Taken

Chapter 38

I woke with a start, the sound of someone entering the room spooked me. I spun to the door and watched as Kevin and Ford walked in the room.
"What's going on?" I asked sitting up more and looking at them. Kevin walked to my side of the bed and sat next to me, his feet still on the ground.
"I asked them to do the wake up call." Nico responded, sounding groggy, moving himself so he was sitting against the headboard. I turned to look at him as he yawned and stretched before reaching for his glasses.
"What's the time?" I asked turning to Kevin, he checked his watch quickly.
"9am." He said dropping his arm back down.
"What?! No, only 2 hours until they get here?" I said, feeling my panic levels begin to rise rapidly.
Kevin put his hand on my leg over the blankets.

"It's okay Anna. The majority of stuff that needed to be prepped was done last night." Nico said behind me, I turned slightly to look at him.
"The later start gives you less time to stress, okay? It's all part of the plan." He said leaning forward and putting his hand on my shoulder. I nodded absently.

"I've already spoken with the chef, they'll begin sending the breakfast up in 10 minutes." Ford said leaning against the wall.
I pursed my lips then threw the blankets back as much as I could. Kevin stood up and moved back quickly. I walked past them all, knowing very well that I was in one of Nico's shirts. I walked into the dressing room and began flicking through the clothes. I could hear movement behind me as they each walked into the room.

"What should I wear?" I asked picking up a short black dress and looking at it briefly before pushing it back.
"You guys go start breakfast, order us some coffee. We will be out in a minute." Nico said, leaning against the bedroom door frame, with his arms crossed over his bare chest.

Ford left the room, Kevin followed but turned and smiled to me when he closed the door.

"I can tell you're stressed." Nico said pulling himself up off the door frame and walking to me, dropping his arms by his side.
"I just don't know how I'm supposed to feel about this." I whispered, turning around and looking at Nico. He gently reached up and held my upper arms.
"It'll be okay. I think it'll go well." He said, smiling down at me. I couldn't gather his confidence or assurances, something wasn't feeling right.

"Let's go grab some food, then we can worry about clothes after okay?" Nico said, pulling me into a hug. I wrapped my arms around him and buried my head in his chest.
"You'll be safe Anna." He whispered to me.
I pulled out the hug and stepped back.
"I'll just eat in this." I said, slightly raising the side of the shirt. Nico nodded at me.
"I'll get dressed, I'll see you out there." Nico said kissing my forehead. I nodded at him and left the room.

My heart was still smashing against my chest as I walked up the stairs and out into the deck. Kevin and Ford were seated at the table laughing about something.
I moved and sat down in my spot as the server delivered the coffees.
"How are you feeling?" Ford asked, locking eyes with me. I swallowed hard.
"I'm nervous and I'm scared. They were pretty livid that I had to leave them." I said grabbing my coffee and sitting back.
"Do you think there will be trouble?" Nico asked, walking out onto the deck. I spun my head to him.
"I don't know. I'm worried about Max. And Erik. They can get pretty angry. Henry is probably just as pissed, if not more more." I replied fiddling with my cup and not looking at anyone. No one responded and there was silence for a few minutes.

"What we've done is we have cleared some of the lower guest cabins. I'm thinking these talks may last a few days at least. This way we show we are being hospitable. Dress is work attire, so guys please wear some slacks and a shirt." Nico said leaning back on his chair.
"I know it's warm; but hopefully once everyone is settled it can be a bit more laid back."
I nodded absently and sipped my coffee, leaning back with my feet on the chair as well.
I could hear them talking amongst themselves but I didn't pay attention.