Adam grinned widely, and stepped into the room. I nodded at him. It was fine. If he was someone he knew, then he was probably safe.
He was a small man. Shorter than Adam, and of a smaller build. Non-threatening. He smiled a little, and stood awkwardly by the foot of the bed, leaving plenty of distance between us.
“Hi.”
Adam dragged a spare chair over, and pointed at it. “Sit.”
The guy shot him a withering look, but sat down.
“Since your boy there has no manners, I’ll introduce myself. Name’s Nige. I work for the Bennetts.”
I chewed my fingernail. “Uh… what do you do for them?”
“Enforcer, obviously.” Adam said, smirking at him. The guy gave him another of those looks. I was starting to realise that it was probably fairly normal behaviour for them.
“I do the tech stuff, love. You know, the research, and the records, and the hacking, and stuff.”
Oh. Adam handed me a coffee in one of those posh paper cups.
“I’m so sorry, love. I messed up.” Nige said, looking absolutely heartbroken.
“Oh god, why? What happened?”
Adam was shaking his head at him. “Shut it, will you?”
Nige frowned at him. “I’ve never fucked up like that before. And look what happened.”
Adam was glaring at him now.
“What’s going on?” I asked, looking from one to the other.
Nige groaned. “I can’t believe I missed it. I’m so sorry.”
“Jesus, will you shut the fuck up? Or better yet, why don’t you leave now? We’re tired.” Adam was practically snarling at the man he’d referred to as a friend.
“Stop. Wait. I want to know.” I looked from one man to the other. “Tell me.”
Adam sighed, leaning back in the chair. “You might be better off not knowing, little angel. I don’t want to make you feel worse.”
I felt a sudden panic rising in me. “Oh god… did he not die? Is he alive? Is he going to come after me?” I wanted to get out of the bed, and run, and I felt Adam grab the coffee from my hand, as I moved. He stopped me, one hand holding mine, the other rescuing my drink.
“Hey… no… he’s gone, sweet girl. He’s never going to hurt you again, I promise.”
I stopped trying to escape, suddenly feeling that if the news wasn’t about the survival of my rapist, then surely it couldn’t be that bad. Adam kissed my forehead, and then backed up with a curse.
“Shit. Sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”
“It’s fine, Adam. But please, tell me what Nige is talking about, because I’m close to freaking out. If he’s not alive, then what is it?”
Adam handed me my coffee, and sat back down, waving a hand at Nige.
“What’s that supposed to be? My royal fucking signal to proceed?” Nige asked snarkily.
I giggled. It surprised me, because it didn’t seem possible to like anything right now, but I liked Nige. He was fun.
“Yes, I think his lordship gave you leave to continue.” I said quietly, and he laughed.
“You really think he’s the one for you? I can be quite charming, you know.” He winked at me, and I heard Adam curse.