We just barely made it to the gate as Mr. Drake held it open, and as soon as we were through, he slammed it behind us and latched it in place. We skidded to a halt, dust billowing around us. Nova’s grip on my middle was tight. Her breath settled across the back of my neck, causing chills to run down my arms.
“Nova!” Mr. Drake shouted as Mrs. Drake ran out of the barn. He ran up to us but held back a few feet as Mrs. Drake stepped up to offer Nova her hand. Nova’s arms squeezed me a little tighter, fear clutching her to me. I’m sure she didn’t know what she was doing in that moment, but I reassured her anyway.
“Nova, you’re safe. Big Blue is behind the gate, we’re safe. You’re home. Your parents are right here and your mom is going to help you down, okay?” I kept my hands on the reigns, denying the urge to rub the arms wrapped tightly around my waist. She took a few more deep breaths and then loosened her grip a little more, straightening up and pulling her head away from my back.
“Thanks,” she whispered as she reached out for her mom, lifted her leg over the back of Racer, and slid to the ground.
I nodded as her mother wrapped her arms around Nova, and then I turned to look at Mr. Drake. His eyes were stoic, but he reached out to me. “Thank you, son. For saving her, again.”
“No problem, sir. Anyone would have done it.”
He studied me carefully, then nodded. “I suppose so, but thank you nonetheless.”
“You’re welcome, sir.”
“Why don’t you come inside? I’m sure Charlie and the men will take care of Big Blue out there.”
I glanced the house, then let my eyes fall on Mr. Drake.
“Are you sure, sir? I don’t want to cause any more problems.”
“Davis, you’re the first man she’s been able to be around other than me. Plus you’re on the trust list, so hop on down and come inside.”
I nodded and slid off Racer, tying his reigns off on a wooden post by the barn. Glancing up at Mr. Drake, I questioned him.
“Trust list?”
“Right. Well, I guess I should have let her tell you that, but Nova has a list of people that she feels safe with. You, my boy, are on that list.”
My feet halted in their movement at his words. “Me? But what about…?”
He nodded, gripping his hand on my shoulder and pushing me forward. “Yes. You.”
Mr. Drake pushed open the door and motioned for me to walk inside. The house was comfortable and warm. I glanced briefly around the room, taking in the small kitchen to the right and the large open living room to the left. Nova sat with her mother on the couch, sipping a glass of iced tea.
Mrs. Drake was comforting her, fussing over Nova like a mother of a newborn. As much as I knew Nova needed comfort, I doubted she was enjoying the overbearing gestures. Trying to relieve her just a little, I stepped forward.
“Mr. and Mrs. Drake, do you think I could talk to Nova? If that’s all right with her, of course.” I met her eyes as they lifted to mine. Beautiful dark blue eyes, the color of the ocean, held my gaze. She nodded slightly before Mr. Drake spoke.
“I suppose that’s fine. We’ll just be outside, baby girl. Holler if you need us.” He took his wife’s hand and pulled her out the front door, shutting just the screen door between us.
I watched them move down the side of the porch to a small porch swing and take a seat. Nova leaned back into the sofa and rest her head on the back, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. I stepped quietly a little closer and took a seat on the opposite end of the couch.
“Thank you,” she whispered, eyes still closed as she pulled her feet up beneath her.
“No problem. I bet it gets exhausting to let them hover like that sometimes.”
“It does, but they need it. Sometimes I need it too, but there are moments when it gets a bit overwhelming. Especially when I need to just shut down for a bit and let myself not feel what’s going on around me.”
“Makes sense.” I pulled my foot up and rested it on my knee. She opened her eyes at the rustling and I cleared my throat.
“So, I know it’s a bit cliché to ask, but are you okay?”
She chuckled. “I’m far from okay, but I’m getting there.”
“I’m glad you called the center.”
Silence passed between us, as we held each other’s gaze. I waited patiently for her to continue, knowing she had something to say.
“You were right, you know. About them.”
“They’re good people. Some of the best that I’ve met, and they truly have helped a lot of women and children work through everything.”
She nodded and brushed her blonde hair away from her face. I watched in fascination as the curls fluidly slipped through her delicate fingers. I felt my heart speed up a little and shifted myself up straighter, glancing away from her.
“I’m assuming my dad told you about tonight?” She asked, studying me.
“He did. Can I ask why you wanted me here?”
She smiled a little and cast her eyes across the room. “Because I trust you.”
Knowing that I would never begin to fully understand what Nova had gone through, and yet she placed trust in me, filled me with a sense of accountability. Trust doesn’t come easy to women who go through the kind of abuse I have witnessed. It meant a lot to me to be held in such regard, and I was determined not to fail her or ever let her down.
Chapter 13
NOVA
I watched as his nervous demeanor changed to one of joy and pride. Not the bad kind of selfish pride, but a good pride in himself for knowing that he was a good man, a good protector, and someone worth believing in. His resolve was etched in his face as he sat up straighter.
“Evie should be here in a while.” I smiled, glancing at the silver framed photo of us from graduation, taken just a few short weeks ago. Memories of that day flashed across my mind, and it felt good to fill my thoughts with moments of happiness.
“What are you thinking about?” Davis asked, grinning slightly at me, studying my face.
“Our graduation day. Evie was so funny that day, running around our apartment frazzled to no end, and she walked right out the door without shoes on. But the day was awesome and both of our families were in town celebrating with us.”
“Sounds amazing.”
“It was. My parents hosted this huge party for us when we got back here. All our old friends, classmates, and family. That’s when they told us they would be paying for us to go on vacation together. We were so excited that we screamed and jumped up and down, nearly knocking our parents to the ground. I miss that.”
“Is that why you were in Sydney?” He asked softly, waiting to see my reaction.
I nodded, feeling overwhelming sadness come over me like a cloud.
“Hey.” He reached out his hand slowly toward me, resting his fingers on my foot that was on the cushion beside him. I jumped a little at the contact, eyes growing wide, but didn’t pull away. I took a few deep breaths, repeating my calming phrases and then glanced up at him.
“Sorry,” I murmured.
“Don’t be sorry, Nova. If you don’t want me to do this, just tell me. I just saw you get sad again and wanted to fix it. I don’t want you to be afraid of me.”
A few beats of silence rested between us before I spoke.
“I’m not afraid of you.” My voice was firm, as if I was trying to convince myself of the words. In all honestly, I didn’t fear Davis, but I had to force myself to be calm around him, just like with my father.
Sensing my struggle, Davis pulled his hand back and tucked it under his knee. “All right, then.”
There was a quick knock on the door before it flew open and Evie rushed in, looking in the kitchen first, then in the living room to find me. Her eyes flew open the sight of Davis sitting on the couch with me. She smiled and briefly waved at Davis before stepping past him and reaching down to pull me into her arms. Evie smelled of lavender and her familiar scent brought calm to my surroundings.
&n
bsp; “Hey, you.” She whispered in my ear, holding me tightly to her.
“Hey.”
I heard Davis stand and move to the other side of the room, so Evie could sit down beside me and not be stuck between us. He stopped at the door and waved to me as he stepped outside. I nodded and looked back at Evie, who had a serious look on her face.
“What was that all about?”
“Nothing. He saved me from an angry bull earlier and brought me back. We were just talking.”
“Bull? What happened? Are you okay?” Her questions fired out rapidly, causing a slight grin to lift on my face.
“I’m fine. Everything worked out.” Evie fell to the couch beside me, seriousness coming over her once again.
“How’s the sleeping going?”
“Horribly. You?”
She rubbed her eyes with the palms of her hands. “Same. I just keep seeing all of them. I think I’m going through it all over again, and then I wake up screaming. My mom won’t leave my room.”
“Mom and Dad are doing the same thing with me.”
She rested her head on my shoulder and sighed, grabbing my hand in hers and threading our fingers together.
“Do you think it’ll get better, Nova? Will we ever be normal again?”
“I hope so.”
Voices floated in the air as the screen door opened and in walked Davis with my parents. Evie’s mom followed in behind them and walked over and bent to kiss me on the forehead.
“Hey, sweet girl.”
“Hey, Momma.”
My mother stepped closer to us. “Should we eat first?” She asked, glancing around the room. Everyone was here, and my heart began to race nervously at what I was about to say. Unsure if I could relive the horror of events that happened, I nodded in agreement, putting off my conversation for later.
We all moved to the kitchen and took seats around the table. Dad and Mom took the end seats, while Evie’s mom sat next to Davis on one side, and Evie and I sat on the other.
We spent the next hour eating the homemade chicken pot pies. The steam from the pastries wafted in the air above us and my stomach grumbled as I reached for a second serving.
When we finished I stood to clear the dishes, gently stacking them in my hands and walking them over to the sink. My mother followed me and leaned close to me as I braced against the porcelain sink until my knuckles turned white, and my breathing became more labored as the nerves of what was about to take place wracked through me.
“You okay?” She whispered, grabbing the scrubbing sponge from the shelf above us, preparing to wash dishes.
“I just need a minute.” She nodded and pried my fingers from the edge, opening my palm to set the sponge gently inside.
“Why don’t you stay in here and wash the dishes, while I move everyone to the living room?”
Relief flooded me and I dipped my hands in the hot sudsy water that now filled the square basin. The warmth seeping into my skin gave me a sense of calm. I scrubbed at the dishes as I heard the others talking in the living room.
I can do this. I am safe. Everyone in there has my trust. They will not hurt me, they will protect me.
When I felt ready, I drained the sink and pulled a hand towel from the side drawer to dry my wrinkled hands. Slipping the towel to hang on the handle of the oven, I then stepped across the room and through the archway leading toward the moment of truth.
I walked in and saw everyone in various seats around the room. Evie and my mother were sitting on the couch, allowing me space to sit beside them. Dad was standing in the corner, sipping his glass of iced tea and leaning against the wall with guarded eyes.
Evie’s mom and Davis took the two sitting chairs on the far side of the room.
I slipped between mom and Evie and took a deep breath. Everyone was silent and waiting, wondering what I was going to say. Other than my parents, no one understood what was happening here. My eyes caught Davis’ as I looked up, and held his gaze. His eyes shone brightly as I took him in, and he nodded for me to continue, supporting me in the silent way that he had done over the last week.
Breaking his gaze, I let my eyes take in each person. I gripped Evie’s hand for support and leaned into her slightly.
“So I met with a therapist this week, and I was asked a simple question by her. She asked me to list ofthe names of people that I trusted, and so I did. Each one of you made that list.” I took my time looking carefully at each and every one of them before continuing.
“Once I gave her the list of names, she asked me to do something. Even I don’t know if I’m ready for this, but she said I have to let you know what happened to me, so that you can better understand why I am reacting in certain ways to many of our encounters.”
My hand tightened around Evie’s and she leaned into me. “Are you sure, Nova? I don’t think….” Her eyes welled up and she turned her face away.
“Evie, if you can’t listen to this, I understand. We can talk later if you want?”
She glanced back at me, tears rolling down her soft cheeks. “I’m sorry, Nova. I wish I could, but…” She wiped at her tears. “I’m just not ready to relive that. Please understand.”
I nodded, fully understanding her position. I wasn’t even sure I was ready for it, but I was determined to get through it for my sake, and for my family’s sake.
“It’s fine. I get it. You should head home and I’ll come see you later this week. Okay?”
She nodded and leaned over, pulling me into her arms, squeezing me tightly. Her mother stood and walked over to me.
“I love you, mija. Call me later this week.” She bent to kiss my cheek.
“Yes, ma’am. Love you, too.”
I waited for them to walk out the door before turning to face my parents and Davis again. He stayed in his seat, glancing nervously at my father, who moved to sit in the chair across from me.
“All right then, I guess I should start.” My mind jumbled together images of Demon’s face and I pulled into myself as I began to tell them the details of how we were taken.
* * *
ONE WEEK AGO
(Sydney, Australia- South Bay Resort)
NOVA
Perry pulled up to the curb and slipped out of the blue cab as we made our way out of the heavy double glass doors of the resort.
“You girls look gorgeous. I know the perfect place for you.” A tiny smirk appeared on his lips, as if he was reminded of an inside joke. It was brief before he turned a full smile in our direction and holding open the back door to the taxi.
“I hope so.” Evie flirted, brushing her hand against his arm.
He caught her hand and brought her fingers up to his lips, kissing them softly. “It’ll be worth every minute of your time.”
When we were belted in our seats, he pulled away from the curb and began driving across town. The further he drove, the more anxious I became. We passed all the well-traveled areas of town as he pulled into a much darker neighborhood. The streets were dingy and there were very few people milling about, most of them looking like the kind of people we’d want to avoid.
“Perry, are you sure this is where you meant to take us?” I asked, glancing out the window.
“Of course. There’s a great little restaurant just around the corner. There’s music and dancing. Just what you asked for.” He glanced nervously at me through his rearview mirror.
I watched as he picked up his phone at the next stoplight, sending a quick text message before continuing on through the intersection and pulling off to the side of the road. We had stopped in front of a large industrial building on the right side of the street. Evie gripped my hand, and all of a sudden fear rippled through me. Alarm screamed for me to run for my life.
It happened in an instant. Two thickly muscled men in flannel shirts and jeans came up to the sides of the car and flung open each door. Evie screamed as the man on her side reached in and gripped her hair, pulling her out of the vehicle. That’s when I felt my own pain. I looke
d up into the eyes of evil. Demon, although I had not named him at this point, was grabbing me by the ankles and pulling me across the seat and out the door, letting my tailbone hit the concrete below me.
I swung my fists as hard as I could, but he pinned me down. The next thing I felt was searing pain across my jaw as the world became dizzy. Moments later I fell into the darkness. I don’t know how I got to the cell, but the next thing I knew, I was being woken up with a bucket of ice cold water.
* * *
PRESENT DAY
NOVA
My eyes were squeezed tightly closed and I balled myself up into the couch. My mother tried to reach for me, but I winced away from her and whimpered. I briefly heard my name being called, but the blood in my head was rushing and everything sounded distorted.
A moment later I felt a soft touch on my foot, ever so gently it rested there, testing my reaction before slowly moving in circles to provide some sort of comfort.
“Nova. You’re safe. I won’t let anyone hurt you,” I heard a male voice say. Despite my innate fear of men, this voice was familiar, calm, reassuring. I cracked open my eyes and saw Davis sitting on the coffee table in front of me, hand reached out to my foot. We kept our eyes glued to each other as I felt the breath come back into my lungs.
“Use your phrases, Nova,” he instructed me gently.
“I’m safe. My parents are right here. I’m home. No one will hurt me. I’m safe, I don’t have to be afraid anymore.”
“Good girl. Now take a few more deep breaths.”
I did as he asked, letting the air fill my chest and blowing it out slowly. It took a few minutes before the calm began to take over again. Davis never looked away. He stayed there in front of me, guarding and protecting, making sure I was okay.
“Thank you,” I whispered when I knew I could speak again.
He nodded and then released our contact, moving again to his seat, eyes careful and watching, waiting to see if I would need him to talk me down again.
Redemption (The Restoration Series Book 1) Page 13
