“I was just washing. I’ll be down soon.” Leaping to her feet, she made for the bathroom. He moved to intercept her.
“Why did you panic and run when that camera was in your face?” He was advancing on her, so she stepped right. He did the same.
“I didn’t panic, I’m just sweaty and wanted a wash.” Lani stepped left, and he mimicked her move.
“Go away, Noah.” Lani went for being direct.
“What’s the deal with you?” One large hand grabbed her arm as she tried to move round him again.
“No deal. Now go away so I can clean up. Mrs. C will need me back out there soon.”
“Here’s what I’ve observed.” He moved her backward slowly, both hands on her shoulders now.
“You’re a man, so you’re not observant.” The only word to describe what was going on inside her at that moment was panic. It sliced through her, and with it came memories of the moments in her lifetime when she’d been really scared. Moments she’d experienced over the last four years.
“That’s sexist, and I should seriously be offended about that, Miss Pumpkin.”
“I don’t have time for this, Noah.” Her voice sounded squeaky.
“Sure you do. Mrs. C said that you were on a break.” He walked her back another pace, and her back pressed to the large chest Hank had said she needed for her clothes. She took up the top drawer. Before she could speak, he’d placed her on top of it.
“What are you doing?”
“Putting you where you’ll stay while we talk.” He stepped close, his body blocking her exit, hands braced either side of thighs. His face was now inches from hers.
“Here’s what I’ve observed about you, Lani Sullivan. First, you hide behind clothes and an attitude designed to shut people out. You live out of your vehicle—and have for some time, is my belief.”
Lani looked at his neck and formed a tight seam with her lips. He couldn’t make her talk.
“There is no sign of you on the internet. Nothing at all, and unless you have been living off the grid your entire life, that’s just not possible. No school records or cheer squad. Nothing.”
Say nothing, Lani.
“So with that comes another conclusion. Lani Sullivan is not your real name. There’s also the fact you avoid cameras and ran like a scalded cat when you saw that film crew.”
The panic clawed at her throat, and suddenly she couldn’t breathe.
“Lani?” Two hands cupped her face. “What’s going on?”
“C-can’t breathe.”
He stepped back and lifted her down, then forced her head down below the waist.
“Take it easy, slow breaths in and out.”
She listened as he talked, focused on his words, and slowly felt the panic subside. Lani thought about simply staying there, bent over and avoiding Noah, but knew he’d make her straighten sooner or later.
She watched his feet disappear and had a faint hope that he’d gone, but the sound of running water told her that wasn’t happening.
“Drink this.”
She straightened and took the glass. Gulping the water down, she felt better. He left again, and this time came back with a damp washcloth, which he proceeded to pat over her face. It was bliss.
“I can do that.”
“So can I.”
She didn’t have the energy to fight him. Next, he lifted her into his arms and walked to the bed, where he sat with her on his lap.
