"I was trying to let him sleep as long as possible. I'll wake him." Maverick moves to do that.
"No," I rush out. He just looks at me. "He's fine where he is. Let him sleep," I tell Maverick. He gives me a look of indifference before he shifts his gaze away.
Dominic hands me a plate of pizza.
"Thanks." I smile and he gives me the smallest smile imaginable.
"How's it feeling?" His eyes shift to my stomach.
"Better?" I shrug, kind of unsure. “The ice helped.” He nods and sits down in front of me.
That's when I realise Luc isn't there anymore.
Alec hands Dominic and Maverick a controller then sits down beside Dom.
I eat my pizza and watch the guys some kind of racing game on the TV. After a few rounds, Alec offers me his controller and I politely decline. He doesn't seem fazed and continues his winning streak.
Dominic yells something at the TV and Mason jumps. I run my fingers through his hair and he rolls to face me. He settles down and I continue my movements. I get the sense that someone’s watching me but when I look up, Maverick’s eyes are on the TV.
Luc comes in a few minutes later and gives me a smile when he sees I’m awake. It grows when he sees Mase asleep on me.
My eyes flick up to the clock on the wall. I see the time and it jumps out at me. I can only imagine my father sitting at the table, waiting for me to come in. To punish me for being out so late.
Tears fill my eyes and I barely recognise a hand falling on my leg. I look up and see the concern in Maverick’s features. My eyes cast down to where Mason’s still sleeping soundly.
“Rory?’ Maverick whispers in my ear. I take a couple deep breaths and I close my eyes, squeezing them shut.
Maverick’s hand moves from my leg to grip my hand.
“You’re with us, Rory,” he murmurs quietly. “You’re not there. You will never have to go back there ever again.”
I let his words fill me and I take shaky breaths. Maverick rubs small circles into the top of my head. I open my eyes and he smiles.
“There you are,” he whispers, squeezing my hand.
I give him a weak smile and he puts his arm around me, cocooning me in his warmth. I sigh and lean into him.
“Thanks, Maverick.” I swallow deeply, keeping my gaze on Dom, Luc and Alec in front of me.
“You're safe, Rory. We’ve got you now.” Mav puts his chin on mine, in a comforting embrace.
I’m beginning to believe them. I’m finally safe.
Chapter 6 ~
Mason ~
An odd noise has me putting down my sketchpad.
It’s not uncommon for Luc to have nightmares but it doesn’t sound like him. I look over and Maverick is sound asleep, snoring quietly.
I ease myself off the bed—Mav can wake up at the slightest of movements. Grabbing my phone from my bedside table, I check the time. It’s almost one in the morning.
I hear it again as I’m silently opening my bedroom door. I peek my head in on Luc but he’s out, the covers just covering his waist. He doesn’t move so I silently close the door.
I walk down the hall to Rory’s room and crack her door open an inch. I almost shut it but as I'm about to, I hear it again—like a faint whimpering sound. Pushing the door open, I blink my eyes to accommodate for the lack of light. Stumbling over in the darkness of the room, I hear Rory cry out again.
Fuck, she’s dreaming. I sit on the edge of the bed and gently touch her shoulder.
