by Thomas, C. M
Chapter 18:
Zane
When I heard Anna turning the shower on, I went out of the bedroom and called Liam.
“Hello.” He answered the phone.
“Hey, I just wanted to say I’m sorry I didn’t come to breakfast this morning. And happy birthday.”
“It’s fine, Zane. Marco told us what happened last night. Is she okay?”
“I think she is. She was mad at me for skipping breakfast. I just wanted to make sure you were okay with it.” I really hated to ditch him this morning, but I just needed to make sure Anna was okay.
“I’m not mad. I will see you tonight at the party, right?”
“Of course. We will be there, and to dinner before that.”
“Then get back to your girl. I am happy for you.” I could hear the sadness in his voice. The love he had with Evie had been epic. They were the perfect couple. And I hated her for hurting him, for leaving as she did.
“Thanks, bro. I will see you at dinner.”
“See you then.” With that, he hung up. Just when I was about to call room service, someone was knocking on the door. When I opened the door, I saw Dax standing outside.
“Can I talk to both of you?” He looked serious, so I opened the door more so he could come in.
“Anna is in the shower. I will tell her you want to talk to us.” I walked into the bedroom, closing the door behind me. At the same time, Anna walked out from the bathroom, wrapped in a towel.
“Damn, baby, are you trying to kill me?” I walked over to her and kissed her.
“I thought you were ordering breakfast. And I didn’t bring any clothes with me to the bathroom.” She smiled at me.
“I was, but Dax is here to talk to us.” I felt her body tense the moment I mentioned that Dax wanted to talk to us. “Relax. We need to know what he has to say. Don’t be scared, okay? I’m right here with you.” I hugged her and kissed her hair.
“Okay, but can I get some clothes on first?”
“Sure, baby, come out when you’re ready.” I walked out to Dax and gave her some space. I knew this was going to be hard for her.
“Is everything okay?” I asked Dax when I got back in the living room.
“Yes, I just want to let you guys know what we’ve found out about her stalker, rapist, whatever you want to call him.” I knew Dax worked fast, but it was not more than ten hours since I told him about Anna.
About five minutes later, Anna joined us. She walked over to me and stood beside the chair I was sitting on.
“Come here, baby.” I pulled her down into my lap. She rested her head against my chest.
“First of all, I’m sorry about what happened to you. I know you don’t want to talk about it, so I will do this fast.” Anna nodded. “Ryder has been trying to find out where those emails were sent from. By the looks of it, it’s from UCCS. I know that doesn’t give us much to go on, but I think both you and Zane are right. I think you know him.”
I could see her eyes become shiny and the tears slowly roll down her cheeks.
“But I didn’t recognize his voice that night.” She sniffed. I held her close to me to give her comfort, knowing that this was not something she wanted to talk about. But we had to. We had to know who he was, and hopefully, soon Dax would know.
“I know, but that doesn’t mean you don’t know him. Your body was in survival mode that night. And maybe this person was someone you talked to once, maybe had a class with or just someone who knows you.”
“What do we do now?” I asked.
“I’ve called in four more men. They will be arriving today. Then we will have one on you whenever you leave this room. I know this will be hard, Anna, but we need to keep you safe until we find him.” She just nodded. “What about the police, do you want them involved?”
“No, not if you can keep me safe. I don’t want the police to help. They will most likely just put my case away the moment I’ve filed a report. I don’t see the point in that.”
“Are you sure? The police could help.” I looked at her, and took her hand, threading my fingers with hers.
“I understand that. But I just know that I don’t have any evidence from that night. They can’t do anything. I’m sure. For now, I don’t want to involve the police.”
“Okay, Anna. I understand that. And the men in my team will keep you safe. Ryder will keep digging through the emails and texts. That reminds me…” He pulled a new phone out of his pocket and handed it to Anna. “You have the numbers to my guys and me. The band, Kylie, and your parents. Is there anyone else you think needs your number? It would be best if as few people as possible have this number.”
“That’s fine. Do you know if Kylie has told our parents about this?”
“She hasn’t. She said you should do that when you’re ready. And I think she’s right. Unless you want her to tell them?”
“No! They will just command that I come back home and hide in their house. I won’t do that.” She was all worked up now. Her parents must be very protective of her and Kylie for her to react like that.
“Nice to see some spark from you, Anna.” Dax smiled at her, and I started laughing.
“I have to agree with Dax on that.” I kissed her forehead.
“I will go again. I will update you when we have some news.” Dax got up and walked out of our room. Our room, I liked the sound of that.
“Are you okay, baby?”
She turned in my lap so she was looking right at me. “I am. I feel safe with you. But I’m hungry.” She smiled at me.
“Then let’s order some breakfast.”
After we finished eating, I took a shower. Anna said she was still tired, and that she wanted to sleep a couple of hours so she was ready for a long night tonight. We were celebrating Liam’s birthday and hers. That reminded me I needed to get her gift picked up. I sent a text to Cole when I got out from the shower.
Me: I need a favor.
Cole: Need me to buy condoms?
Me: Be serious, will you?
Cole: Fine, what do you need?
Me: Will you go pick up Anna’s gift from the jeweler?
Cole: Sure, I can do that. Is she okay?
Me: I think so, but this whole thing is just messed up, you know.
Cole: I know. I will pick her gift up.
Me: Thank you. I owe you one.
I needed to talk to the guys about hiring the extra security, so I sent a text to Liam and Caleb.
Me: I need to talk to you guys. Can you come up to my room in half an hour?
Caleb: Sure, everything okay?
Liam: Sure thing, bro. See you soon.
Me to Caleb: Yes.
I sent a text to Cole with the information to the jeweler and told him to come up to my room when he came back. I walked into the bedroom and lay down beside Anna. I just needed to hold her for a moment. I wanted her to be safe. I lay there with her until I heard someone knocking on the door, and upon opening it, saw Caleb and Liam.
“Happy birthday, little brother.” I hugged Liam.
“Thank you.” They walked inside and just when I was about to close the door, I saw Cole coming down the hall.
“Here you go.” He handed me the small bag and walked into the room over to the couch area.
“Thanks, man. I really didn’t want to leave her alone today.”
“No problem.” Cole smiled at me.
“Have you called Amy?” Caleb looked over at me. Shit, I forgot.
“No, I will do that after we’ve talked.”
“Just remember her. Or she will get pissed at you.” Caleb grinned at me. I knew this because last year I forgot to call her. She was so pissed at me that she didn’t want to talk to me when we got home from almost five months in Europe. I wouldn’t make that mistake again.
“I remember.
I will call her.”
“What do you want to talk about?” Liam looked over at me.
“I know Marco told you about last night.” They all nodded. “Dax said that he needed some extra manpower to keep her safe. I told him that he should just hire what he needed. And that if the budget from the band didn’t cover it, I would.”
“Hold on. You don’t get to pay that alone. We will pay for the budget,” Cole said.
“Tristan will be pissed, you know?” I said, looking over at Cole.
“Fuck him. If he can’t see that we need to keep her safe, then maybe it’s time we find a new manager,” Liam said, and Caleb continued.
“I agree. Liam and I have talked about Tristan a lot. Perhaps we should consider just getting a new manager over summer break?”
“You think that’s wise? Maybe it’s best to wait until we are done with this tour in the fall,” Cole added.
“Fine, but I really think we should consider it. Tristan is becoming a pain. And if he gets angry about this, I will not keep my mouth shut.” I was stunned. Never had I heard Liam this angry. I knew he never liked Tristan. But this was something else. Liam was always the nice brother.
“I will call him and tell him if you want me to?” Caleb said.
“Thank you. But don’t tell her story. Just say we need to keep her safe. I don’t want this to reach the tabloids.” I worried that if Tristan knew what happened to Anna, he would use it in some kind of PR stunt.
“I won’t say anything. And I know there is more than enough money in our tour budget for this. He can just shut it.” Caleb grinned.
“Thank you, guys. This means a lot to me, and to Anna.” The tension I had on my neck and shoulders instantly faded. I was relieved that they wanted to help her just as much as I. I knew they would, but for some reason, the tension was still there, until now.
“Of course. We’re family. And clearly, you and Anna are more than just friends,” Cole said, smiling at me.
“She’s my girlfriend.” I liked the sound of that. And I couldn’t help smiling. Saying out loud that Anna was my girlfriend did something to me. My heart beat just a little harder in my chest, and I ached to just hold her in my arms.
“Shit, I never thought I would hear you say that.” Caleb grinned.
“Shut up. I have to grow up at some point, don’t I?” I snapped at him, but really, I couldn’t be mad at him for teasing me. I still couldn’t believe that I’d settled down. Even though it was new between Anna and me, I felt like we had known each other for years. I wanted it to last. More than anything, I wanted her in my life. In both the good and bad times.
“Sure you do.” Caleb just kept smirking at me.
“Leave our big brother alone. He is in love,” Liam added.
Whoa, in love? I can’t be in love with her already, can I?
“Hold on. I didn’t say anything about love.” That would be crazy, right?
“Maybe not. But just seeing you talk about her is enough,” Liam said. Could I really love her? No, not yet. We hadn’t known each other that long.
“Don’t run scared, bro.” Cole came over and clapped me on the shoulder.
“I won’t. I like her a lot. But love, that’s just too soon.”
“I wouldn’t know,” Caleb said, and leaned back in the chair.
“I don’t think so, bro. I loved Evie from the moment I laid my eyes on her.” I could see the pain in Liam’s eyes. He looked down at the floor and closed his eyes, like he was trying to hold himself together, trying to keep the shield up that was holding his feelings about Evie inside himself. We all tried more than once to get him to talk about her so he could move on, but he wouldn’t. I hoped at some point he would reach out to one of us, and just let go of all the feelings and emotions he held back.
“I know.” I couldn’t say anything else.
“I will go call Tristan. See you guys tonight.” Caleb walked out of the room, and Liam followed him.
Cole sat down on the chair beside me.
“How are you really holding up?”
“I’m fine. But I don’t know what to do to help her. You should have seen her last night. She was terrified.”
“I can imagine. I think all you can do is be there for her. Support her. And then leave her safety to Dax. He knows what he’s doing, you know?”
“I know. I don’t want to lose her. I’ve never felt this way before, and it scares me.” I knew he could give me shit over that, but he surprised me.
“I can see that. And I’m happy for you. I think she’s great for you. Have you talked to her about her being our new PA?”
“I have. This morning. But she thinks she can’t do it. And we both know she can. But for now, I won’t pressure her.”
“Of course she can. Her idea about Facebook was great. And she doesn’t back down from a challenge. We just have to get her through this.”
“I know. I hope Dax and his team will find this bastard. I would give anything to have five minutes alone with him.”
“Yeah. Me too. A man who does that to a woman is not worth getting in jail for, though.” I knew that. But he hurt her badly.
“Yeah, I know.” At that moment, I heard a scream from the bedroom. I ran into the bedroom, seeing Anna rolling around in the bed, screaming, crying, and kicking. I heard Cole close the door behind him, but I didn’t care about him right now. I slid down beside Anna and held her.
“Baby, wake up. You’re safe.” I kissed her head.
“Zane?” she whispered, not opening her eyes.
“Yes, baby, it’s me. You’re safe. Open your eyes, beautiful.” She slowly opened her eyes. They were all red from crying, and she looked so sad. “I’ve got you. Just relax.”
“I’m scared. It felt so real.” She shivered against my body.
“I know. But he can’t hurt you. I won’t let him hurt you, baby. Trust me.” The feelings running through my body right now were like nothing I’d ever felt before. I wanted to protect her more than I wanted my next breath. Was this what love felt like? Love? Come on. It can’t be, can it?
Chapter 19:
Anna
My body shook. That dream was so real. Or nightmare would be more accurate. I pressed my head against Zane’s chest; I felt safe there. Protected and loved. Loved? No, it couldn’t be. It was just my emotions playing with me.
“You okay?” Zane looked me in the eyes. His eyes were full of worry.
“Yes, with you here I am.” I kissed him, just a small kiss on the lips.
“I have to call my sister. Will you be okay for five minutes?”
“Can’t you just call from here? I want to be close to you.” I closed my eyes. Anna, pull yourself together. He can call his sister. But I wanted him to stay with me.
“I can, baby. Just let me get my phone.” He slid out of bed and went into the living room after his phone. A few seconds later he was back in bed, and I was relaxing on his shoulder. He pulled me closer, so I sat on his lap, resting against his chest.
“Happy birthday, Amy,” he said into the phone. Right, Liam had a twin. I’d forgotten that. “I’m fine. We’re celebrating Liam and Anna tonight. What about you?” I smiled while closing my eyes. This felt so normal. Lying here in his lap, while he talked on the phone. “She’s Kylie’s sister, and she’s also my girlfriend.” I could hear his sister scream. Zane held his phone away from his ear. I started laughing. “Yes, she is my girlfriend. Stop sounding so surprised. And tell me about home.” I knew Zane didn’t have girlfriends, and by the reaction from his sister just now, this was something they never thought he would have. “Yes, I’m serious, Amy. She’s right beside me right now laughing at you.” I was laughing at this conversation, not her.
“I’m not laughing at her. Just this conversation,” I whispered. Zane’s eyes were connected with mine, and he smiled.
&n
bsp; “I know. But she won’t stop talking.” Then he talked to Amy again. “Shut up. There’s no need for that.” He pulled his phone down in front of us and put it on speaker.
“You’re on speaker now, so behave.”
“I always behave. Oh, here comes Gia. Did you know he had a girlfriend?”
“Who?” I heard another girl talk; I assumed that was Gia.
“Zane. I’m talking to him and his girlfriend right now,” Amy said, all excited.
“You’re not talking to Anna, you know. You’re just talking like a maniac.” Zane grinned. He’d told me that he liked teasing Amy.
“Shut up, Zane. And sorry, Anna. I really wanted to say hi to you. But I also got to tell Gia about this.”
“Hi to you guys too.” I was still laughing. Who would have thought that his sister would be this excited?
“Did you know?” I assumed Amy was talking to Gia again.
“Yes, of course I did. I talk to him all the time. I think I knew she was his girlfriend before he did,” Gia added. “And hi, Anna, I look forward to meeting you. Zane talks about you all the time. I’d like to meet the girl who got him this worked up.”
“How come you didn’t tell me?” Amy asked.
“Because he told me not to.”
“I told her that I wanted to tell you myself. Stop being such a baby. Did you get your present?” Zane asked her.
“I did. Thank you so much. I love my new car. You guys did well.”
“Yeah, we wanted you to be safe. But don’t smash this one.” Zane laughed.
“I did that once. Once. And it was all Liam’s fault,” Amy snapped.
“So was not. He wasn’t even in the car, remember?” Gia said. “You were just paying more attention to the hot guy on the sidewalk than the road, right, sis?” I could almost hear her wink at Amy.
“What hot guy? I didn’t know about this.” Zane tightened his grip on my shoulder.
