“We have a house we can set you up in,” I nod with a smile.
“I don't want to be alone anymore,” he says, his voice filled with despair. My heart is about to flat line right now with all these feelings that are rushing through me for this guy, whom I’ve never even met before.
“We’ll think of something, so you won't have to be alone.” The idea of him staying at my place feels funny. I never had a roommate after we escaped and moved here. Even Evie got her own place. Not that I didn't enjoy living with her for all of those years in our cell. She was the best person I could have asked to be trapped with. But once we were out and free, I had a strong need for independence and finding a new normal.
He accepts the answer, knowing there's nothing left to lose at this point, and it's sad.
“I'll go last,” I say when he looks around like someone’s gonna jump out at him.
He gives me a grateful smile and a sigh of relief, as he starts up the ladder while I shine the flashlight up so that he can see. When he gets up to the top, he calls down for me.
Time to end this fucking nightmare.
SAM STANDS THERE, EYESclosed with his face directed towards the sky. He has a content smile on his face as he soaks in the sun. “I forgot what it felt like to have the sun warming my skin, the smell of fresh air,” he says softly, lowering his face to look at me.
“Sam, I don't know your story, but someday, I hope you trust me enough to tell me,” I say, giving his hand a squeeze. I want to be able to help him, but until I know his story, I can't fully understand. All I know is that it's similar to mine, but at the same time it’s completely different.
“Someday,” he says, giving me a soft smile.
We start following the girls in the direction of our home, but we keep lagging behind, and I can tell it’s because Sam feels more relaxed around fewer people. Maybe it's because he is used to being alone, or because he doesn't know who he can and can't trust. My guess is that he trusts no one, and rightfully so.
He sure seems to trust you.
Looking up at Sam, I see him taking in his surroundings with wide eyes, looking like he's ready for someone to grab him at any moment. I really hope that someday he can feel safe in his new home. He will always be welcome in our little family, no matter what.
When we get to the club, the guys are all standing around. Some look stressed, others look tired.
Neo is pacing back and forth like a caged animal as Cass tries to calm him down. Evie is standing by the door, talking to a few of the guys when she sees me, spotting the whole group.
“They’re here!” she shouts excitedly, staring at us like she can't believe her eyes. Everyone starts to look our way, and the cheering begins. Sam flinches at the noise.
Evie runs over to Tracy and wraps her arms around her in a big hug. Evie sees me, and her face lights up. She's about to come over when she notices Sam. She looks him over, then back to me. Shock takes over her face when she realizes that the girls were not the only ones down there. Looking at me for a moment longer, she turns toward the girls and ushers them into the club, following after to start making all the necessary calls. We have a doctor there waiting to check them over. He's one of Miller's best friends. He never asks questions, which is nice.
“Thank fuck, you’re okay,” Neo growls before crushing me to his chest. I let out a hiss of pain. He quickly lets go of me, holding me out at arm’s length. “You’re hurt?” He doesn’t look very happy about that.
“Nothing I can't handle, Pet,” I wink. “I mostly just hurt my pride. I think I’ll live, though. But the fewer people that know, the better,” I say playfully. Neo’s not having it. At all.
“Let me see,” he demands.
“Whoa there,” I laugh in surprise. “Who the fuck do you think you are?”
“Sorry,” he deflates. “It's just that we all got back here, andyouweren't here, and none of us found the girls. I was starting to think you did, but the job was too much for just you, and now you were stuck down there with them.”
“Took a lot to keep him here. He was ready to go down there and find you himself,” Cass says, giving me a smile. “I'm glad you're okay though.”
“Harlow,” Sam whispers from behind me. Crap, I forgot about him for a moment. He’s looking at Neo with pure fear, like he's about to drop into the fetal position.
“Hey, it's okay. He’s not gonna hurt you,” I say, stepping closer to him, caressing his face. I don’t know why the fuck I'm doing this, I’ve never done this, but it feels... right?
He closes his eyes, relaxing into my hand.
“Deep breaths,” I say soothingly.
“Who the fuck is this?” Neo’s voice is low with pure venom. My eyes snap over to his. Raging jealousy is swimming in his pretty, blue eyes. He looks seconds away from shooting Sam. Fuck me. Sam backs away, whimpering.
“That’s enough,” I command Neo.
When Neo does nothing and continues to shoot daggers at Sam, I slap him across the face.