39

This just fueled my anger towards Nathan even more now.
I stepped back out and shut the door, trying hard to stop more tears from forming.
I missed home. I missed my brother, my friends, hell even the mailman. But most of all, I missed Landon. He was the only one that entirely understood me. He knew exactly how I thought, what I felt, and did nothing but encourage me and stand by my side. Funny how he sounded like an ideal boyfriend, except we both knew that that was something universally impossible. We just weren’t attracted to each other.
I heard footsteps approaching from behind me and kept my back turned.
I’m sorry I broke our promise. I heard Nathan’s deep voice from behind.
I kept still, the cold stinging my eyes and tear-streamed face as I continued to stare off into the distance.
I want to tell you, because it’s not easy keeping this all to myself. But that would be selfish of me if I did. He admitted. I know if I tell you, you won’t see things the same, and it might just ruin everything.
I could hear the sincerity in his voice and the heavy weight his words held.
Skylar, I don’t see you as a lapdog. He let out a small laugh. I see a beautiful, smart young woman. He said in all seriousness now, making my clenched white knuckles on the black railing loosen. I just know that once I tell you everything, it will be like inviting a dark and destructive presence which I know will end up sucking you in and destroying your life.
I could tell that he meant every word, as I had never before heard him speak in that tone before. He sounded so certain and defeated. And at that moment, I felt a small wave of guilt wash over me. He was right, I guess I was being pretty ignorant and inconsiderate about his whole ordeal. I had demanded answers from him and I only found it fair that he told me everything if we were to grow any closer. I refused to stay in the dark about this whole scheme if Nathan expected us to get along and live in harmony. But I had failed to consider his emotions and past in any of it.
I stayed silent so he kept going.
Before I kidnapped you, I was at a helpless place in my life. I was barely keeping my brothers-let alone myself alive and was desperate for any opportunity. So of course I jumped at it, not taking a second to think over the consequences and blindly believing that it would solve everything. Then I realized the grave mistake I’d made.
When I was assigned this task, all I was told was that you were just some girl who owed a mob boss money. So I expected to be watching over some scared and helpless girl, but man was I wrong. Since I brought you here you’ve been acting like you’re the one in charge. I’ve never seen a girl as strong, wild, passionate, and smart as you, especially being able to function like that under these circumstances. His compliments seemed to be naturally gushing out, filled with sincerity and admiration. Skylar, I can’t tell you my nightmares because I don’t want them to become your reality. I think you’re a very strong and compassionate person, and I won’t keep all of this potential be tainted or ruined. And while I can’t give you all the answers as to why you’re here, I can promise you that I will do whatever it takes to get you back home once this all blows over.
I was left speechless by the end of it. He hadn’t given me answers to my questions, but he had given me his reasons, which was far more striking than any other reason he might have given. I thought he saw me as some annoying brat that made him crack a few smiles from time to time. But hearing him say those nice things about me had stripped my mind of words. Hell, my own kidnapper promising to drop me back home was enough to leave me stunned.
Skylar, say something. He spoke gently after a long silence.
I opened my mouth in an attempt to form a sentence. I froze though as I felt his hand rest on my shoulder, then found myself turning to face him now.
Please don’t cry anymore. He whispered, placing his hands on my cheeks and wiping away the fresh set of tears with his thumbs.
I’m not crying… because I’m upset. I started, my voice coming out shaky.
He looked at me softly and remained quiet, his thumb gently brushing my cheek.
I just never knew someone saw those things in me the way you do. I admitted shyly, starting to turn my cheek away from him. His hand on my cheek stopped me though, holding my face in place and meticulously studying my face.
I couldn’t hold off the urge any longer ; I had to hug him. So pushing away his hands from my face, I snaked them around his strong build and buried my head into his chest.
He wasted no time in collecting me in his arms and holding me in the exact way that I needed to be held at the moment.
I was suddenly scared of all the feelings which were surfacing at the moment. All these mixed emotions swirled in my mind as I clutched onto the only stable thing around, which happened to be Nathan’s perfectly sculpted, wholesome and secure body. I didn’t want to think about the sudden pull I felt towards him, or the way I instantly melted into his touch, or the fact that my heart was racing. All these thoughts were just too damn intimidating all at once.
Falling for your hot Abercrombie model acquaintance is acceptable, but falling for your hot Abercrombie kidnapper model acquaintance is simply ridiculous.
Well these were simply temporary thoughts drawn from confusion, vulnerability, and a bit of helplessness. So there would be no problem in clearing these thoughts out and never inviting them in again… right ?
So do you forgive me ?
I tilted my head back to see Nathan leaning back and looking down at me with a playful smile.
My heart melted at that.
Wait, no.
I grinned back. I don’t think I heard a proper apology.
Sliding his hands down to my waist, he looked me straight in the eye. I sincerely apologize for being an asshole and a jerk, please forgive me ma’am.
I held back a blush at how he had called me ma’am. There was something sweet in the way it rolled off his tongue.
You forgot to add douche-bag. I said with a mischievous smile.
Don’t push it princess. He warned, shooting a wink at me.
I forgive you. I whispered, giving him a soft smile.