2. Rory
RORY
We’re standing outside the largest building in the city.
It’s so tall I have to strain my neck, and I almost fall over before I can see the top.
“Careful.” Brendan steadies me with a smile.
“Why are we here?”
“I have some business to take care of.”
“Oh.”
A car honks, and I jump at the sound of raised voices.
“It’s okay,” Brendan says and grips my hand when I sneak mine into his.
It’s pathetic, I know.
He doesn’t say anything though, he just leads me inside.
My big brother is the best. He’s been my rock, and I know that he’s done everything he can, including spending all of his savings on a good lawyer for me. I feel terrible that he wasted it and those monsters got free.
“Of course. Just take that elevator to the top floor.” My eyes pop up to the secretary at the reception desk, and I scan the room.
It’s a large sterile-looking lobby filled with marble and gold accents, but not much else.
“Come on, pixie.”
I smile at the pet name. He’s been using it a lot more since the… ordeal. He used to call me that when we were little because I was obsessed with all things fairy and pixie. I guess I still am. We even have a pixie garden at our house.
I find myself at the garden more and more, wishing I could turn into a pixie and fly away to a magical land where no one can hurt me ever again.
“Are you okay?” Brendan looks down at me. He’s always been taller than me, but that’s not hard. If you looked up twink in the dictionary, there would be a picture of me. I’m small, pretty, and a power bottom.
Well, I was until—
“How about we stop for ice cream after my meeting?”
My face lights up but then falls.
Everywhere we go, I’ve been seeing monsters.
“Can we get it to go?”
“If that’s what you want.”
I nuzzle into his side. “You’re the best brother ever.”
“Nope. I’m pretty sure you are.” He gives my hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze just as the elevator doors open.
Another reception desk greets us, and the pretty lady smiles at us.
“If you’ll have a seat, Mr.—”
I jump when the elevator dings and then cringe at myself.
Brendan squeezes my hand and leads me to a chair in what looks like a waiting room, only the whole floor is a waiting room.
Why are there so few chairs, and what is the purpose of this building?
“Listen.” Brendan turns to me in his chair. “I’ve got a meeting. It should be quick, but you can’t be in there. It’s not because anything is wrong.” My hands reach for his shoulders, and I want to hold onto him.
“What if it’s not safe here?” I whisper.
“Everything will be fine.”
“Yeah, but—”
“Sir?” The receptionist is standing a few feet away. “This way, please?”
“Trust me, pixie.” He drops a kiss on my head.
“Okay.” I nod, and he follows the lady through a door.
I sit and wait, hoping that everything will be okay. I trust Brendan, but still, I wish I wasn’t alone. Sighing at how pathetic I’ve become, I wrap my arms around my knees and pull my hoodie down over them so I’m in a ball.
It feels better, but not great.
“Are you cold?” a gruff voice asks.
I startle to a sitting position and look up at the man who spoke. I am not prepared for what I see.
There’s a gorgeous silver fox with ice-blue eyes and the kind of barrel chest I just want to bury my face in. With arms like that, he could keep me safe and warm for days. He clears his throat, and I remember he asked me a question.
I shake my head no, and then realize that saying I’m scared is the worse answer, so I nod my head in agreement.
“Judy,” he calls, and she jumps to attention.
“Yes, sir?”
The big man crouches down in front of me and looks into my eyes, his icy gaze holding me in place. It’s a lot, but I kinda like it.
“Will you bring our guest some hot chocolate?”
“Right away, sir.” And she’s already running out of the room.
“Do you need a blanket or a sweater?”
The idea of wearing something of his is oddly comforting, but I shake my head and look at the floor.
“It’s okay, you don’t need to be afraid, rabbit.” His voice is soft and soothing, so I look up again. His eyes look warmer, softer somehow.
“It’s hard,” I whisper and sink further into myself, hoping he’ll just leave me alone. Even if I don’t really want him to go.
When his large hand brushes the tear off my cheek, I barely flinch.
“You seem brave to me.”
I shake my head violently, dislodging his hand. “I’m not.”
“You might not know it, but I’m the boss around here.” His voice is light, almost teasing. “So if I say you’re brave, then you are.”
“I wish it was that easy.”
He gives me a half smirk. “What’s your name, rabbit?”
“Rory,” I whisper.
“Such a pretty name. I’m Lex.”
“Nice to meet you, sir.”
“And what are you doing here today?” he asks softly.
“My brother has a meeting. He didn’t tell me what about.”
“A lot of meetings happen here,” he says and stands. I want to follow after him. “Sorry I don’t have more time to chat, but I’m glad I met you.”
I smile for real this time. Not just the show smile I put on for the world. “I’m glad I met you too.”
Judy comes rushing back in the room.
“Maybe we’ll meet again.” He smirks and heads through a door. I’m ashamed to admit I watch his butt as he leaves.
It’s a really nice butt.
“Here you are, sir.” She hands me the drink with a smile.
“Thank you.”
I take a sip and sigh.
Maybe someday I’ll be able to heal enough and find a man like that to take care of me.