UNPROTECTED

Part Twelve

Alina's POV

I felt fresher but still that tiny bit dirty. I guessed that that feeling would stay with me for a long time to come.

Stepping out of my room, into the brightened hallways, everyone I met seemed happy. Blithely. Joyful. As though nothing could touch them down here. It helped me, a lot.

"Alina!" I couldn't hold back the groan that escaped my lips - turning round, I faced my captor.

"Oh, Maria! How wonderful to see you after these...what? Two days?" Sarcasm ruled my tone, but she didn't seem to be detecting it.

"Isn't this place just great?! I mean, look at all the soldier guys! Fit and smart! You know, one of them was checking me out yesterday whilst you were having your head bitten off by Pearilia. We snogged but then he told me he couldn't go through with it - married with a little one on the way. I always hate it when they say that - usually the best ones are married." I rolled my eyes and tried to sidestep her, without success.

"Maria? I have to go, sadly."

"What a shame." She frowned, making me feel too guilty. "I'll just find- Ryan! Hey, boy!" Her brother stepped around a corner and ran at his sister. I thought he was charging at her, until realised that they were embracing, like siblings should.

"Alina." He nodded at me.

"Ryan." Nodding back, I was just about to be on my way, when Louisa rounded the same corner. "Louisa!" Almost mimicking Ryan and Maria, me and Louisa embraced, tightly.

She smelt like mum - then I remembered the perfume she always carried. My head had been messed up in that prison that I had totally forgotten the little details.

"Alina, have you seen Del? She ran off this morning, somewhere and hasn't returned." Tutting, an answer came from my lips.

"You shouldn't be worrying about that, big sis! I'm sure I will find her, but, until then , I want you and Ryan to spend some quality time together. Deal?" Louisa blushed as Ryan glanced down at her.

"Uh....deal?" Before she could say anything else, I skipped off, glad that I was helping her relationship with Maria's older brother.

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Beaming, I sighed and entered yet another room.

I was lost. Well and truly.

"Lena?" The voice rang out like an angel - I would know it anywhere. Turning to face my sister, I couldn't help the biggest grin erupting along my mouth.

"Del? Del! Oh my god, I have missed you so much!" Hugging, I noticed someone else in the room. Two people, in fact. "Marcus! Connor! I guess I should say thanks for saving us. I don't know how I could ever repay you."

Marcus chuckled and raised his eyebrow. "You could start by bowing down at my feet and kissing them." He suddenly realised that we were all looking at him weirdly and didn't find it funny. "I was joking? Never mind. Forget I said anything." Blushing, he decided to leave the room.

"I had better go after him, make sure that he is alright and doesn't take it personally." Delia sauntered after him, making me feel like she deserved to have the perfect man in her life, to look after her.

"Anything happen whilst I was inside my room for two days?" This was awkward - conversation needed to start somewhere!

"Not really. Look, Alina, could we be friends? It would help me to know that you didn't hate my guts if we are going to be around each other more often." The way he looked at me almost made me feel sorry for him. Almost.

"Fine. Friends. Nothing more."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, poo head." What could I say? I don't think I could ever truly like this guy.

Could I?

Before I had time to consider, a low chime ran out over the intercom.

"Could all of the Drew, Riley and Ridge families report to HQ213 immediately." 

This must be serious.