Ringing in the New Year

“I didn't think I had a choice.” What I want is to lay my head on Reed’s chest and sleep.

“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. I’ll pick you up and walk you right out of here and we’ll be home in no time.”

“Home.” The word makes me want to cry. I glance at the police officers and can tell they want to protest.

Reed’s hand comes to my chin and he makes me look at him. “Home,” he confirms.

I know he means what he says. Something about Reed is different than I remember. His dominance fills the room and whatever he says goes.

“I want to go home, but I have to do this. If it helps take them down, then I need to do this,” I tell him.

“Alright,” he agrees and he stands us up. Panic rises in my chest and he takes my hand. “I’m not going anywhere, Dimples. Breathe.”

He sits back down and takes me with him and I relax again. It feels like when we’d take a walk and I’d lie in his arms in the afternoon and he’d hold me while the sun would set.

“Let’s get started,” Reed tells them, and they begin.

He holds me while I tell them about the last five years of my life. I start with the day my dad took me and then what it was like living there. I tell them about when my dad died, and even about my escape because of the impending marriage to the leader. They ask the most questions about him and any details I can give.

I can feel Reed’s moods shift with every story I tell, ranging from anger to sadness and—I’m pretty sure—jealousy when he hears about the marriage stuff. Also the fact that I’m still in a wedding dress while I sit here doesn’t make it any better.

I talk for what feels like hours and sometimes I have to repeat myself. I know they’re trying to get as much as they can, but it’s exhausting. I lay my head on Reed and think about closing my eyes for a moment.

I jerk when I feel movement and realize I must have nodded off for a second.

“We’re done. You’ve got all you’re getting today. You can come see her tomorrow or send me the questions. It’s time for her to go home,” Reed tells the officers as he stands with me in his arms. I don’t protest, wrapping my arms around his neck as he carries me out of the room and down the long hallway.

When we step outside I see three black SUVs lined up. The one in the middle has two men wearing black suits standing outside of it and they look like FBI. One of them opens the back door and Reed slides in, keeping a tight hold on me as the door closes behind us.

“Who are they?” I ask him. My eyes feel heavy with exhaustion.

“Security,” he says simply. As if it’s normal to have three SUVs worth of security.

“You have security now?”

“They’re here for you.” I feel the SUV move and I wonder how far we are from wherever we are going. I don’t know where Reed lives now, but it doesn't matter. I’m where I want to be.

He kisses the top of my head and I let out a small sigh as I soak in his affection.

“We’ll be there in ten minutes, sir. Traffic is clear.” Reed nods and I laugh, unable to help myself.

“Care to tell me what's so funny?” I can hear the smile in his voice.

“I was just thinking I don’t know what you do now, but whatever it is, you must have money.”

“We do, but why would that be funny?”

“Because I think if you were rich when we were kids you would have hired a bodyguard for me then, too.” I laugh a little more, thinking back to high school and what it would have been like.

“The school wouldn't let me.” I laugh harder and I feel him give a laugh, too. I let my eyes fall closed once again and pray that when I open them this won’t have been a dream.

Chapter 8

Cami

The first thing I see when I open my eyes is Reed lying next to me. His eyes are open and he’s watching me. I’m so relieved he’s still here I burst into tears. He grabs me and pulls me into his big warm body and I cling to him.

“I was so scared it was a dream,” I say through sobs. I’m a mess, but I don’t care.

“I’ve got you, Cami. No one will ever take you from me again,” he says, running his hands up and down my back in soothing strokes.

I don’t know how long I cry, but I fall back asleep. When I wake up the second time he’s still there in the bed with me, still holding me.

“I have to go to the bathroom,” I finally say as I let out a small sigh. I don’t want to let him go, even if it’s only to pee. The fear of losing him has me clinging to him.

He rises easily from the bed with me in his arms and carries me across the room. A light comes on as we enter a bathroom and he sets me down on a counter. I reluctantly let go of him and smile. He steps back a little and looks just as handsome as ever. The shadow of facial hair on his chin and the dark circles under his eyes make it clear he hasn't slept or showered. I reach up and cup his cheek, and he leans into my touch.

“I told you one day it would grow in evenly.” He gives me a half smile and I remember teasing him about it. Still there’s a sadness lingering in his eyes.

“You should have gotten to see it happen.” His voice cracks and it’s filled with pain. I nod in agreement as my eyes fill with tears.