The Secret Billionaire

Chapter 13

ERIS

I spent the rest of the day unpacking my boxes. Nathan didn't say much before he left. All he said was that he had some meetings to attend. His mood changed when he found out where I lived. I didn't want to be pushy, but I wanted to ask if he was bothered by the fact that I lied.
When I finished, I showered and got into my pajamas. I looked at my new room and sighed. This is not what I expected, but I am grateful Nathan has helped me so much.
No more apartment and a crazy ex-boyfriend on the loose. At least I'm safe here. I was waiting for Nathan in the living room. It was late, and he still wasn't home. When I heard the elevator bell ding, I sat up, and Nathan stumbled in.
"Why did you wait up for me?" He looked at me from head to toe. I pulled the blanket over my legs and smiled at him.
"I wanted to make sure you were safe. You didn't text or anything,"
He flopped onto the couch, and I brought him water.
"I'm sorry, we just had a lot of topics to discuss,"
"With your secret boss?" I joked. He nodded and drank the water.
"Are you hungry?"
"No," He set the glass down and looked at me. "Come here,"
I sat next to him hesitantly, and he pulled me in closer.
"Eris, we expressed our feelings for each other. You're living with me now. What are we?"
I traced my fingers over his chest. I have wanted to ask him the same thing.
"I feel safe with you, in your arms and at your place. I feel safe enough to tell you that you make me feel wanted," I looked up at him and smiled. "And that's scary because I don't want to get hurt again, but I really like you. So please, I'm trusting you not to hurt me, and I promise I will do everything I can to do the same" I kissed his cheek, and he had a serious look on his face. "Your turn,"
"You are the most important person in my life now. I would take a bullet for you,"
He pulled me onto his lap and moved my hair out of my face.
"Be my girlfriend. Let me do what that pathetic excuse of an ex-boyfriend failed to do,"
I smiled and brought him in for a kiss.
"I would love to,"

~

Nathan was gone early the next day again. I spent the morning cleaning and reorganizing my room numerous times to make it more comfortable, but it never felt right. I decided to take a break to make myself lunch. I quickly texted Nathan before setting my phone down on the side. It started ringing, and I picked it up.
"Hey, sorry for the noise. I'm making lunch," I balanced it between my cheek and shoulder while I tried not to burn my food.
"You told the cops on me?"
My heart stopped as soon as I heard his voice. I grabbed the phone and looked at the caller id. Unavailable. I should've checked it before answering.
"I know you're there. I can hear the sizzling. Is that at your new place?"
I turned the stove off and moved the pan away from the heat.
"I was looking for you. They told me you had moved out. Something about the building being sold, I don't know. Answer me this, are you at your new place or your new boyfriend's place across the street?"
How could he possibly know that? I knew Nathan wouldn't come home for a few hours, but Darius couldn't get in here either way.
"Fine, don't talk. Just listen. I will find you no matter where you go or try to hide. I will make you pay for ruining my life, you crazy bitch. He will get tired of you. Once he knows how you truly are, and he will, you will be kicked out onto the curb, and when he does, I'll be waiting,"
The line went dead. I set the phone down and sat on the stool. He knows where I am. He could be lingering right outside the building. I can never leave. I will never be safe if he is running free.
I went to the room and locked my door. I got into bed and started crying. I was scared for my safety. I should've never put Nathan in danger. I should leave. But after everything, can I go? I'll take what I can carry, and I have money saved up. This is crazy, and it'll never work.
Nathan has enough to deal with at work. I don't know if his boss is mean, but I'm pretty sure owning multiple businesses can be exhausting. Who knows? It could be a wretched old man that screams at him every day and makes his life miserable. He doesn't have to deal with me.
There was a pounding at my door, and I yelled. "Go away!" Grabbing the closest thing to me and clutching it to my chest.
"Eris, it's me, Nathan. Is everything okay?"
I opened the door cautiously and dropped the item on the floor. Nathan walked in with a worried look and asked, "What happened?"
I didn't say anything. I pulled him into a hug, and he picked me up.
"Why are you crying?" He sat on the bed, with me still on his lap.
"Darius," I sobbed. "H-he knows the cops are looking for him. He knows where I'm staying, and he s-said he will be waiting for me,"
"He won't get anywhere near you. It's impossible to get into this building without permission. I'll advise the staff know to keep an eye out for him,"
He stroked my hair in an attempt to calm me down.
"I'm sorry you have to deal with me. It's not too late. I can leave. You don't have to go through this,"
He grabbed my face and made me look up at him. He wiped away the tears and placed a kiss on my forehead.
"I made a promise to you. I need you to trust me,"
I leaned in to kiss him, straddling his waist and wrapping my arms around his neck. After a few minutes, I pulled away and moved his hair back.
"Thank you for taking me as a burden," I smiled at him. "Maybe I should tell you I left my half-cooked meal on the stove,"
He laughed and shook his head.
"I already saw it. Come on, let's go eat something,"