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“Yeah. Mike is going to call you soon. I’m going to get Aria to bed. I’ll speak to you in the morning.”
“Call if you need us.”
I reach over and cut off the call. Aria is still holding onto the blanket tightly. It’s like her security net. Her fingers are white from the grip.
“Someone was there, Caleb. I woke up, heard you in the kitchen, and when I turned back around, he was there. I saw it.”
“He?” I ask.
“It was too big to be a woman or a child. It was a he.”
I take in a deep breath. “Mike is going to stay out here. I’m taking you to bed for some rest. Everything will look better in the morning after a good sleep. Nothing and no one can get in here. You’re safe. Next to Chris and Clay, Mike is the next person I’d trust with my life.”
I stand up and hold out my hand for her. I really hope she trusts me and lets me look after her. But, if she refuses and asks to go back to the compound, I’ll do it. I’ll up sticks at this time of night and do it.
I’ll do anything for this woman.
“Trust me, Aria.”
She closes her eyes, takes in a deep breath of her own, and stands up on shaky legs. We walk through the cabin to my room. I pull back the covers and help her to get comfortable. I pull off my t-shirt and climb in beside her. If I can get her to relax like last night, she’ll be able to sleep. I’m sure of it.
“Leave the lamp on, please.”
“Okay.” I pull her into my side and hold onto her tightly.
I didn’t think it would be possible to be as mixed up as I am right now. I’m stuck in between making Aria happy and keeping her safe. The compound is safer for her, but here makes her happier. What the fuck am I supposed to do?
I can’t even close my eyes and relax tonight. Even the feel of her in my arms is doing nothing for my anxiety. I can’t get the intruder out of my head. Was it her kidnapper? I don’t know. All I do know is that it’s a threat that I don’t like. I don’t like feeling out of control.
Tomorrow is a new day. We can regroup and explore the possibilities with a fresh look on things.
***
Aria is still sound asleep when I climb out of bed. I leave the door open slightly and head for a strong coffee. I tossed and turned all night. I think I got about two hours’ sleep, if that.
“Good morning,” says Clay.
I rub my eyes and look around the cabin to make sure I’m not imagining my brother sitting at the breakfast bar.
“What are you doing here, Clay?”
“After I spoke with Mike, I drove up here. I was too far away from you guys if you needed me last minute. I couldn’t stay away. I came up to your room, but you were sleeping.”
I frown at Clay. He looks pissed off at something. Whatever it is, I can’t deal with him until I get a coffee or three. It’s bad enough dealing with Clay’s moods when I’ve had a full night’s sleep.
“Aria looked settled.”
“She settled eventually with the lamp on.”
“It didn’t take you long to get her right where you want her, bro.”
“What?” I bang my empty cup down on the worktop and brace myself.
“I’m just saying…”
“Just don’t, Clay. Are you here to tell me how much I’m stuffing things up? Don’t you think I know this? I’m struggling, okay? Is this what you want to hear? Yesterday was amazing, but then it all vanished last night and we’re right back to square one this morning. Last night was the third night Aria has slept in my bed. Am I going to apologize for that? No. I love that woman, Clay. If all I can do is hold her then so be it. If it’s the only thing that helps her sleep then you can bet your ass I’m going to do it. Are you here to piss me off even more than I already am?”
Is this what it’s going to be like from now on? Are we all going to turn against each other one by one? Are we all going to pick out faults and continue to lose this battle? Because, right now, I’m at the end of my tether.
