His words did it. I stared up into his vulnerable, agonized and tear filled eyes.
I suddenly felt a strong urge to help him. I wanted to help this broken boy because at the end, he was taking everything onto his shoulders when he was already drowning himself. He had done what was necessary to save his family, and I could see the ache and grave grief it caused him. He held that weight each day and was still strong enough to put it aside to be there for Dustin, for Max, and even for me now.
Yes he had been the one to kidnap me, but at least now I knew it was basically forced and sprung onto him. Although it was easy to still blame him for everything, I knew that had he not been the one being trained and controlled, it would have only been someone else being in the same spot, and I really did doubt that they would have anything near the amount of compassion that Nathan possessed. I was certain that anyone else being controlled to do this would not be going about making me strawberry smoothies, averting angry violent chipmunks away from me, or give a single ounce of trust the same way he was giving me by opening up right now.
Nathan. I called his name, not getting a response. His eyes were staring off into the distance.
Nathan. I spoke more louder this time, causing his dark and heavy eyes to meet mine.
You can’t take on this much weight. I started. Don’t worry about me, because I’d be way more worried if you weren’t here. I stated honestly, causing his eyes to meet mine again. I know if it wasn’t you, it would be a lot colder, darker, and lonelier being here. I probably would be looking a lot worse, and you prevented that.
He gave me a small grateful smile. It was barely there, but I could see my words did have some sort of effect, even if it was momentarily.
I think what you did was brave. I continued. You were there for your family when no one else was, and you still gave them their happy ending. I smiled softly. Max is still in college, and your mom and siblings are all safe now.
No. Nathan finally spoke. They’re not okay. I appreciate your words Skylar, you’re truly amazing and have such a good soul. He looked at me with a sad smile. But I didn’t fix everything. It’s too late and I’m stuck in this mess. I couldn’t save her and now it’s too late. They already ruined her. He said quietly, looking down.
What happened ? I asked.
He didn’t answer me this time.
Next question. He mumbled after a long silence. Please. He added softly after.
I thought for a while, before opening my mouth.
Why do you trust me so much ? I couldn’t help but ask.
He stared at me for a moment, as if my face held his answer.
Thinking that I was making no sense and he didn’t understand my question, I added on. I mean how do you know that I’m not gonna go run to the cops and tell them your whole story ? I asked with a raised brow.
Well princess, one, you’re not even sure you’ll be released. He said with a smug smirk.
Despite his playful look, I shuddered at the thought of being kidnapped forever.
Sorry, that was harsh. That’s not the case. You will be released when the time is right, one way or another. Nathan added after he took in my fallen features, his eyes holding strong promise.
His words surprised me, and although he wasn’t specific, I slightly relaxed and let my hope and faith grow stronger.
And second. He continued on. Because I know you won’t tell anyone. He added, his eyes vivid from any clouds of doubt.
But what if I wanted to get revenge on Alvin ? I quirked an eyebrow. Then I’d have to tell them the whole story.
But you’d leave me out of it. He retorted confidently.
How do you know ? I challenged, feeling bothered a bit now.
Because you care. He answered simply with a smirk, his eyes twinkling.
I thought about it. Did I really care ? Well I knew that I wanted to kiss him and felt weird feelings and emotions in his presence. But did that mean that I cared about him ?
Yes.
And plus, I know you wouldn’t risk Max and Dustin’s safety. Nathan added after a while.
I slowly nodded, not knowing how to reply to that.
He had caught me, one way or another. It still bothered me how he was able to confirm that so confidently.
Time to pay your end of the deal. Nathan suddenly announced, cutting off my thoughts.
A small blush crept its way over my face as I remembered our deal.
Wait ! I suddenly exclaimed, ignoring his amused expression.
What ? He asked with a raised brow.
You forgot to answer the last question. I stated.
He simply looked at me blankly. When his poker face didn’t slip, I added on. The one I asked you first.
I’m sorry princess, but the deal was you get to ask two questions, and then I get a kiss. He stated.
That’s not fair ! You said you’d answer it last. I frowned, realizing I had used up my two questions already.
I know. Not my fault you asked a different question. He shrugged.
I glared at him. I was determined to get my answer.
Plus, you promised me the day you got back that you’d tell me where you went that day. I think now’s a good time for that. I reminded him, crossing my arms.
We had a stare down and I kept my guard up, staring right into the depths of his stoic green eyes.
His eyes finally broke away from mine, surprising me that I had won.
I was about to give a small victory speech but stopped myself once I saw his eyes move away from me and suddenly fill with emotion again. The same heavy sadness returned to his eyes.
I suddenly regretted pushing him, and was about to apologize for overstepping my boundaries but he started to speak again, causing me to grow silent and still again.
When Ryland told me I had to kidnap you, I did manage to escape. I made it far away and was so relieved, thinking it was all finally over and I could put it behind me, but I was too reckless to think at the time. It took his men less than three hours to locate my little sister and take her. They used her as leverage for me to come back. So just as fast as I’d ran from that hellhole, I was sprinting right back to it to save my little sister. Nathan let out a humorless chuckle, his eyes darkening to a deep harsh green. I ended up back there and Ryland finally let go of my little sister.
So I sent her back to my mother who was staying in the house I was able to buy for her and my siblings, which was in a different state, safely far away. At first my mom was relieved, but then she was determined to bring the police into it and thought she could ‘fix’ everything. She thought they’d help her out and be able to help me as well. So without even telling anyone, she took her own daughter right back to the building where Ryland and his men were, calling the police after-not even beforehand, and demanded to get justice. With the time it took for the cops to arrive, Ryland’s men had already spotted them outside the building. They immediately brought them in and waited for the cops, shooting and killing every single one once they’d arrived. He paused for a second, his eyes hardening.