Taken

Chapter 26

I pulled out of Erik's arms and stood awkwardly for a second before Markus walked to me and guided me over to the other sofa. I was pulling back slightly and resisting his direction as much as possible.
The man stood up as we approached and smiled at me.

"Anna, this is Nico Sallach. Nico, Anna." Markus said gently pushing me so that I was slightly closer to Nico.
I didn't say anything, and only stared at him blankly.

"Lovely to finally meet you Anna. I'm sure we will be getting to know each other well." I didn't respond to what he was saying. His eyes flicked over my face quickly, looking for a reaction of any kind.
"This is Kevin, my second in command." I continued staring at Nico.
I could hear movement as Kevin walked around the sofa and joined Nico. My eyes shifted slightly to him.

"Well. I wish you all the best. Everyone is free to go. Thank you for keeping this civil." Markus said taking a step back.
"I'd like for you to leave separately however. Mr Sallach, would you be so kind?" Markus said motioning to the door. Kellan stood by it with the duffel bag they had placed their weapons into.

Nico nodded and began moving forward however stopped when he noticed I wasn't moving.
"Anna, I'd like for you to come with us."
I shook my head, suddenly feeling overloaded with the entire situation.
"Markus, there needs to be assurances." I said turning to him and walking to him.
"Please. I don't want to get hurt." I begged, quietly enough for only him to hear. He nodded his head.
"Anna, they will not hurt you." Was all he said before moving me back over to Nico and Kevin. Tears began streaming down my cheeks again.

Nico pursed his lips slightly in a forced and awkward smile at me and turned to begin moving towards the door. I hesitated looking at Henry and Max. I almost jumped out my skin when I felt someone touch me. Nico had turned back around and picked up my hand and was removing the 'engagement ring' Henry had given me before. I watched him as he turned back around again and gave the ring to Henry before making the rest of the way to the door. Henry's face looked pained.
I jumped again slightly and looked to Kevin who had his left hand extended, motioning towards the door, and his right gently touching the small of my back.

Without saying anything I walked forward, glancing at Henry and Max again as I passed them. I could tell they were struggling to see me leaving, and they were using everything in their power to stop themselves from stopping me.

As I got to the door, Kevin moved and grabbed the remainder of the contents of the duffel bag. I swallowed hard seeing him pull several knives out the bag. Nico opened the door and stepped out, I followed him and walked in single file with me in the middle and Kevin behind me. Several other men that had been lining the hallway got into the lift and went to ground level.

I jumped slightly when I heard the door to the penthouse close. I spun around and bumped into Kevin. His hands quickly grabbed my upper arms to steady me. I tried pulling away, and fighting my way back to the room but he effortlessly moved me towards the lift despite the long dress.
"Please. I don't want this." I begged. Kevin pushed me against the wall and used his arms to pin me there.
I watched as more of the other men formed a small group behind us, much like the first. Blocking the way to the door.
"You're okay." Was all Kevin said to me. I looked to the side at Nico. He was watching my every move.
The lift chimed and the doors opened. Kevin effortlessly moved me into the lift and against the back. Nico moved next to me. Kevin let go of my arms and took a step back and positioned himself so he was standing at the very front of the lift doors with his back to us.

"The temperature outside has dropped quite a bit. May I?" Nico said taking off his suit jacket. I didn't respond to him. I jumped slightly when the material covered my shoulders and arms. I looked to the side as he adjusted it around me. The lift doors chimed again and I felt his arm go around my waist. I tired to pull away but he was too strong. Kevin stepped out and to the side. Nico walked us out the lift and straight to the front of the building. It was so quick it felt like a blurr. I tried pulling back to see if anyone in the main room was still there but all I could see was workers clearing the tables.