The Secret Billionaire

Chapter 11

ERIS

"Wake up,"
I felt someone shaking me, and I slowly opened my eyes. I was on the same couch, with the same incredible fluffy blanket and pillow. I looked up to see Nathan's concerned face looking down at me.
"Why didn't you sleep on the bed?"
I sat up, trying to remember what had happened last night.
"I was looking for cereal. I got tired, and I guess I fell asleep here," My eyelids felt heavy. I was having trouble keeping them open.
"I told you we should've eaten dinner. Get some takeout," He rubbed his face and yawned.
"You went to sleep early and still feel tired. How was your meeting?" He sat next to me and sighed. It must've been too dark for him to see me when he left.
"Stressful,"
I looked down and frowned.
"I'm sorry, I know you just got here, but can I borrow a change of clothes so I can shower?"
"Yeah, of course, follow me,"
We went back into my temporary room. He opened the closet and pulled out some clothes.
"I have some old t-shirts here and shorts. If you want, later we can go get some of your stuff,"
"Is that an invitation to move in?" I laughed. He shook his head and handed me the clothes.
"I want you to stay here for a few days while I help with your situation. I don't want you staying at your place when he is out there," He towered over me, and I looked up at him.
"The restroom is through there. There should be extra toiletries under the sink. I'll meet you in the kitchen when you're done,"
I nodded, and he looked down at my lips. I felt myself leaning up at him and then stopped. I cleared my throat, and he walked out of the room. Way to make things awkward.
I took a nice, relaxing shower and looked at myself in the mirror. If this is how I looked after washing my face, I can't imagine the mess I've like this whole time. I changed into his clothes and went to the kitchen.
"Lunch is ready," He was serving some food on the plate, and I sat on the same stool I'd been sitting on to eat. He sat next to me, and we enjoyed another tasty meal.
"Can I ask you something?" I asked halfway through the meal.
"Shoot,"
"Why are you being so nice to me? We haven't known each other for that long, and you're letting me stay at your place. What makes you think I'm not a crazy person?"
He placed his spoon down and looked up at me.
"I know how to read people. If I thought you were a crazy person, I never would've helped you. I know you need help, and I wanted to be the one to do it,"
I pursed my lips to hold in the laugh trying to escape. He's right. I begged him for help without actually getting on my knees for him. "Your turn," I said, and he looked at me confused. "I know you want to ask me something. Go ahead,"
"I want to show you a place tonight. Will you go with me?"
"Yes, but I can't wear this," I pointed at the borrowed clothes I was wearing, and he laughed.
"No worries, we aren't leaving the building. You won't have to change,"
I was excited to see what he wanted to show me. Mainly because I didn't have to leave. Maybe it's something here in the apartment. Behind one of the many secret doors in the hallway.
After lunch, he said he had to work, so he told me I could stay and wait for him. He lent me an old phone so that I could call Stacy. Considering mine was evidence.
"Hello?" Her voice ran through the phone's speaker.
"Stacy, it's me, Eris,"
"Eris, oh my gosh! I have been trying to call you! Darius texted me and said you were missing," I had to move the phone away from my ear for a second.
"Stacy, I have to explain something to you, but you need to stay calm and not scream in my ear, please,"
"Are you okay?"
I told her everything that had happened since I met Darius at the club. She was not happy.
"Eris, why didn't you tell me he was texting you? He told me you were missing. He was asking if I knew where you were. He wanted to go after you.
"I'm at Nathan's. I should be fine for now until we find him,"
"How is it going with him?"
"He is so much different than what I thought. His place is amazing. He is the assistant to the owner of the building,"
"So he's loaded?"
"Stacy!" She laughed, and I shook my head.
"No, but seriously, I don't know him, and after Darius, how do you know you can trust him?"
"He's done so much for me already. There are no indications of bad intentions,"
"Let me know if you need anything. I will come to pick you up right away,"
"Thank you. I wanted to let you know that I was safe. Oh! Can you please tell Greg I won't be coming in for a few days? I have to start apartment hunting, and I have enough saved up for now,"
"Yes, I'll let him know,"
"I'll talk to you later. Thank you!"
I hung up as soon as she said bye. I tossed the phone to the side and sighed. What the hell am I supposed to do about moving? Maybe I can ask Nathan if they are hiring here. Who knows, they might even have an extra apartment in this building.

~

Nathan came back while I was watching t.v. in the living room. He looked stressed out, but I didn't want to ask about it. He went straight to the kitchen and came out with a water bottle.
"Sorry for taking long. You look comfortable, but I want to show you the place before it gets too late."
I got up and wrapped the blanket around myself. As if it was possible, the elevator began going higher as soon as we stepped in. It dinged open, and we were on the rooftop. We stepped out and into the view of the gorgeous sunset on the horizon.
"Welcome to my secret spot," He grabbed my hand and led me to some chairs by the edge. I felt a little unsteady because we were so high up, but I kept my distance from the ledge.
"Nathan, I'm not going to lie to you. I'm terrified of heights," He looked worried until I laughed. "But this is amazing. Thank you for bringing me here,"
We admired the view until it started getting dark. The lights turned on, and it began to get fresh. I'm glad I brought the blanket with me. He pulled his chair closer to mine and wrapped his arm around me. I also tried wrapping the blanket around him, but he said he didn't want me to be uncovered. I felt like a warm, comfortable burrito.
"Eris, I need to tell you something," I looked up at him. I didn't realize how close our faces were. His eyebrows were furrowed, almost as if he was trying to figure out a way to tell me bad news. This is where it ends. "I know it hasn't been long since we met, but I can never stop thinking about you. You're always on my mind, and I always worry about you. You drive me crazy, and I don't even know your last name,"
I didn't say anything. His words always surprise me, and he makes me skittish. My heart was beating so fast I was afraid he could hear it. He searched my face for a sign, but I froze.
"Your turn," He said, trying to cut the tension.
I wasted no time and leaned over to kiss him. He was surprised at first, but soon he moved his lips to get in sync with mine. I placed my hand on his cheek and pulled away after a few seconds.
"I feel the same way,"