The Bad Boy's Secret (Book 1)

Chapter 32: He's Gone.

I stood in front of Ash’s door, hesitating a bit before I opened his door.  Our parent’s still aren’t awake, and I was avoiding them all together.  Sleep was the last thing on my mind.  I found myself pacing my room after I got out of the shower.  I pushed the door open slowly, trying not to wake him up.  I closed the door and tried to find my way in the dark.  I managed to make it to the bed without tripping over a pile of dirty clothes. 

                The king sized bed sat snug in the middle of the room, against the wall.  His room was only slightly bigger than mine and that’s only because he’s older.  “What are you doing?” He croaked, not making the gesture to sit up or even move.

I ran my fingers over the top of his bed, “I can’t be alone right now.” I said softly.

                “I’m sorry.” He mumbled and he moved.  “I would rather you be in here—”

                “They’ll find him.” I interjected.  “I know they will.”  I just needed time to consider things.  Consider how I’m an idiot if I actually try and track them down.  Trying to figure out where he could have taken Noah in the first place.  There’s no way they’ll be at the condo or the place they found Alex, so that’s completely ruled out.

I could use myself as bait.

                But Ash is going to have 24/7 surveillance on me after our parent’s find out. 

                I pushed myself to the top of his bed and leaned back against the headboard.  “I didn’t want any of this to happen.” I choked. 

I heard Ash let out a long breath through his nose.  “Don’t blame yourself, Willow.” His voice was soft, almost calming. 

I fumbled with my fingers and tried not to cry.  “It’s my fault.  I should’ve gotten him out of there.  I shouldn’t have left him—”

                “Willow,” Ash noted sternly “You had no idea this was going to happen.  Don’t blame yourself.  If I know Noah as well as I think I do, he’ll be just fine.”

How much did Ash really know?  “You didn’t see him the way I did.” I took in a shaky breath, the tears already threatening to spill over.   “He was basically saying goodbye.”

                “He’s not going anywhere, Willow.” He whispered.

But he couldn’t promise that.  “I should’ve listened to you.  About Scott.”

I felt the warmth of his palm against my arm, “All that matters right now is that you’re safe.”

                “But Noah isn’t.” I whispered.  It was more for me, but Ash heard me and let out another sigh.  I mumbled an apology.

                “You need to get some sleep.” He said.  “Especially before mom and dad wake up.”

I nodded in agreement, “We don’t have to tell them—”

                “Willow.” Ash warned.  “You’re lucky I’m eighteen or else mom and dad would have had to pick you up.”

I shifted a little, feeling my eyes get a little droopy. “Can I stay in here?”

                “Of course.” He replied without hesitation.  “I just cleaned the couch off, you can sleep there or I can.”

I already stood up before he finished.  “Thank you.” I said as I made my way through the dark room, feeling around for the plush surface of the couch on the other side of the room.  I pulled the blanket from the back and laid it across my shivering body.  I wasn’t cold, but I still couldn’t get my body to relax.