"I don't know, she’s just lying there screaming. I think she is still asleep."
"And you’re just standing there watching it?!"
"What doyou want me—"
"Move."
I stalk into the room, taking hesitant steps to where she lies. I stand there looking down, her eyes are closed but the torment behind them is evident. Tears glisten on her cheeks in the moonlight. I don't think it all through as I crawl into bed and pull her into my arms to rock her. Her screams fade away but her sobs continue. I push her messy hair out of her face, she looks so fragile in my arms, broken like this. It hits a part of my heart I didn't know was there, as I stare at her. I wipe away a tear and her eyes snap open, landing on me with panic. Her eyes look glazed over like she’s still trapped in her nightmares, her hands pushing against my bare chest. I hadn't put a shirt on in my rush to get to her, and her skin touching mine has my body shivering in response.
"You're awake, you're awake. You were screaming in your sleep." I try to ease her, pulling my hands away.
The glossy film over her eyes starts to dissipate as she stares at me, but the tears only stream down her face faster now. Her hands stop pushing me away and her body softens. I take the chance to pull her back in and to my surprise she allows me to.
"It's okay. It's me. You're safe."
Her whole body is trembling as she melts into me and I try not to enjoy the feeling of her in my arms as much as I do because of how broken she is right now. But I can't help this tug my heart has for her. I look over towards the doorway and see Marcus's silhouette. I shift in the bed to sit up a little, about to say his name, but then Elliott's arm wraps around my torso as if she’safraid of me leaving. I sink back into the bed, wanting to comfort her but when I look back, Marcus is gone.
13
Elliott
I wake up warm and a bit more comfortable than I’ve been in the last few days. My body doesn't feel as tense, and for a moment I forget the horrors that I went through. But it all comes rushing back to me like a ton of bricks. I’m not in my own bed, I’m not at home, and I don't even have ahomeanymore.
I attempt to roll over but am stopped by large arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me back in.
What the?
I look over my shoulder and see Hunter lying next to me, his breathing is slow and rhythmic. It's weird to see him so relaxed and so…casual. Even though we’re in this house all day, he is always dressed like he has to be in a meeting at any second. I take a moment to really take in his features. His full lips are slightly parted, hair is messier than ever, and his toned, bare chest ispressed against my back. For some reason, I want to bring my fingertips up and trace every curve of his muscles.
It wasn't a dream after all, Hunter did come into my room last night. I remember his voice whispering to me those comforting words and holding me like he was trying to absorb the pain. I thought it was all in my head, but here he is, wrapping me in his embrace in his sleep. My stomach tosses and I get a wave of…butterflies? Tears well up and I push his chest away from me.
Butterflies? Really, Elliott?
I can't feel those, I don't even know how to control my emotions let alone know how I’m feeling. My body wants comfort so badly right now that it’s taking any kindness that’s given.
"Good morning to you, too." He says as I push him further away.
"Why are you in my bed?"
"Kam's bed." A pang hits my gut for more than one reason, "And because you were having some sort of night terror, you wouldn't stop screaming and someone needed to make sure you were okay."
"Oh." I look down and see that my hands are still resting on his chest. "Well, thanks." I yank them away.
"Of course."
I gaze back up at him and am met with his eyes locking onto me as they scan down my body.
"Coffee?" He breathes out as he shoots out of bed.
"Sure." I turn, watching him rush out.
"I'll meet you in the kitchen." He says over his shoulder, not stopping as he continues down the hallway.
I let my body relax on the mattress for a moment, my eyes still staring at the empty doorway.
What was that?
14
