Red Deception {Book Two}

9: Desperate Times

Demitri POV

It tears me apart seeing her like this, distressed and confused. She's been running around the house all morning trying to sort herself out, but in reality all she is doing is freaking herself out even more.

"Riah, love. Calm down, your psyching yourself out." I lifted my hand up to grasp hers gently, but she pulled away before I could. She was looking for the papers stating she was Alyssa's legal guardian, but she just won't accept that Scott can't do anything about Alyssa. He has no relation to her at all, and he doesn't have any say in her life. Riah somehow put it in her head that he's trying to take her away, but I really don't think that's the case. To be honest, he's probably just trying to visit his daughter.

"Riah, he can't take her away. He literally has no say in it. I don't think that's his intentions."

She shook her head, "It doesn't matter. I still need to find them, just in case."

I could feel her anxiety getting worse, causing me to stand up and wrap my arms around her. Her muscles calmed a little under my touch, but her body was still shaken up a bit.
After a few minutes of having her in my arms and staying silent, she pulled away and gave me her lovely, bright smile. "Thank you, Demitri."

I nodded and sat back down, finally having her sit beside me and slouch into the leather.

Sighing, she set her face in her hands. "I tried going around town earlier to see if I could possibly find him, but if he's still in Amiens, he doesn't want to be found." She looked into my eyes, "The last time I saw him was at my going away party, and that conversation wasn't very friendly. I can't imagine he wants to just catch up." Her tone turned sour as she shook her head in irritation.

I understand where she's coming from, I really do. But I honestly don't think her step father would be here to put any harm on her or Alyssa.
But then again, I could be wrong.

"We'll find him, love. He can't hide forever." I gave her a reassuring smile and laced my hand in hers. The warmth of her skin graced mine as I sighed in relief.
Without her touch, I feel lost inside. She completes me with her feisty attitude and caring nature.

Opening my mouth to speak, the front door flew open and Nora swayed into the house with Alec behind her. I was literally just about to ask where she was, I haven't seen her since I woke up to Riah freaking out about three hours ago.

"Hey guys." Nora's voice was low as she entered the living room and sat beside us.
As Alec placed his hands on the back of Nora's chair, he gave me a nod.

Riah took a deep breath and peered into Nora's gray eyes. "Why does it look like you have bad news to give us?"

Nora chewed on her bottom lip as she glanced to Alec. "We don't, not necessarily. We have no news, at all. It's like he never showed up."

The sigh that escaped Riah's lips caused my frown to deepen.
Before I could speak up, Riah pushed herself off the couch and left the living room in a huff.

Nora arched her brow my way in a concerning motion.
"It's not you, really. She's been acting like this since this morning." I took a deep breath as I ran my hand through my knotted hair. I want to follow her into the other room and make sure she is okay, but I know she would rather be alone right now.

"She's just worried Demitri. And until we find Scott, she will continue to worry. It's just what she does." Nora's shoulders rose a bit.

Chewing on the inside of my cheek, I glanced back to where Riah disappeared as if looking into the distance could give me answers to what I need to do next.