I grip my hair with my hands and shake my head. “N-no.”
“I need to grab a couple of things for Thorin before we head to the lodge. Stay in here while I get them,” Brix says, pulling into a parking lot.
I turn my head to look at a grocery store right outside of town. I lean my head against Elijah’s shoulder and let out a breath. No one I know comes out this far to do their shopping, so I’m good.
“I’ll be back in a couple of minutes. Text me if you need anything,” Brix offers. “Nora, if you need anything, let Elijah know. He’ll tell me. Don’t worry about the cost. Do you have a stuffie? Need a pacifier? Some Little clothes? You just let one of us know.”
His hand runs through my hair, and I shiver as pleasure courses through my body. My whole body stills, and I shake my head. I can’t do this, even though it’s been my fantasy for so long.
“You’re okay. You don’t need to know everything right now. If you need anything, we have stuff at the cabin. And the lodge has a shop we can buy things from as well,” Elijah gently explains, then says to Brix, “I’ll keep you updated if we need anything.”
I close my eyes and relax as Brix gets out of the truck.
“Shhh, you’re okay. Why don’t you fall asleep? I’ll wake you up when we get to the lodge,” Elijah whispers.
Without thinking, I lay my head on his lap, wrapping my left arm around his leg.
“I’ve got you. Good girl. Such a good girl for Daddy,” he coos at me.
The tension in my body disappears, my breathing evening out as I get comfortable. His hands run through my hair, and I let out a sigh of contentment.
“Such a good girl,” he purrs. “My good girl. Daddy is here. I’m not going anywhere.”
The door opens and a shushing noise meets my ears before it gently closes, but I don’t move. Feeling Elijah’s hands continue to run through my hair makes me not want to move in case he stops.
“Is she asleep?” Brix whispers.
“I think so. Poor girl is exhausted,” Elijah replies. “She sounded so scared today when she answered her phone. Her friend wasn’t very nice to her either. If you can call them her friend.”
I want to tell them sheismy friend, but my lips won’t move.
“Is that why you said yes to her coming so soon?” Brix asks as he moves my legs to rest on his lap.
I am completely stretched out across the front seat now. So comfortable as Brix holds my legs and Elijah continues to run his hands through my hair. This is everything I wanted, yet I couldn’t have. I can’t deal with everyone telling me this is wrong when it feels so right.
“This isn’t safe,” Elijah mutters.
“I’m doing five under the speed limit. We’ll be careful. Like you said, she’s absolutely exhausted and needs sleep. This will give her a good nap before we feed her and put her to bed,” Brix says quietly. “Now, can you answer the question?”
“Yes, that's why I said yes so soon. I know, technically, we aren’t supposed to have anyone living with us since we are both in security, but I couldn’t help it. I know she is right for us.”
Right for them? Me? There is no way.
“You can feel the connection, can’t you?” Elijah asks.
Silence fills the cab of the car, and I find myself drifting off to sleep before I hear what Brix says in reply.
“Shh, you’re okay,” someone whispers. “Everything is okay. You’re safe.”
Gasping for breath, I shoot up from where I’m lying and scream. My hands fly out, hitting something, and I push my back into the seat. My legs swing to the side, connecting with something hard, and there’s a grunt, but I don’t pay any attention.
“Please,” I beg.
“Shhh, you’re okay,” a different person whispers. “No one is going to hurt you. Daddy is here.”
I shake my head and rock back and forth, trying to bring me some peace. Night has fallen, and I can’t see anything. Who are these people? Where am I?
Strong arms wrap around me, pulling me into a muscular chest. I kick my legs and scream, trying to get out of their hold, but they continue to hold me tighter.