by Thomas, C. M
“Okay.” She rested her head against my chest again. I didn’t know how long we lay like this, but at some point, I could hear that she was sleeping.
Kylie came into the bedroom.
“Can you stay with her? I need to talk to Dax,” I said. She nodded and moved to the bed and sat down beside Anna. I kissed Anna on her hair before I got out of bed.
I walked into the other room and closed the door behind me. I needed some answers now. Dax looked up at me the moment I walked into the room. He knew I wanted to know what happened. It was only Dax and Marco in the room.
“What happened to her?” I asked.
“Well, good news first. He didn’t rape her.” Thank God. “However, when we found her, she was naked from the waist up. I didn’t look at her, but I’m sure she has bruises on her body. Then there is her face. She told the police that he beat her more than once in the face. He drugged her so he could get her back to the motel he was staying at. Apparently, he told his mother that he was on vacation with his fiancée.” Dax looked up at me. This was a lot to take in.
“Fiancée? Really?” I had to laugh at that. How could he for one minute think that Anna was his fiancée? And even if she were, then why would he have to attack and kidnap her so that he could be with her?
“Yes. Mark called his aunt, and she told him that her son, Dan, was on vacation with his fiancée and that she couldn’t wait to meet her,” Dax explained.
“Is he fucking delusional? Where is he now?” I frowned.
“The police arrested him. Apparently, this isn’t the first time he has done this. He is wanted for a similar crime in Denver. He will not be free anytime soon.”
“Thank God. And thanks for this. Did you tell the guys?”
“Yes, they know what happened. Caleb said he would call your parents, so they know. Anna’s parents still don’t know. Kylie wants to tell them, but we told her to wait.”
“Okay, I will go back to her. We won’t leave today as we planned. Okay?”
“Cole said the same thing.” Dax smiled before he walked out of our room.
“I will just wait for Kylie,” Marco said.
“Thanks, man. For helping her.”
“Anytime. You would do the same for Kylie.”
“I would.” With that, I walked into the bedroom. Anna and Kylie were talking. I stopped and looked at my girl. “Want me to come back later?”
“No, please don’t go,” Anna said.
“Okay, I will get out of here. Call if you need me. And I will call Mom and Dad,” Kylie said before she walked to me. “Take care of her and call me if she needs me,” she whispered to me before she walked out of the room.
I walked over to Anna and sat on the bed.
“You want to get a shower? Or a bath? I can fill the tub for you.”
“A shower would be nice.”
“Do you want me to get Kylie so that she can help you?” I didn’t want to push her, so if she wanted Kylie to help, that was fine by me. As long as she was safe and comfortable. That really was all that mattered.
“No, I want you to help me.” She crawled into my lap and rested her head against my chest.
“Are you sure? I don’t mind if Kylie helps you.” I held her close to me.
“I’m sure. I don’t want you to leave,” she whispered.
“Let’s get you into the shower.” I stood up and held her in my arms. I walked into the bathroom and put her on the counter. “Is it okay if I take your clothes off, or do you want to do it yourself?” I was so far out of my element right now. I didn’t want to hurt her, but at the same time, I wanted to help more than anything.
“You do it.” Her eyes were closed, and silent tears were rolling down her cheeks. I took the jacket from her. It was way too big for her, and I knew it was either Marco or Dax’s jacket. When I saw her chest, I let out a small gasp. Her chest was full of bite marks and bruises. What did he do to you, baby? was all I could think. My reaction just made her cry more.
“Sorry, baby.” I pulled her close and hugged her. “I love you,” I whispered to her.
“How can you love me when I look like this?” she asked.
“Look at me.” I held her head in my hands and waited for her to open her eyes. “No matter what, I love you. I don’t care how you look and what you’ve have been through. I. Love. You.” I put a hand on her heart and gave her a small kiss.
“Love you too, Zane. Thanks for helping me.”
“Anytime.” I moved so I could take off her jeans and panties. When I had taken off all her clothes, I turned to the shower and opened the tap so it was nice and warm when she got in. “Do you want me to go with you, or can you stand?”
“Don’t go,” was all she said.
“Okay.” I took off my clothes and lifted her into the shower. Thank God it was big enough for two people, or this would be difficult. “Can you stand so I can wash your hair?” She nodded, so I put her down so she stood in front of me.
After the shower, I carried her back into the bedroom and put her on the bed.
“I just need to get my phone, then I will be back.” Again, all she did was nod. I got my phone from the other room and got into bed with her. I rested against the headboard and pulled her close to me. She rested her head on my chest and held me close. “Sleep, baby. I’m right here if you need me.” I kissed the top of her head. Five minutes later, she was asleep. For the first time since Anna came back, I looked at my phone. I had unanswered calls from my mom, Gia, and Amy. There were also texts from both Kylie and Gia. I answered Kylie first.
Kylie: I called my parents. They are meeting us in Denver.
Me: How did they take it?
Kylie: My mom freaked out and was mad that we hadn’t told them before. But I think she understood when I told her why. My dad just wanted to know if Anna was okay.
Me: How are you?
Kylie: I’m okay. Tired. I called the hotel in Denver and told them we will arrive tomorrow night. How is she?
Me: Thanks. I just helped her get a shower, and now she’s sleeping. I think she is okay under the circumstances, but she isn’t talking much.
Kylie: She didn’t talk much to me either. She just answered yes or no. Give me an update when she wakes up?
Me: Of course.
I looked down at my girl; she was sleeping so peacefully. I just hoped that the fact that Dan was now in jail would give her peace and that she could move on from this nightmare. I looked at the text from Gia and smiled when I read it.
Gia: Mom told me your girl is safe.
Me: She is.
Gia: Is she okay?
Me: She’s sleeping right now. She’s hurt, has bruises all over her chest. But I think she is okay. He didn’t rape her.
Gia: But still it’s awful. I hope she gets better soon.
Me: Me too. Are you still coming to Denver?
Gia: Yes, we will meet you the day after tomorrow. You get a night more alone before we join you.
Me: Miss you. Are Mom and Dad still coming?
Gia: Mom is; Dad has some business meeting he can’t get out of.
Me: Okay, but we will see him soon.
Gia: Yes. Can’t wait to have you home all summer. I miss my big brother.
Me: Anna is coming home with me, so you know. Don’t think you can stay at my house all summer.
Gia: I know. Can’t wait to meet her.
Me: Me either. I think I will get some sleep. I haven’t slept much since she was taken last night.
Gia: Okay. See you in Denver, big brother.
I put my phone on the bedside table and lay down beside Anna, pulled her close, and drifted off to sleep.
I woke hours later to the sound of my phone ringing. I looked at the display and saw it was Liam calling.
“Hey,” I answered the phone, sou
nding a bit sleepy.
“Hey, sorry, did I wake you?”
“Yes, but that’s okay. Everything okay?”
“Yes. Just wanted to know if you guys wanted to get some food with us? There is this sushi place just down the street.”
“I don’t think Anna wants to leave. But will you bring some food back with you?”
“Sure. Kylie said the same thing about Anna. Just thought I would ask.”
“Thanks, man. She is still sleeping. I don’t want to wake her before you get back with the food.”
“I will text you when we are on our way back.”
“That’s fine. See you.”
I looked down at Anna; she was still sound asleep. I turned on the television and watched a movie.
Liam: We’re on our way back now. See you in five.
Me: Thanks. Did you buy something to drink also?
Liam: Yes.
He always thought of everything. Not like the rest of us. I brushed some hair from Anna’s face and woke her up.
“Baby, you want something to eat?” I kissed her.
She stirred in my arms and slowly opened her eyes.
“I’d like that,” she said, her voice hoarse.
“Liam is coming with sushi in a moment.”
“Sounds great.”
“Did you sleep okay?” I pulled her into my lap, resting my chin on her head.
“I did. Thanks for staying with me. I know you have other things to do on tour than stay in bed all day with me.”
“No other place I’d rather be, baby. And today all we had planned was to drive to Denver.”
“Shit, Zane, the schedule. We have to go to Denver.” She tried to get up from my lap.
“Stay. We drive to Denver tomorrow. Kylie has taken care of it.”
“But why not go today?” I looked at her and kissed her.
“Because I need to take care of you today.” I heard a knock on the door. “Liam is here. Wait here.” I walked out of the bedroom and opened the door. Liam was standing outside with a bag in both hands.
“Food delivery,” he said with a smile on his face.
“Thanks, man. I owe you one.”
“Nah, just take care of her. See you tomorrow.”
I took the bags and walked back into the bedroom to my girl. Anna was sitting on the bed, with a small smile on her face.
“Food is here.” I smiled and sat on the bed beside her. We ate, talked, and relaxed all night. Even though I knew that all that happened to her was still fresh and she would have to work through it all, it was nice to see her smile and laugh. Even if just for tonight.
When the movie we were watching was finished, Anna was curled up against me and sleeping. I looked at her, my beautiful girl. I kissed her on the top of her head, turned off the television, and moved out of bed to go to the bathroom. Anna stirred, but didn’t wake up.
When I got back into bed, I looked at my phone. It was only nine thirty p.m.—kind of early to get ready for bed, but after the last two days, I was exhausted. Just when I was about to turn off the light, my phone rang. I looked at the display; it was my mom. I guess I couldn’t keep avoiding her calls. I held Anna close to me and answered the phone.
“Hey, Mom.” I tried not to speak too loudly, to avoid waking Anna up.
“Hey, baby boy.” I hated when she called me that, and she knew it. “Just wanted to make sure you were doing okay?”
“I’m fine, Mom. Just tired and ready to get a break from tour.”
“I understand. I talked to Liam; he said Anna was doing okay under the circumstances.” Even though it was more of a question, she made it sound like a statement.
“She is. She’s sleeping right now, and has been for most of the day. I don’t know what to do to help her, Mom.” I was so insecure about what was right and wrong in the situation, and I hoped my mom could give me some sort of advice.
“I know. But I think all you can do is be there for her. Is she alright with being alone with you? I know you won’t hurt her, but what she has been through, it might scare her to be alone with a man, even if it’s someone she trusts.” My mom had worked for Happy Childhood right from the beginning as a volunteer, guiding, talking and just being there, especially for girls who had been abused.
“I’ve asked her multiple times; she doesn’t want me to leave. Even when I helped her in the shower, I asked her if I should get Kylie, but she wanted my help. I guess that’s a good sign, right?”
“It is. She trusts you, and even with what she has been through she knows deep down that you won’t hurt her. But I still think she should talk to someone about what happened. A professional. I know someone who could help over the summer if she wants to.”
“Thanks, Mom, I will ask her.” I took a deep breath before I continued, “I was so scared, Mom. How can I feel this connected to someone I’ve only known for two months? I don’t know what I would have done if I’d lost her.” I got tears in my eyes. Brushing them away, I looked at Anna, and saw she was still asleep. I pulled her closer to me, needing to feel her close.
“Oh, baby boy. I’m so sorry this happened to you and her. But you have her back, remember that. And as for your feelings, you don’t know how happy it makes me that you’ve found someone you care so deeply about. I know you think love at first sight is stupid, but it happens more times than you know. I knew the moment I met your father that there would be no other man for me.”
“I know, Mom. But I’m still scared.”
“I know you are. But just don’t let your insecurity get in the way of your happiness.”
“I won’t.”
“By the way, your father is coming to Denver after all. He pushed the meetings after what happened.”
“He didn’t need to do that; we will see him a couple of days after, when the tour is on break.”
“I know. I told him that. But you know him, he doesn’t listen when he sets his mind to something. Just like you.”
“I’m not like that.” I knew I was.
“You are. But that’s okay. Just remember to treat that girl of yours right.”
“I will, Mom. I love her.”
“I really can’t wait to meet her. The girl who tamed my baby boy.” I couldn’t help but smile.
“Shut up, Mom. I’m going to hang up now.”
“Fine, get some sleep. We’ll see you the day after tomorrow.”
“See you, Mom.”
I hung up and turned off the light before I lay down to sleep beside my girl. Never did I get tired of that phrase: my girl.
Chapter 29:
Anna
“You’re mine now.” I looked up directly into Dan’s evil eyes. There were no feelings whatsoever in them. They just looked empty and cold. I tried to get out of the bed, but he held me down, and the more I fought, the angrier he got. I was sure if I looked down at my body, it would be full of bruises from all the punches and bites. I didn’t know how long I’d been here. But I just wanted to die.
“Please let me go,” I screamed at him. The tears were streaming down my cheeks.
“Shut up, bitch. You think I’m going to let you get back to that loser rock star? I’m so much more of a man than he will ever be.” He took one of the pillows and put it over my face, then he pressed down. I’m going to die was all I could think. I couldn’t breathe. My heart was racing in my chest, and I fought with all I had. Can’t breathe.
“Anna, wake up.” I opened my eyes and looked right into Zane’s beautiful eyes. I tried to catch my breath, trying to take some deep, long inhalations to calm me down. It was only a dream. I was safe. Dan was gone, and he couldn’t hurt me. That’s what I kept telling myself. I curled myself up against Zane.
“You okay, baby?” He took one of my hands and kissed it.
“No, not really. When will this nightma
re be over?” I cried.
“It’s over. He can’t hurt you anymore. He’s in jail, and will stay there, okay?” His voice was so calm, and just hearing him talk to me calmed me down.
“How can you be sure?” I sobbed.
“You’re not the first one, Anna. He was wanted for similar crimes. I’m sure because of that. He can’t hurt you anymore.” I looked up at him and tried to smile.
“But the nightmares will still be there.” I closed my eyes.
“Hey! Look at me.” I opened my eyes again and looked at him. “I talked to my mom last night; she knows someone you can talk to over the summer. I promised I would ask you, and if you want, she will call her friend and set it up.”
“I’d like that. I need this to be over.” I traced my fingers up and down his chest, just enjoying the feeling of touching him.
“Then we will tell my mom to set it up. You can even do the sessions at my house if you feel safer there than at some office in Colorado Springs. I will get out of the house so you can talk privately.”
“I can’t kick you out of your house. I will be fine in the city.”
“It’s just for an hour or two, two times a week. I think I can find something to do in that time.” He smiled at me and pulled me up on top of him. I looked down at him. I could feel his hardness between my legs. “We don’t have to do anything, baby, just wanted to feel your body on mine.” I smiled at him before I bent down to kiss him.
“I love you, you know that?” I said when I broke the kiss.
“Love you too, baby. And as much as I would like to stay in bed all day with you, we have to get ready so that we can get to Denver.”
“Right, when do we leave?”
“In about two hours.” I lay down on his chest just for a while longer before we got up. I took a shower while he ordered some breakfast, then we packed, ate, and two hours later we were on the bus ready to head towards Denver.
“You got a minute?” Kylie came over to me just after the bus started driving. I looked up at her and nodded. We walked to the front of the bus. There was a small table we could sit at. The band was in the back of the bus.
