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I haven’t been told where we’re going or what we will be doing this evening. I’m still in conflict with myself, wanting to be my curious self and ask questions, but I refrain from asking anything. The less I say, the less chance there will be for me to have ‘open mouth and insert foot’ syndrome. I figured in a matter of minutes, most of my questions will be answered anyway.
I peer up at Nick out of the corner of my eye and wonder what’s going through his mind right now, because he looks deep in thought. I notice he’s freshly shaved, and his pores are sickeningly immaculate. His striking facial features and stark jawline are an enigma, and he walks with purpose and self-assurance, while exuding a natural dominance. Any woman would most likely fall flat at his feet, only too happy to be in my shoes if given the opportunity.
As we round the corner of the long hallway, two sets of elevators line one wall. The adrenaline spikes in my blood stream as I think of ascending into the outside world above. Nick stops us in front of the first elevator and waves his hand once over the sensor; immediately, the doors open without hesitation.
Nick must recognize my bewilderment, so as he guides me into the empty elevator by the small of my back, he explains, “This particular elevator is reserved specifically for our use. It’s not shared with the other floors above.”
I observe as his hand reaches out and pushes the number three button, and I watch the number illuminate from behind the small plastic circle with anticipation. As the elevator doors close and it jolts as it starts moving us skyward, I can feel my heart palpitating against my chest with renewed hope and excitement. I’m going to be surfacing from the depths of hell. It’s been two weeks since I’ve seen sunlight, and lost track of time.
Nick startles me by grasping both my hands. I was so taken by my own thoughts I almost forgot he was with me in this small, confined space. He gives my hands a little squeeze of reassurance and a small smile plays on his lips. He steps into my personal space so I’m forced to face him, and suddenly, the air between us grows thicker; his close proximity has the walls closing in on me as I become hyperaware of everything that is Nick.
I take a moment for the first time this evening to truly take in the sight of him up close and personal. As he stands before me, his cologne assaults my senses and the sultry look in his eyes gives me pause. Despite who he is, there is just something potent and raw about being on the arm of a rich and powerful man. Everything from his perfectly pressed suit, authoritative gait, intoxicating cologne, and muscular build makes me quiver, and it makes me question my sanity. I watch as Nick returns the favor, his eyes slipping over every curve of my body.
He closes the distance between us, places his forehead against mine, and takes a deep breath. “You smell amazing.” His thumbs dance across the back of my hands as he softly asks, “Do you like the earrings I bought you?”
“Yes, thank you,” I murmur. It’s all I can muster as my mind races with thoughts of escape with each floor we pass over. I wonder if there will be an opportunity to yell, scream, or whisper to a stranger for help. How far could I get if I—
“I’m allowing this little bit of freedom, my sweet, so don’t go ruining it by trying something foolish,” he states as if he can read my mind.
I shake my head. “I will be good. I promise.” Schooling my disappointment, I refuse to give up hope. I will always be on the lookout, waiting for an opportunity to arise.
“That’s good to hear, because there is no escape. I’ve got men spread out three blocks wide.” I cringe internally from his declaration. When will I be able to feel the sunshine on my skin again, or breathe in the air of the fresh outdoors? There are so many things I want to say and ask, but I don’t, because I have a feeling the answers will do nothing but stir my temper.
The elevator comes to an abrupt halt, and my stomach dips from the sudden movement. Once the doors slide open, Nick threads his fingers through mine and guides me out. Even though I know security is tight, I still can’t help the surge of excitement I feel when stepping out of the elevator. I feel like a kid in a fantasy wonderland, seeing things from a different perspective for the first time and not realizing what I had until I lost it.
