Page 56 of Ever After
I turn my back to him, unloading the groceries, and he drops his arms from my waist. I want some more time alone. I don’t need him hovering around me like a bee. He sighs once, but I ignore him as I try to tamp down the tears that want to start once again. I know I need to let it out, but now isn’t the time. Once done, we sit down and enjoy the Chinese food he picked up.
He ordered a little bit of everything, unsure as to what I would like. It was sweet of him. He opens the few containers, and I peer inside them, looking for anything with some chicken, vegetables, and noodles. He hands me a container, and I grab for the chopsticks and dig in. We eat in comfortable silence, and when I’ve had enough, I put my chopsticks down and take a deep breath, patting my stomach.
“That was good, thank you.” I cock one side of my lips up as he takes another bite of food. “Any updates on where we’re going?”
“For today, we’re staying put. Winston’s working on a plan to get us out of here, but I haven’t heard from him yet.”
He pulls his phone from his pocket and looks at a text message. He doesn’t say anything, just types a quick response and pockets it again. At this point, I don’t even care what it says. I know it’s not good news. I stand, put my dishes in the dishwasher, and walk to the balcony. The breeze feels good on my skin.
“It’s probably best if you don’t come out here until we know you’re safe.”
“Grayson, I can’t stay cooped up inside anymore. It’s stifling being inside. I need to feel the breeze on my face and in my hair. We’re five floors up and facing another building. It’s not like anyone on the street can see us.”
“No, but we are facing another building, and if anyone who’s looking for us gets in there,” he points to the window across from me. “we’re fucked.”
I throw my hands up in the air and walk back in. I slam the bedroom door shut, locking it behind me. He means well, and I’m thankful he’s risking so much for me, but at the same time, he needs to back off. I can’t handle it anymore.
He bangs on the door. I don’t care. He can pound on it all night. His perfect face, sexy dimple, and chiseled chest are the last things I want to see right now.
“Finley, please, don’t shut me out. I’m only trying to protect you.” His voice is muffled through the thick door.
I ignore him and press the pillow over my face. I scream as loud as I can, channeling all the anger, hurt, and frustration into it.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Finley
I fall asleep at some point, and when I wake again, it’s nighttime. My stomach gurgles, so I climb out of bed in favor of food. I pull open the door slowly and almost trip over Grayson, who’s sleeping on the floor just outside. Warmth spreads through me as I look at his peaceful form. He’s going to be sore from sleeping there, and I feel bad I locked him out of the only bedroom.
As if he can sense I’m watching him, he opens his eyes and inhales a deep breath, lifting his face to look at me.
“Hey, babe.” He offers me a lazy smile.
I kneel down, hovering over him, and cup his cheek with my palm. “Why are you sleeping on the floor? Why aren’t you on the couch or something? I didn’t mean to fall asleep and lock you out of the room.”
“It’s okay. I wanted to be close in case you needed anything, and the couch was too far. I knew you’d come to get me when you were ready.” He sits up and stretches, then stands and takes my hand.
We walk into the kitchen together, where we reheat some of the Chinese food. He cracks open a beer, and I open a bottle of water. Sitting down to eat, I contemplate what to say to him. Do I tell him I’m sorry? Do I tell him I’m scared?Do I tell him I’m head over heels for him?I want to. More than anything, I want to tell him how I feel.
“We still need to go over the panic room, just in case something happens. Winston’s working on getting us a new safe space, but it’d be wise to understand it in the meantime.”
I nod and continue to eat my food. I would rather us be silent than fighting. I need to get my head on straight, and I can’t do that if I’m upset.
We finish, clean up, and walk into the bedroom together.
“The panic room is here in the closet. When you step inside and slide these doors closed, the only way for them to open is if you type the code in the keypad. There’s an override, but a special key is needed for it to work, and it’s not kept in the apartment. Other than that, no one and nothing can break down the doors. Got it?” I nod again. “The code is five-five-eight-seven. Repeat it back to me.”
“Five-five-eight-seven. I’ve got it.” I repeat the code internally a few more times for good measure.
“Good girl. Now, when the door closes, Winston said it dials a member of his team, and you can talk to them from the inside.”
“Why doesn’t it call the cops?”
He rubs his hand along the back of his neck, trying to decide on his next words. “Winston doesn’t trust cops.”
Crossing my arms over my chest, I jut out my hip and scoff, “He knows you’re a cop, right?” I raise my eyebrow in question.The irony can’t be lost on him.
He nods. “Doesn’t mean he trusts them. I’m the exception, and that’s only because we served together. Tell his team member whatever they ask from you, and don’t open the damn door until someone comes and opens the door for you.”