished rolling over to look up at me curiously.

"Hi." She said in a happy little whisper, a sleepy half smile on her face.

"Hi." I push her messy hair out of her face, using my thumb to wipe away the mascara that had smudged under her eye. "You're a mess." A perfect mess, I thought to myself.

She rolled her eyes at me saying "And?"

I chuckled and just shook my head at her. She reached up and smoothed out the vein under my eye, letting her hand rest on my cheek.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

"What?Nothing." I answered a little too quickly and she stared at me suspiciously. Trying to cover it up, I turned my face into her hand and kissed her little palm. "Just worried about Shannon." Not a lie. Also not what was on my mind... but not a lie.

She continued to look at me like she was unsure, then said "He'll be ok." She lowered her voice, her face full of concern. "He needs help though..." I could see that she wanted to say more, but she fell silent, keeping her thoughts to herself. I took her hand away from my cheek, and held it against my chest. "I will take better care of him. I promise."

She closed her eyes and nodded. "Please do."

Opening her eyes again she asks "Are you humming that in an attempt to get into my subconscious?".

I hadn't been paying attention to what I was humming, I was lost in thought about everything that had happened in less than 24 hours.

"What?"

"Stay. You're humming Stay...."

I laughed. "Was I? I've been thinking about recording it, so it's been in my head for awhile... but if it's going to get you to stay..." I start singing "I want you to staaaayyyyyyy...". Sitting up, she rolled her eyes at me while playfully swatting at me. "...It's not much a life you're livin... it's not just somethin you take; it's given.... " I wrap my arms around her, pulling her back into my chest and kissed the top of her head while I continued to hum the rest of the song.

* * *

When we pulled up to the hotel there was a large group of people camped out waiting for us. Well, waiting for me. The driver took us around back, I pulled up my hood and put my sunglasses on, even though it was nearing 2 a.m. (Do these people EVER sleep??). I usually didn't mind the crowds, but tonight I just wanted to get her back unscathed and unseen. There were already pictures of us together floating around with outrageous speculations. Although I was slightly concerned with how she would react, it made me laugh at the ridiculous things people come up with.

Walking through the kitchen at the back of the hotel, we could clearly hear Tomo's laugh coming from inside the restaurant. I saw her face light up and she looked at me expectantly.

"Would you like to go say 'Hello' to the gang?" I ask as she was already dragging me across the room.

She dropped my hand as Tomo ran up and scooped her up in his arms, swinging her around in a big circle. Peeling with laughter, the two of them were a sight to see.

"Hey now! Take it easy you two! She's already managed to break herself today..." I joked.

Tomo made a show of gently putting her back on her feet, ensuring she was in one piece, then slung an arm around her shoulder and kissed her temple. "I'm so happy you're back, Little One!". I noticed as she stiffened slightly at his comment, but she didn't correct him.

I watched as he lead her over to their table, introducing her to Stevie and a couple others from the crew. She looked so happy as she caught up with her old friend and made new ones. I couldn't help myself; I snapped a couple of pictures of them with my phone; I got a good one of her laughing with her head thrown back, carefree and truly enjoying herself.

She really does belong with us.

How in the world was I going to convince her to stay?

She winked at me when she caught me watching her and I could feel my cheeks grow warm.

"You're blushing." I didn't notice Shayla come up beside me and I jumped a little at the sudden voice in my ear. "She really is one of you, isn't she?"

"Now if only she would realize it..."

"Sorry, but I have to pull you away; we have that call soon."

"Oh right! Ok, I'll meet you upstairs."

As Shayla walked towards the elevators, I sent Natalie a quick text.

I'm sorry I can't stay; Being summoned by a work call. I don't know how long this is going to take- you stay here and enjoy- i'll come find you later?

I watched as she checked her phone, her face falling for half a second and then she looked up at me with a twinkle in her eye, giving me the tiniest of nods before she turned back to the conversation around her.

* * *

The call felt like it was never going to end. 2 hours later and I could barely keep my eyes open, let alone make any sense anymore. I left Shayla to tie up some loose ends and stumbled out of the suite and down the hall towards Nat's room.

I still had the keycard from earlier, but I knocked lightly before letting myself in.

"Nat? Are you here?" I asked quietly into the dark suite as I stuck my head around the door.

Silence.

A faint light was coming from the bedroom door which had been left slightly ajar. As I made my way towards the door, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. Tapping my knuckles on the door and was once again met by silence. I stood there debating whether or not I should go inside or turn around and go back to my own room. Maybe I should give her a little space. Some time to herself to process everything. But we didn't have the luxury of time. I pushed the door open the rest of the way and let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding in.

The room was empty.