You guys don’t understand, he’s not gonna hurt anyone ! I exclaimed. Please put those away and hear me out ! I pleaded desperately, shooing away Nathan as he tried to move me behind him protectively.
Skylar he’s a kidnapper ! Tyler exasperated. Did this sicko brainwash you ? He thought out loud with an incredulous look.
What ? No ! He’s done nothing but help me since I’ve been here ! I explained. He’s made it easier for me and hasn’t even laid a finger on me. I spoke in a softer tone now, straining my voice to stay leveled.
So you don’t want to go home ? Tyler asked in disbelief, surprise still vivid in his eyes.
I looked down, not being able to meet his shocked and hurt gaze. I knew he had come in here to save me, and this was probably the last thing he’d expect. I do. I answered quietly.
Nathan’s posture went rigid and Tyler just looked more puzzled.
But I can’t. I added. I can’t leave Nathan. He needs me here. I spoke in a stronger tone now.
What ? Tyler and Landon spoke at the same time.
Lady, are you ins- Landon started to speak but I cut him off.
If I leave then the person that set this all up will murder Nathan and his family. I explained, my voice breaking at the end.
I wasn’t sure if it was cool of me to just give out Nathan’s business like that, but I was desperate to protect him and needed my brother and Landon to understand. Well, needed them to put their guns away at the very least.
I hadn’t been expecting this, nor had I thought this could even happen. My two heroes showing up at the doorstep to save me…
Now that I was faced with this window of opportunity, it was too late. I had grown to care for my kidnapper and his lovely brothers, and I knew for a fact that if I walked out that door with them, it would all be over for Nathan.
I couldn’t put his life on the line when he had done everything he could to make sure I was safe here. I couldn’t leave until Nathan and his family’s safety was secured.
Well he shouldn’t have done this in the first place, he deserves this. Tyler bit out. His eyes hardened as his gaze shifted over my shoulder, showing no mercy.
I took a step back until I felt Nathan’s chest behind me. The small action made Tyler’s expression fall, and his eyes filled with confusion and helplessness.
It hurt me to see that, but it’d hurt a lot more if they’d hurt Nathan.
But his family doesn’t. I tried to counter. He did this for them, Tyler. Wouldn’t you have done the same for me ? Even if its twisted and all wrong, wouldn’t you go to any lengths to save my life ? I felt my eyes water up. He has a sister too, and she’s in a way worse situation than I’m in. Please, try to understand. I know we can fix this the right way, just trust me. I pleaded my brother.
Tyler stared at me for a long while, his face slowly crumbling. He suddenly tossed the gun aside and started to walk towards me.
I felt my heart swell up and ran into his open arms, hugging him so tightly I had trouble breathing. It had been too long since I had seen him, and the embrace filled the longing and weakness I had been feeling since I had gotten here.
I’m sorry Skylar. He whispered into my hair, squeezing me tighter. I was so worried. He added, his voice breaking.
I was too. I whispered back, feeling a few tears escape.
Tyler are you serious !? We came here to bust out Skylar, not to listen and cry over some sob story to just walk away and leave her here to die ! Landon suddenly exclaimed, his expression a mix of hurt, anger, and determination.
Nobody’s dying here. Nathan pitched in, eyeing the trembling gun in Landon’s hand by his side.
I let go of my brother and stared at Landon in surprise. I thought he’d understand me the most.
Can’t you see she won’t leave him ? Tyler said in a small voice. She stood in front of the gun for him Landon. He stated, looking at me with a hint of understanding.
I felt my eyes tear up more as I gave him a small grateful smile.
I knew it was a lot I was asking for and a lot to take in, especially in the midst of all of this. It hurt me that I couldn’t just walk out with the two and resume my normal life, but I would never be able to live with myself if anything happened to Nathan and his family. Especially Dustin…
So we just leave her here ? Landon yelled, his eyes red from anger and emotion.
We’ll figure something out. Tyler said half-heartedly, looking at me with a sad expression.
Listen, this Abercrombie douche-face can handle his own problems I’m sure. This is your little sister man, if you’re not going to save her, then I will. Landon scoffed, before raising his gun and moving to stand in front of Nathan in three long strides.
Landon please ! I yelled, watching as he raised the gun to Nathan’s head.
Hey, it’s okay. I’ll fix this. Nathan turned to me and spoke softly.
Don’t hurt him please. I whispered back, looking to Landon who was staring at Nathan with daggers.
I won’t. I promise. Nathan looked in my direction for a split second, the promise, admiration and care pouring out of eyes, before bringing his leg up to kick Landon’s outstretched hand in a flash.
Tyler quickly grabbed a hold of me and moved us further away from them as I watched the gun fly out of Landon’s hands.
Landon just looked at the ground, then at Nathan, before an angry expression took over his face and he charged towards him.
Nathan turned away last second, dodging the hit skillfully, before latching onto Landon from behind and pinching his shoulder, causing him to go down without another word in an instant.
Holy-
Fuck. Tyler finished for me.
He really was a ninja.
He’s okay, right ? I asked in panic.
Of course, I only put him to sleep. Nathan stated as if it were obvious.
You need to teach me that. I breathed out.
Tyler agreed by letting out a low whistle.
Maybe some other day. Nathan chuckled at me, before bending down and throwing Landon’s unconscious body over his shoulder.
When is he gonna wake up ? I asked, concerned for my friend.
In about an hour or so. Nathan explained, walking over to the washroom and gently placing Landon in the bathtub.
I looked up at my brother and suddenly felt puzzled.
Now that the situation had been deescalated, I finally had time to process everything and all the questions suddenly rose to the surface.
How did you guys find me ? I asked my brother.
That would be him. Tyler pointed at Nathan.
I snapped my head so fast towards him in surprise my hair probably whipped him.