Taken

Chapter 39

My heart thumped against my chest, and anxiety filled me. I closed my eyes and breathed out heavily. I wrapped my arms around me and hugged my hands under my armpits.

"You okay?" Nico asked walking into the dressing room. I opened my eyes and looked at him.
"I'm just nervous." I replied dropping my arms. Nico looked me up and down and smiled, looking down.
"You look amazing." He simply said.
"Thanks. I thought I could pair it with that blazer over it. You did say work wear." I gushed, motioning to the jacket hanging over the chair.

"You'll look great." He said smiling up to me again. I gasped and looked away when I realised he was standing in just his towel.
"Oh my god. I'll go wait out here. Sorry!" I rushed out, running to the door, then detouring back to grab the jacket.
"Sorry!" I called out as I shut the door and leant against it.

I walked to the waiting area and sat down on the sofa. Closing my eyes and resting my head in my hands. Loose strands of hair fell from the messy bun and gently blew in the small amount of wind coming in from the windows.

"You look great." A voice said. I quickly pulled my head up and watched as Ford walked in.
I smiled up at him and quickly admired him in his navy blue slacks and white button down shirt.
"You scrub up well." I said leaning back. He nodded at me and pushed some buttons on the screen on the wall before walking and sitting on the sofa.
"S'all good! I'm here!" Kevin laughed, bursting out his room. I smiled at him, he looked fantastic in the black slacks and black shirt, his fringe was somewhat messy but it looked great.
"Anna, loving the outfit." Kevin said, raising his eyebrows and joking around. The mood was fun, and we were all vibing off each other. It almost felt as if the anxiety was being chipped away.

I turned to the bedroom, hearing Nico's door open. I watched as he walked out in black slacks and a white shirt. His fringe was curly and he wore his glasses.

"So they're here." My stomach dropped and I honestly felt like I could feel the colour draining from me. I felt everyone's eyes on me.
"Kevin, Ford. I'd like for you to go out first, get them settled. Then we can get staff to show them to their rooms."
I stood up and walked to Nico.
"Can I offer a suggestion?" I paused and watched Nico's reaction as he watched me closely.
"Let me show them to their rooms, you guys come with me?" I said pausing to gauge his reaction to my proposal.
"That way they'll see that I'm okay. We all know it'll be one of the first things they ask about." I said, gently touching Nico's hand. He was looking down at me and I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was stressed.

"I'll be okay. You guys will be there, and I know it'll be the right thing for this. Let them settle their nerves first then business." Nico nodded and pulled me into a hug. I wrapped my arms around him tightly. I really was beginning to feel comfortable, and safe. I was allowing myself to feel these things when before I'd been too scared to.
"Anna, I want you to..." Nico started, I could feel him pulling back slightly so I hugged him tighter. Stopping him from letting me go.
"I will have one of you with me at all times." I whispered, taking a deep breath of Nico's cologne. I heard him exhale sharply with approval and he hugged me back.

I pulled back and looked at him, then to Kevin and Ford.
"I just wanna say quickly that I really appreciate how you guys have been. I know it's only been a few days but you guys have been great. I've, uh. Not felt like I've had a place for some time, and I feel safe with you guys." I said, I looked down somewhat embarrassed. Before I knew what was happening I felt multiple arms wrap around me.
"Group hug!" Kevin yelled lamely. We laughed before pulling away. Kevin gently pinched my chin and smiled at me before passing me my jacket.

"Captain said the winds have picked up. You may need this." I nodded at him and took the jacket, pulling it over my shoulders. We quickly walked to the lift and got in pressing the up button. I felt anxiety and nerves nibbling at every corner of my body. I didn't need to worry about the weather or the wind being cold, the nerves were already doing that.