Nightingale

2

I must have zoned out because before I know it we are pulling up to a big house that could pass for a mansion. I wanna ask where we are but I also don't want to speak since Grayson still looks like he's ready to kill someone, and I'd rather that person not be me, although I get the feeling Colton wouldn't mind if it were me, he might even be happy; he doesn't seem to like me much.

"Our parents bought this place when Grayson started college so he didn't have to stay on campus since he's so antisocial" Gabby answers my unasked question not missing a chance to take a jab at her brother "come on you'll love it" she guarantees hopping out of the car and practically running to the house. I wanted to run in with her and get as far away from the two most intimidating people I've ever met but I know my body won't let me, I don't even think I can get out of the car at this point, let alone keep up with Gabby.

"Are you coming or were you planning on sleeping in the car?" Colton asks mumbling something about me being a freak before walking into the house after Gabby. Sleeping in the car sounds better than being anywhere near him I think "you're not sleeping in car Lacey" Grayson states shutting the trunk throwing a bag over his shoulder. "I'd like to sleep in my bed, but that doesn't look like it's going to happen" I mumble under my breath "let's go; Gabby will kill me if I leave you out here by yourself" Grayson tells me impatiently then maybe she shouldn't have taken off and left me alone I scream inside my head hating the fact that I'm left with Grayson by myself.

I can feel the tears building up for the third time tonight and I silently will them not to fall Grayson doesn't seem like the type to put up with crying; Danny hated when I'd cry it always set him off.

"I'm sorry.. I'm sorry.. I'll stop" I cry flinching away from Grayson wiping the tears that had fallen without me realizing it. Shocked Grayson steps back holding his hands up "did you think I would hit you?" He asks sounding insulted and slightly hurt "I'm sorry" I cry harder "I..I" "Lacey I'm not gonna hurt you" Grayson reassures in the most soothing voice I've heard from him " I promise I'm not gonna hurt you, you're safe" he keeps soothing slowly moving towards me as I move as far back as I can in the limited space. "I was just gonna help you in to the house" he says gently placing his hand on my leg "see, I'm not gonna hurt you" he assures again slowly rubbing his thumb up and down my leg. We stay like that for a while, Grayson reassuring me that he won't hurt me and that I'm safe while I try calming down.

"I'm gonna pick you up now" he warns once I've calmed down enough that I can breathe without hyperventilating "see, not gonna hurt you" Grayson whispers in my ear as he picks me up and shuts the car door I just nod and bury my head in his neck as he carries me inside to ashamed to look anyone in the face. The whole time he's carrying me Grayson whispers things like "you're safe" and "I've got you" which is the first time in my life I've ever heard those words and somehow I kind of believe him.

"What happened?" Gabby demands as we walk inside causing me to flinch but Grayson just ignores her and keeps whispering reassuring words as he continues up the stairs.

The room he walks into is huge, like you could fit four of my dorm room in here and that doesn't include what I assume is the bathroom and closet.  The room is a dark blue with gold accents throughout, an amazing Alaskan king bed sits up against the wall covered in black and dark blue bedding and it looks so comfortable; god I wish I could try that bed. Grayson goes to set me on the bed but I don't let go of him, he is literally the most intimidating person I have ever met but he oddly makes me feel safe.

"Lacey it's okay, you're safe. No one is going to hurt you" Grayson soothes again but still I don't dare let go. Realizing I have zero intentions of releasing him Grayson sits down holding me in his lap gently rubbing my back "do you want to talk about it?" He questions but I just shake my head and snuggle further into his warmth and to my surprise he just holds me rubbing my back until I fall asleep.