Page 62 of Trapped
“You think I’m not capable of understanding.” That felt more accurate. God only knew I’d been acting like a bitch instead of showing compassion or patience.
He dropped his hand. “Jesus Christ, Ashley, stop putting words in my mouth.”
Walking away from him, I doubled down on my bitchiness. “Just tell me.”
Nathan did this to me. I was known for my snark and sass, just like Gran, but I wasn’t a bitch. How did he draw out the worst in me?
Because he hurt me in ways no one else ever had. Because he was here, but miles away. Gone were the easy smile, the playful teasing, the snappy banter I’d witnessed in Vegas.
In its place were secrecy, shadows, and scars.
He stepped in front of me and turned, stopping so fast I almost ran into him. His hands on my shoulders stopped my momentum.
One hand stayed on my shoulder, holding me still with nothing more than gentle pressure. The other hand grabbed my chin and forced me to look at his face.
“This happened.” He didn’t need to point. “When I fought my way out after two weeks in captivity.” He dropped both hands, his chest rising and falling too fast for how calm he sounded.
Two weeks in captivity.
“And this,” he pointed this time, “isn’t the worst of it.”
Not the worst? What else had they done to him?
“I’m sorry.” My apology felt as lame as it sounded.
He stared at me. “I don’t need your sympathy.”
I deserved that after pushing him so much.
“I shouldn’t have been such a pushy bitch.”
His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Three hours before I was supposed to meet you, I was called into a meeting.” He paused, taking a deep breath while dragging his hand down his face. “I didn’t see the light of day again until I escaped.”
Two weeks. Jay and Cate were held and tortured for four days. The few things I’d heard were horrific. I could only imagine how much worse it was for Nathan.
I couldn’t say I was sorry again, so I stepped closer. When Nathan flinched, I said, “Stand still.” I wrapped my arms around his waist and used my body to comfort him instead of my words.
His chin rested on my head as he pulled me closer. “Thank you,” he whispered into my hair.
I nodded against his chest and pressed my hands into his back as I squeezed tighter, pouring my forgiveness and sympathy into the hug since he didn’t want my words.
Chapter 20
Nathan
I’m a fucking mess. The last thing I expected after our conversation was for Ashley to hug me. The only thing more shocking was my racing thoughts calming to a crawl as I wrapped my arms around her and held on for dear life.
The only worrying thought still taking up space was the fucking sedan. It hadn’t moved, but that alone didn’t mean anything. Maybe the person I’d seen moving around inside got out while we walked. My gut doubted it.
I couldn’t tell you why, but I sensed it was a threat, and I’d learned at an early age to always trust my gut. It served me wellin the foster care system, and it’d saved my life and the lives of my teammates in the Navy.
No way would I doubt it now.
My thank you came out rough, my breath moving her hair. The words weren’t strong enough, but they were all I had. Half of my brain was shocked stupid by how quickly my anxiety had halted; the other half was focused on keeping Ashley safe. During our brief walk, I’d memorized the names of the stores on this side of the street and mapped out three escape routes.
I’d probably have to pick Ashley up and carry her, given her reluctance to listen to me, but I was ready and more than capable of doing just that.
“Let’s get out of here,” I finally said.
