I feel bad leaving him, and that’s why I didn’t want to mention it in the first place. It feels ungrateful, even if I am the opposite. Grizz told me Kolton didn’t take it well, but he didn’t stop uswhen we left. I apologized, and he just stared at me like he wasn’t seeing me at all. He’s hard to read, and I have no idea what to make of it all. But… I have a baby to worry about. I can’t worry about a grown man. I do, however, owe him my life. So, maybe checking in on him now and then won’t be the worst thing. At least, not for me. He may have a heart attack if I go back into his space. Or maybe me inserting myself into his life is what he needs to come out of his shell.
Grizz wasn’t wrong in saying his mattress is comfortable. It’s the most comfortable thing I’ve ever laid on, or maybe it’s because it smells like him. I’m quickly getting attached, and I’m not sure that’s appropriate. He’s only being kind—helping me and protecting me as part of the MC. Maybe it’s something they do.
Though, if they did this often, why don’t they have more of a system? I guess it doesn’t really matter. I’m here and I’m safe. That’s what matters.
I use the bathroom and find my things lined along the counter by the sink. I smile to myself as I reach for my toothbrush and toothpaste. Grizz must have unpacked some of my things for me this morning. He’s so sweet and thoughtful. I didn’t think they made men like him.
I read about them in books. Saw them in movies sometimes, when I was young. But firsthand, all I’ve dealt with are men who could pass as the devil.
When I open the door, I find Grizz leaning against the opposite wall. His smile is bright when he sees me.
“Good morning,” he says. His husky voice sends a shiver up my spine.
“Morning.”
“How are you feeling?”
“Like I could use a shower.”
“Take what you need. Use what you need. There are towels in the closet in there, and I already put your shampoo and soap on the shelves in the bath.”
“Oh, a bath sounds so good.”
“The bathtub upstairs is bigger, if you want to use that one.”
“Dr. Carter said I shouldn’t take baths so far along. I’m not really sure why, though.”
“Oh, uh... maybe we can Google it or something?” he says as I head into the bedroom.
“Sure, but after I shower. I think I smell.”
“You smell amazing.”
I look at him over my shoulder and see the seriousness in his eyes. No one has ever looked at me the way he does.
“Can I ask you something?” I say.
“Anything at all.”
I go to pick up my duffel, but he’s there to do it for me. He puts it on the bed and even unzips it.
“Does your MC help trafficked women as like… one of their things?”
“You were—” He stops, swallowing hard.
I give him my full attention and carefully explain. “They took me for the sole purpose of having sex with me so I would produce a child for them.”
“I just… I don’t know.” He scratches his head, his eyes glossy.
“It’s a harsh word, I know, but it’s what was done to me.”
“I’m not trying to take away from that,” he says quickly.
I give him a smile. “I didn’t think you were, but let’s call it what it is.”
“You just say it so… effortlessly.”
“I told you… my feelings toward it are basically non-existent. I know it happened to me, but it feels like I saw it in a movie.”
