Page 66 of Taking Adalisa

“I know, baby. I knew a couple hours after you told me,” Matthias explains as he starts to walk. “We’re going to talk to the manager really quickly before we go home and just relax and rest.”

For once, I’m thankful we are staying at the compound. Somewhere I didn’t think I would ever be grateful for. After seeing my brother again, it brings me some type of peace knowing that I will be safe in there. Nothing is going to happen to me there. I can’t wait to get back. Just being in Matthias’ arms brings me comfort and security.

“Just relax while I deal with things and then we’ll go home.” He places a hand on my neck, keeping me in place.

And I do just that.

CHAPTER 25

MATTHIAS

Anger courses through me as I walk to the manager’s office with Adalisa in my arms. How did her brother find her here? I had Rolo look into her history to see if her brother would be able to find her easily. He said she was careful in a lot of things that she did and moved to New York a while ago.

So how did he find her?

I hold her tighter, wanting to make sure she knows she is safe but also needing to know she is in my arms and not going anywhere. I am not going to let Gerard do anything to Adalisa. He will never get close to her again, no matter what.

“John.” I nod as I walk into his office.

“Matthias, what can I do for you? Could Nala not find something? We probably have it in the back. We can order it if we don’t have it,” John rushes out the words as he stands.

“Relax, John. Nala was able to find everything she needed earlier this week,” I reply. I keep my hand on the back of Adalisa’s neck, wanting to bring her a little comfort as I talk.

“What can I do for you then? Is everything all right?” John exhales deeply and sits behind his desk.

“I need copies of the security tapes for today and yesterday. All of your cameras,” I state. “You can send them to Rolo now.”

Of course. May I ask why? Should I be keeping my eye out for anyone?” John asks.

I run my hand up and down Adalisa’s back as she starts to shake. I need to get her home and out of prying eyes before she breaks down.

“We’ll give you a picture when we have one,” I reply. “Send it to Rolo. Everything from yesterday and today.”

I don’t wait for his reply as I walk out of his office, through the store, and out to my car. My eyes scan the parking lot, but no one sticks out.

“We’re going home,” I gently explain, trying to get her into her seat but she won’t let go. “Baby, I need you to let go of me so I can drive home.”

She shakes her head and holds me tighter.

“I know you don’t want to, but you need to. When I get in the car, we can hold hands, but I need to get to the driver’s seat so I can get us back to the compound,” I instruct her.

I don’t want to be out here longer than we have to. We are sitting ducks, waiting for someone to sneak up on us and do something bad. But I won’t let that happen on my watch.

“Addy,” I whisper. “You’re okay. I need you to let go of me so I can get us somewhere safe.”

Adalisa pulls away from me, her eyes wide as she stares at me. “Not safe?”

“I don’t want to scare you, but we need to go to the compound. We’ll be safer there,” I calmly tell her, not wanting to worry her more than she is.

I can still see the terror on her face when she turned to talk to me, but instead, she saw her brother. The way her face went pale, and she started to shake. I never want to see that look in her eyes again.

Adalisa finally lets go of me, and I quickly buckle her in and shut the door, making my way over to the driver’s sideand getting in. I grab her hand and pull out of the parking lot, heading straight toward the compound.

“Everything is going to be all right,” I tell her. “I am going to take care of everything and make sure you are safe. Nothing bad is going to happen to you.”

They will have to come through me before they get to her. She is too precious and has gone through too much already. I’m not going to allow her brother to ruin it again.

“How did he find me?” she whispers. “How did he get out of prison?”

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