Misha raises an eyebrow at me. “Yet you’re stuck, and your ass isn’t going anywhere until I move. How’s that different from when all four panels are up?”
“It’s dark then, and I’m surrounded by four walls.”
Misha shakes his head at me, his intense eyes boring into mine. “Aurora, listen to what you’re saying. First you started panicking because you couldn’t move. You still can’t move, yet you’re calm. I don’t think the problem is that you can’t move.”
I think for a moment, then say, “I have no idea what triggers it. I usually have an anxiety attack whenever I’m in a small space. Even elevators.”
He stares at me for a moment, then crawls out of the crate and stands up, leaving me alone in the crate.
Just as I begin to worry, he asks, “How’s your anxiety now?”
“Still fine.”
With his eyes locked on mine, he says, “I’m going to close the crate. Keep in mind I’m right on the other side of the panel. Okay?”
My stomach spins with nerves, and my tongue darts out to wet my lips.
Grow a spine and at least try.
“Okay.”
Misha lifts the panel, and right before he shuts me in, he says, “I’m right here.”
I’m engulfed in darkness, and I instantly move onto my knees, taking deep breaths.
“How are you holding up?” I hear him ask.
“At least there’s more space now that you’re out,” I try to joke as I start fidgeting.
You’re not locked in.
Misha will let you out if you ask.
Deep breaths.
“You’re doing good,” he praises me.
I hear him move, and the words burst from me, “Where are you?”
“Sitting flat on my ass, with my back against the panel.”
“Don’t leave me in here.”
His tone is gentle when he replies, “I won’t.”
As I try to glance around in the darkness, my heartbeat speeds up.
“Want to know what my first thoughts were when I saw you at the club?” Misha asks.
“Yes.” I swallow hard on the panic building in my chest.
“I thought, my God, I never believed angels walked among us. You’re so fucking beautiful, I couldn’t take my eyes off you.”
I let out an anxious chuckle.
His tone turns serious as he admits, “When I found out you were a D’Angelo, I was pissed off. Still, I couldn’t leave you in the hole.”
“I’m glad you didn’t.” I take deep breaths, trying to stay calm and focus on the conversations. “I didn’t know you were with the bratva. I was so disappointed when you didn’t come to the hospital.”