Taken

Chapter 24

I followed Max back into the main area, everyone went quiet and looked to me.
"Are you ready Anna?" I looked to Henry and nodded. He walked up to me and gently grabbed my elbow. He pulled me in close and I shuddered as his lips ran over my ear.
"We will be talking about what you just did." Was all he said before pulling back and leading me out the room. My heart was hammering against my chest, what was he referring to? Me threatening to kill myself, pointing a gun at him or for me kissing Max.

Henry walked to the lift and pressed the call button. When it arrived he stepped into it and pulled me into him, hugging me tightly against his chest. The other men got into the lift. It was cramped and no one spoke. I could feel random glances at me and it made me self conscious.
The lift chimed and the doors opened. Markus stepped out first, followed by Kellan. Markus whispered something to him then moved away.

"Markus wants me to stay with you. He wants to know his God daughter is safe." Kellan said with his hands behind his back, looking at Henry and Max. I felt Henry tighten his grip on me slightly. My cheek was still pressed against his chest but I didn't need to look to know that everyone was on edge.

"Why the fuck does he need to know she's safe? She's with us, therefore she is safe." Max said beside us. It was weird to hear him defending me.
"He's worried about her mental health. She just pointed a gun to her head. He wants assurances that she is okay. It will only be until he is satisfied that she is feeling safe and comfortable with the transition."

"Fine." Is all Henry said, gently spinning me and walking to the front of the lift and guiding me along with him. I looked up at Kellan who locked eyes with me.
I mouthed 'thank you' to him before Henry walked me back to the main dining room.

The room was loud. No one noticed us walk in and they continued with their drinking and conversations.

I knew my hands were shaking and I knew that Henry would be able to feel it. Without saying anything to me he pulled out my chair and pushed it in after I was seated. He moved his chair closer to me and sat down. He had his right arm behind my back and holding the back of my chair as he leant in to me. His thumb gently running over my arm.

"You sacred me back there." He whispered, I turned to look at him and his face was somber.
"When I walked into that room and saw that man on you, I just saw red. Then when you put the gun to your head." He paused as if it was causing him pain.
"I would have preferred that you shot me first over ever having to see that." I could feel tears welling in my eyes at his words, the pain in his eyes was like a knife to my heart. I gently cupped his cheek in my hand and moved forward, giving him a kiss.

The other men at the table didn't matter, where we were didn't matter. I finally felt as if someone legitimately cared about me. Henry gently cupped my cheek in his hand and returned the kiss.

Movement at the table drew us apart. We watched as the food was brought out and as Markus took the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests. Welcome. We have a short line up for tonight, I'll keep this simple. Everyone here knows the rules. If someone is to break them, it is extremely serious and will not go unpunished. We are civilised people, and we will act as such. I need not remind you again." He paused and looked to our table, his eyes landing on Henry and I. He smiled seemingly appreciating that we were close.

"First up. The Murdock family." Markus said, gesturing to the table and stepping away from the microphone. Henry gave me a quick kiss again before standing up with Max. As I was sitting between them I felt cold as they left. Matt and Erik shuffled over and filled their respective seats. I looked to Armie as he stood up and walked to the steps by the stage, quickly speaking to both Henry and Max as they walked past.

"Welcome everyone. It's nice to be back at an event like this. Max and I are honoured to be selected to speak first." Henry said, glancing around the room, his eyes eventually landing on me.
"As everyone is aware, this year thus far has been busy. We have expanded and have also acquired the previous Taylor territory." Max said, taking over the speech. My heart sank at his words. I bowed my head and looked to my lap. Wanting nothing more than to disappear, knowing everyone's eyes were on me.
"It's okay." Matt whispered into my ear. At his words I picked my head up and continued to watch the speech, not listening to what was being said. I felt as if I was disassociating.

It was the clapping which brought me back to reality. I looked around and watched as Henry and Max were walking off the stage and moving back to the table. Matt and Erick moved again and Henry and Max took their places. Henry gently rested his arm across the back of my chair again and his finger started rubbing my arm. He lent in close and kissed my cheek. I smiled at him, feeling that people were watching us.

The speeches continued, and Henry engaged in conversation around the table. His arm never leaving the back of my chair and his fingers continued to gently run over my right arm. Every now again I could feel people watching me, my anxiety was slowly creeping back in and I could feel it in my stomach.

"I need to go to the bathroom." I whispered to Henry. He paused his conversation and looked at me, bowing his head so that his forehead was resting on mine. I could feel his apprehension.
"I can go to one of the guest rooms, you can come with me." I whispered, closing my eyes and gripping the top of his suit jacket where the buttons met.
Without saying anything, Henry moved his chair back and stood up. My hands fell from his jacket and I looked up to him as he stepped behind me and pulled out my chair.

"I'll take Anna to the bathroom. I think she's been here long enough. I'll take her home if you're happy to stay?" Henry said gently taking my hand and helping me out the chair.

Max turned and looked at us before nodding slightly.
"I'm happy to stay." He said gesturing to the table, "I'd like to have these guys stay with me."
Henry didn't respond, however simply nodded. I looked to Matt who dropped back to his chair and put his hands together and rested his elbows on the table.

Henry grabbed my shawl and wrapped it around my shoulders before putting his hand on the small of my back and walking me towards the guest rooms.
I could hear hurried footsteps approaching us, and Henry quickly turned, pushing my body behind him.
"Hey, let me know when you're thinking of heading off and I'll come with." Kellan said stopping in front of us. I could feel Henry stiffen slightly. I pulled out from behind him, with one hand on his back and the other reaching for his hand.

"I was just going to the bathroom, then we were going to head home. I think Max and the others are staying." I said, squeezing Henry's hand.
"That's fine that they're staying, I have orders from Markus to accompany you though."
I nodded and looked to my hand in Henry's before turning to the private rooms. Henry and Kellan followed close behind.