Behind the Mask

Chapter 70

North's POV

Once Corey had headed downstairs, I climbed into the bed next to Ris and Sean. He had his arm wrapped around her waist, his hand on her stomach, and was nuzzled into her neck. I know I was terrified when she collapsed, but seeing them now, I could only imagine his level of fear. Not only was he worried for her, but for his child as well. I'll be the first to admit, I'm jealous that it isn't mine. What Luke said that night was right. We know realistically that having kids with fourteen men is ridiculous, but you can't blame a man for dreaming. I put my hand on top of his, "How are you holding up?"

He gave me a weak smile, "Moment to moment." I nodded, not really sure what to say, and laid down facing them both. She was breathing evenly and looked almost peaceful, but I'd give anything to see those beautiful brown eyes.

We both must have nodded off because I suddenly jerked awake hearing soft crying. Marissa was curled in a tight ball, with her head buried in the pillow, quietly sobbing. Her cries must have woken Sean as well. He reached out to her, but she jerked away from him. She pulled away from me as well when I tried to touch her. I'm not even sure if she was awake. "Text Axel," Sean suggested. I sent the message and moments later he came in the door as we stepped out of the bed, letting him try to calm her. Looking at the door, I saw all of them standing there, including Dominic and his man Luca.

"Angel," Axel whispered. She lifted her head slowly and met his gaze, but it was almost like she wasn't really seeing him. "Angel, can you hear me?" he asked. She blinked and then fell forward into his arms, sobbing. "It's okay, baby, I've got you. We're here, Angel. You're safe." He stroked her hair as she cried, rocking her gently in his arms.

"I don't know if I can do this anymore," she whimpered. "I'm so tired of fighting."

He cupped her face, drawing in a sharp breath, "Marissa Elizabeth Ryland, you are not giving up - not now, not ever. Do you understand me?"

Her eyes were wide as she nodded, "Yes, Daddy." His eyes darkened in an instant and I think all of us had to readjust ourselves.

Axel groaned, "Fuck, Angel." She leaned forward into his embrace again. "I know you're tired, but we have a plan so hear us out before you say no." She nodded and everyone piled into the room as we told her of the events at the hospital. Her body shook when Sean explained Jackson's threat. Axel continued to hold her tightly, as I rubbed her back.

"Malen'kaya shalun'ya, both my father and Dominic's agree - we need to get you out of the country. Italy is safer than Russia right now," Raven told her. I guess Sean and I had missed a lot. I was surprised to hear Raven supported my idea.

"But what about the trial? What about Gabe, Luke, and Victor - we can't let them come here and be in danger," she replied.

"They can reroute since they're using the private jet. We can discuss the trial at a later time. For now, we'd prefer to get out as soon as possible," Kota said.

She looked around the room and sighed, "Okay, let's go."

We all let out a collective sigh of relief. "I'll call the plane," Luca said and headed downstairs.

"I'll help you pack sweetheart," Sean said, holding his hand out to her.

"I need to get my small bag first," she said. He nodded, understanding she needed her little things. Brandon stepped into her closet and grabbed a suitcase, then began pulling out some of her favorite outfits.

"I'll pack for you, love," Axel said, placing a kiss on Brandon's lips, then turning to Marissa, "Thank you, Angel." She murmured something soft and kissed him.