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“What’s wrong?” I ask, my senses now on high alert as I stalk toward her, the two of us now only inches apart.
“Oh… um… nothing,” she says, waving me off, her independence any other time admirable, but now as she looks so uncertain, I don't believe a word she is saying. I stand in front of her and watch her body shake a little as she pants, regulating her breaths. I grab her hand and hold it in mine by our sides, trying to get her to slow her breathing. It seems to work for a moment, but she is still frightened.
“Pinkie?” I growl, giving her hand a squeeze. Letting her know that I'm here. She swallows but won’t meet my eyes.
“I’m fine. It’s fine, really,” she says quickly, looking around the reception area like a ghost is about to jump out at any moment. “I’m… I’m totally fine.” Stepping away from me a little, my eyes narrow, not believing her for one second. I step toward her, closing the gap she created, and grab her chin, angling her face to look at me.
“I get it. You are fine. You said it three times. But I don’t believe you. Tell me what happened?” I ask her, my eyes searching hers, and I feel her soft warm breath touch my skin as I take in the fear in her eyes.
“I just thought someone was following me. It is stupid, really. It isn’t that late. The streetlights only just came on.” Her words roll out into each other, she is talking so fast, making excuses.
“Brian. Security cameras,” I bark out to him, my eyes not leaving hers.
“Already on it.” I can hear him on the phone and tapping into the computer. We have state-of-the-art security in this place, cameras around the entire building.
“No, no, it is probably just me. It's been a long day. I’m just seeing things,” she blurts out, clearly still a little frazzled, her stubbornness shining through. I grab her face in both hands, preventing her from moving, and her eyes widen as I remain close to her, not leaving her for a moment.
“It is building protocol. Now I am going to take your hand, and together we are going to walk to the elevator and go up to your apartment. Brian, your new best friend over there, is going to look over the cameras and tell us if he sees anything. You are safe with me.” She remains quiet but wide-eyed as her head nods in my hands.
“Okay,” she whispers as my eyes flick down to her lips briefly before I lower my hold on her. I can’t remove my hands from her body as they skim her shoulders, and I hear her take a deep breath before I run them down her arms and entwine my fingers with hers.
“Let’s go,” I say as we walk toward the elevators. I don’t let go of her, and I also don’t miss the fact that her hand is shaking in mine. She is scared, I can feel it. She saw someone or something happened, but for whatever reason, she is not being honest about it.
We stand quietly, and I rub my thumb across the back of her hand as we wait for the elevator. Both of us look over our shoulder toward the front glass doors like someone will suddenly appear. But the doors remain closed, only showing the lights reflecting from the lobby. Brian looks at me, concerned, and I give him a silent nod to take care of things down here while I take care of her. The elevator opens, and we walk in, remaining silent until the doors close and we are in the small, private space.
“Are you alright?” I ask, turning to her, even though I know she isn’t. She takes another deep breath, trying to calm herself.
“I'm okay,” she says quietly, nodding, not meeting my eye.
“That’s different than fine, so it’s progress. You’re safe here. In this building. No one can get up these elevators without a pass, and no one can get into your apartment without the key,” I reiterate to her, wanting her to know that no one can harm her here. No one will harm her if I am here. “Brian sits at the desk all day, and security is watching all night.”
“I know. Thank you,” she says, her grip on my hand tightening.
The elevator opens at her floor, and I walk her to her door and drop her hand, feeling cold without it.
“Thanks, Eddie,” she says, looking weary now that the rush of adrenaline has worn off. I watch her hands shake as she takes out her keys.
“Here, let me.” Taking her keys, I open her door. Then I push it wide, getting her inside.
I grab her bag from her shoulder and place it near the wall, then move around her apartment, turning on the lights for her.
“I’m okay,” she whispers, like she is trying to convince herself, and I look at her. She most certainly isn’t okay. I can physically see her making herself small. That is not what this woman should be doing. She is vibrant, smart, sassy. She needs to hold her head high and be illuminated for the world to see. Not cowering into herself.
“I know. I’m just going to triple-check all the locks for you, so you know everything is secure,” I say as I walk around, unlocking and relocking the windows while I clench my jaw. I pull the curtains closed and fist the material tightly, having a sudden urge to hurt anyone who scares her like this. My shoulders are high as I walk to the front door and do the same, making sure the lock is working well. I feel a headache coming, I’m so tense. I don’t like seeing her vulnerable like this. It isn’t like her at all.
“Everything is all working fine. Once Brian leaves for the night, security monitors the desk downstairs. No one gets in here. It is manned twenty-four seven.” I watch as she takes another deep breath, seemingly more at ease.
“Thank you,” she says, offering me a small smile.
“You want me to make you a hot drink? I’m pretty sure the hot chocolate from the basket is probably the most amazing hot chocolate you have ever had,” I offer, my grin now overtaking my face. Her stance softens, her grin reflecting mine.
“That would be nice. Ohh… I never thanked you for the baskets, by the way.” I raise an eyebrow at that. She doesn’t know I own the building and personally organized those for her.
“For the baskets?” I ask quizzically.
“Well, I know you must have spoken to the building owners or organized it all yourself. I appreciate it. What I’ve tried so far has been delicious,” she says, a small smile on her face, one that looks a hell of a lot better than the fear that was there moments ago.
“I’m just going to change real quick.” I don’t hesitate as I move into the kitchen and get busy while she is taking a moment. The tapware is now all fixed, thanks to my plumbing team, and the sink is sparkling clean. I look over the baskets and notice the artisan cookies are gone from both baskets, so I make a mental note to get her some more. She clearly likes them. As I search in the cupboards for the mugs, I open almost every one to find them still empty except for a few pieces of cutlery and dishes. One cupboard has a small amount of food, like packet ramen, but otherwise, there is nothing here. Likewise, when I open the refrigerator to grab the milk. Aside from milk, a few apples, and some cheese from the baskets, it is empty. I frown, looking at everything so barren. Her job keeps her so busy, it doesn’t surprise me.
