Page 25 of Lost in the Light

“It’s going to take a few days at least. I have a construction crew there today, assessing the damage. The security system will need repairing too.”

“Jord and I will head over there today and get some clothes and things for you in the meantime,” Eli added.

“Is that safe?”

“I’ll have security following them too, and we have men stationed at the house, protecting it,” Asher replied.

“I want to come. It’ll be easier if I pack what I need,” I pointed out.

“I’d feel a lot better if you’d just stay here where I know you’re safe for now,” Asher sighed.

“No. I’m not letting those monsters make me a prisoner again, Asher. I’ll be careful, and I’ll do everything the security tell me to do, but I’m not hiding away. They took enough of my life. I won’t let them have any more,” I explained with a determination I hadn’t felt in some time.

“Fine,” Asher gave in as he ran a hand tiredly over his face. “I don’t like it, but I do understand. I’ll arrange more security to go with you all.”

“Thank you.” I was so grateful he understood I needed to keep my freedom as much as possible. I knew it would scare him to let me out of his sight and out in the open like that, but he was willing to do it for me and that meant so much.

“I’m going to change, then hit the gym. I need to get a work out in,” he said as he rose to his feet.

“You need to sleep. You look exhausted,” I countered.

“Maybe later. Stop worrying about me. I’m fine.” Asher kissed the top of my head, then headed for the bedrooms.

“He’s not fine,” I spoke up once I knew Asher was out of sight.

“No, he’s not, but he’ll be okay. He always is. He’s just terrified for you and stressed about what da…Joseph did. We both are. These last few days have been a lot, for all of us,” Eli explained. His voice sounded so flat for him and he just looked drained.

“Why don’t you head back to bed for a couple of hours, Eli? Addy’s fine without her stuff from the house for now, aren’t you?” Adam looked to me.

“Absolutely. I want to have some breakfast, and then maybe I’ll nap for a while too. I am tired,” I added, hoping it would convince Eli to rest.

“You’re sure you don’t mind?” Eli asked as he sat up and turned to me.

“I’m sure. Get some sleep, Eli, please. I’m worried about you too,” I pleaded.

“You don’t need to worry,” he assured me with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “But I will head back to bed. I was too worried about Asher to get back to sleep last night.”

“I’ll keep an eye on him,” Adam assured Eli.

Eli got to his feet and hugged me briefly before he turned and headed the way Asher had left in.

“How are you really doing?” Adam asked as soon as it was just the two of us.

“I’m keeping it together,” I shrugged. “I’m definitely worried about those two though. They’re whole lives have been shaken up because of me.”

“No, Addy. Not because of you. Because of Joseph fucking Lyle and the monsters he hung around with.”

“Just…” I had to pause to take a breath, my throat instantly getting tight. “Just don’t let them blame themselves, okay? If anything h-happens to me, don’t let them blame themselves.”

“What are you talking about? Nothing is happening to you,” Adam all but growled.

“These people, the ones who want to keep me quiet…they’re powerful. They have money, maybe even more than my brothers. If they want me gone, they’ll find a way.”

“They’re not getting to you. Do you hear me?” he snapped as he leaned on the counter opposite me and leaned in close. “We will never allow them to get to you again. We’re all going to keep you protected; your brothers, me, Jordan, Kane and the entire army of security Asher brought in. You’re safe and you’re staying that way.”

“I’m scared, Adam,” I admitted.

“I know, baby. We’re all scared right now. Ash and Eli are terrified of finding out just how deep Joseph was involved in all of this. Jord and I are terrified for the both of them because we know how much it could break them - their own father doing so much evil right beneath their noses. And all four of us are completely terrified that you’re at risk again, but we’ll get through all of it. We’ll find a way. We always do,” he told me firmly as he lay his huge hands over my much smaller ones on the counter.

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