Taken

Chapter 37

I took another deep breath and closed my eyes. I missed Henry, but part of me felt better with Nico, he hadn't drugged me, and he'd done everything he could to make me feel comfortable. I was also saddened by this, thinking that he had been ignoring me, and then I'd kissed Kevin.

I groaned, and bent over so my head was resting on my hands on the railing. I felt ridiculous. I knew my actions were heavily influenced by what I'd been through as a kid, to feel safe with the strongest person. But there was just something else that I couldn't explain, a feeling that I got with Nico that I hadn't had with Henry.

Before I could process what was happening, hands gently touched my waist. I screamed and pulled up, spinning around in the process. My heart was smashing against my chest. Nico stood behind me, his hands quickly raised to his head, he stepped back quickly. A surrender of sorts.

I could feel the lump in my throat, I put my hand to my chest and lowered myself to the ground.
"Fuck. Anna I'm so sorry!" Nico gushed, moving forward and gently pulling me into his arms. Kevin burst up the stairs, his eyes frantically searched the top with until he saw us. He silently walked forward and sat on the ground with us. He too wrapped his arm over me. Before long, Ford ran up the stairs. He breathed heavily then moved and sat on the sun lounge in front of us.
"Jesus, I thought something had happened." Ford said leaning back on the lounge and staring at me.

"I'm sorry Anna." Nico whispered again, putting his head on my shoulder. I breathed deeply to try and calm myself.
"I'm sorry. You just scared me. I was day dreaming and then I... I thought back to the dinner..." I faded out. I'd briefly let them know what had happened there. I could feel Kevin's fingers gently rubbing my arm.

"I woke up and I couldn't find you." Kevin said resting his head against mine. I nodded and raised my hands.
"Ford, help me up." I said looking to him. He hesitated slightly before standing up and gently pulling me to my feet. I walked forward and took deep breaths. I could hear Ford helping Nico and Kevin up as well.

"Anna, I need some help." Nico said behind me. I wrapped my arms around myself and turned to look at him.
"I need to meet with the Murdock's." My heart immediately began hammering against my chest again.
"Your father has thought it wise to try and smear my name. He has said that I have kidnapped you and is trying to recruit other families to turn against us." I nodded, I knew he'd try something like this.
"Did you find out who the next bunch of people I was promised to are?" I asked. Both Nico's and Kevin's faces softened.
"Yeah." Nico said nodding slightly. It wasn't a good sign.

I shook my head angrily and began pacing.
"He can't leave me alone can he!"
No one responded.
I paused when Ford stood in my path and gently held my arms. I looked up to him, anger burning in my stomach.
"Take a breath." He whispered to me.
I stared at him as I responded.
"I'll help you." I said absently. Ford's eyes quickly roamed my face before he nodded and stepped away.

Nico moved forward and gently pulled me into his arms, hugging me tightly against him. I hugged him back, unsure how all this was going to play out.

I could hear movement up the stairs as a server approached. I pulled out of Nico's arms and looked at him.
"Breakfast is available at the table." He said before nodding and turning around and walking down the stairs.

Kevin and Ford began moving off. I watched as Kevin locked eyes with me before walking down the stairs.

"I can't imagine how it must feel to be in the position I've put you in." Nico said gently moving some hair from my face. I swallowed and looked down.
"It was my actions that put you into danger, I'm so sorry for that. I'll never forgive myself for this." Nico said, his eyes flicking over my face.
"I want to make this easier on you. If there is anyway, please let me know." He said, his hand gently running under my chin and lifting it so I was facing him.
"I'm sorry about last night." He whispered again, his eyes flicking from side to side as he looked down at me, studying my reaction.
"I'm sorry too." I whispered, hoping that would alleviate me of some of the guilt I was feeling.