Free Hold Me Closer: A Rebel Walking Novel by Hilary Storm Page A

of the mill creep? 
    I can't for the life of myself think of what I have that someone would want, let alone someone from another country.  I couldn't even understand them to get a clue of what they're after.  I'm terrified just thinking about trying to be normal again. 
    Holden has been so kind and I couldn't imagine getting through all of this without him.  I know he's a great guy, but I just wish we could've connected on a better note.  I don't really do ‘the big strong guy swoops in to save the lame girl’ story.  Trying to hurry so Holden doesn't have to come get me again, I begin my search through the cabin  in hopes of finding food. 
     
    The smell leads me to the kitchen where I find the guys sitting at the table, each of them about to devour a huge steak. 
    "Smells great!  Thanks for making me one."
    "Anytime.  How are you doing?"  Aiden is ridiculous with his sexy southern drawl.  If I hadn't already met Holden, I'd fall for Aiden's charm in a second.  He's different than most guys and it’s completely obvious, even in the way he carries himself.
    "I'll be better when I know what I'm up against.  The not knowing is killing me.  How am I supposed to stay safe when I have no idea what's coming?" 
    "You have both of us.  We're waiting on information from my father who has a few details that may give us a better idea."
    "What does your dad have to do with this?"  I watch Aiden hesitate and look at Holden before he answers.
    "He's working a special case that has something to do with all of this."  
    "What do you know so far?" 
    "Not much, but we're hoping we'll know something soon."
     
    They both make small talk and I attempt to eat around the gut feeling that something bad is going to happen.  The guys finish first and both stay to keep me company even though I'm not very talkative. 
    I eat about half my food and begin to feel the stress of it all.   Holden meets me in the hall after I leave the kitchen and pulls me into his arms. 
    "Do you want to go outside with me?"  At this point, it doesn't really matter where I go, so I agree.  It probably wouldn't hurt to get some fresh air.
     
    The view of the night sky is overwhelming and nothing like I've ever experienced.  It looks like there are millions of stars and each one shines clear against the deep black atmosphere. 
    "Oh my god.  It's beautiful."
    "Yeah.  It's peaceful out here."
    "It almost feels like we're the only people in the world."  He pulls me into his arms again as we look into the sky and breathe in the night air for a long time before he leads me off the deck and into the grass. 
    The moon is bright and lights our path to his truck.  He lowers the tail gate and helps me up, following quickly behind.  Pushing back until he's in the middle of the truck bed, he lays back, propping his hands behind his head.
    "Lay with me."  I fall back into his arms without hesitation and let his hold begin to make me feel like somehow, some way it'll all work out.  I want to believe that more than anything.
    "What're you thinking about right now?"  He seems deep in thought even though he's trying to make me relax.
    "How good it feels to be able to share this place with someone in my arms."  He pulls me in even closer as he says this and it leaves me speechless as I try to find the right words to tell him how much I appreciate everything he's done for me.  The way he makes me feel is like no other guy has before, and for just a few minutes, I find myself hoping and thinking about the possibilities that could come from this.
     
    We lie together for a long time, only interrupting the serenity a few times for conversation.  It's easy with him.  There's no need to fill space with small talk to ease any awkwardness.  At this point, we're past all of that and it's just nice to have this comforting feeling so quickly.
    He slides his hand below my chin to guide it toward his face.  With soft and gentle kisses, he continues to make