Taken

Chapter 43

I walked up the stairs and quickly moved to the seating area. I sat on the sun lounge and closed my eyes. The whole situation was messed up and I was angry.

I felt the seat beside me dip as someone sat on it. I opened my eyes and looked at David as he got himself comfortable. He looked at me and smiled and nodded.
"What?" I said, looking to my hands in front of me.

"Kevin asked that I get you to go into the sitting area for a minute." David said looking at me.
I shook my head.
"No. I'm fine. It's just a bruise." I said rolling my eyes.
"It's a what? No. Anna, they just wanted to have a quick chat before breakfast. What the hell are you on about?" David said quickly. I pursed my lips and turned to David.
"It's nothing. Don't worry about it. Let's go." I said standing up quickly. David followed my actions and followed closely behind me down the stairs and into the main sitting area. I grit my teeth as I walked past the Murdock's who stood by the table. I could feel their eyes on me as I walked past.

David moved forward quickly and opened the sliding door for me.
Kevin, Nico and Ford stood in the room talking, they all turned and looked to us as we walked in.
Nico smiled at me as I approached.

"Thanks for joining us Anna." Nico said moving closer to me and touching my hand.
"Before we start. I just want to know what bruise you're referring to Anna." David said moving so he was standing next to me. I froze, and slowly turned so I was looking at him. I sucked my lips in and bit them. Hoping that my angry face was enough to show David it was the wrong time.

"What's he talking about Anna?" Nico said next to me, turning to his side and gently touching my waist.
"It's nothing." I grit out, sending death glares to David.
I heard Kevin sigh and I spun my head to him, shaking it.

"Anna showed me this morning. She copped a hit in the fight to her ribs. It's pretty bruised." Kevin said stepping forward raising his hands. I pushed his hands away and stepped back. David stepped behind me and blocked me in.
"Anna, please let me see." Nico said stepping forward, I swatted his hands away. David gently grabbed my waist and pulled me into him, turning me slightly so my right arm was pressed against him. Kevin stepped forward and grabbed my hands, moving to the side and raising them to my head. I stared at him and shook my head.

"Sorry for this Anna." Ford said, lifting the sun dress up so that it was just under my left breast. I closed my eyes tightly and hung my head.
Nico gasped and I felt his hand gently grab my hip, his fingers gently danced across my skin.

I felt tears well in my eyes and run down my cheeks.

"You got this protecting me." Nico whispered, his fingers stopped moving against my skin and he let my hip go.
I nodded slightly, feeling the bottom of the dress hit my thighs as Ford released it.

"Anna that needs to get checked out." Nico said furrowing his brow. He groaned, and ran his hand through his hair.
"I sent Pascal and Daniel out to get more med stuff." Nico said turning to the side.
"I'm fine." I said, looking to him. He looked at me and shook his head. My wrists were still being held by Kevin and I was still pressed up against David.

"Erik helped a bit the other night, he has some level of medical training." David said beside me. I felt my eyes go wide as fear entered my body.
"No, please don't let him sedate me." I cried out, trying to pull out their arms.
The look on Nico's face was sad.
"I won't let them do that Anna." He whispered gently.

"I was going to talk about the plan, but I'd rather have Anna checked out first." Nico said, nodding towards the door.
Ford turned and left towards the door. David gave the side of my temple a quick kiss before letting me go and following Ford. Kevin was still holding my hands, he let go of one and gently lowered the other to our side.

"Anna, we are going to ask Erik to look you over and make sure you're okay." Nico said stepping forward and cupping my cheeks in his hands. I stared into his eyes and nodded slightly.

Nico nodded then walked in front and out the door, Kevin used his gentle grip on my wrist to manoeuvre me towards the door. The Murdock's were sitting at the table waiting. I felt Henry's eyes snap to me as I walked out, I looked to him as his eyes narrowed on Kevin's hand around my wrist.

"Can Erik come with us for a few minutes, there's a medical issue I'd like his opinion on." Nico asked standing behind his chair with his hands on it.
"Vizla cleared you?" Erik questioned, confused.
Nico dropped his head and sighed.
"It's not for me. It seems I wasn't the only one injured in the... altercation." Nico said looking up at them then panning to look at me.

I heard Henry gasp.
"No. Anna?" He said, pushing his chair back and standing up. I took a step back, but Kevin was able to prevent me from doing that.
"Can we see it Anna?" Max asked, also standing up.

I felt tears welling in my eyes and I wanted to disappear. Nico walked over to us and put his lips against my ear.
"Please, just show them Anna." He said gently, touching my waist. I nodded and he stepped beside me. Kevin let go of my wrist and I stepped to the side slightly.
I took a deep breath and lifted the dress. The gasps and sharp intakes of breath made me look up at them.
Matt looked like he'd almost cry, Armie shook his head and buried it in his hands, Erik had no reaction. Henry had his mouth wide open as he stared at it, and Max looked angry.

I watched as Erik stood up and walked over to me. I stepped back as he approached, but Kevin and Nico stood behind me. I could feel their bodies against my back. Nico gently held my hand and gave it a squeeze.

Erik stopped when he stood in front of me. I looked up at him, as he looked down at me.
"This would probably be easier in a bedroom or a lounge, somewhere I can get you to lay down."
I felt my heart begin smashing against my chest.
"No problem. This way." Nico said, letting go of my hand and gesturing towards the sliding doors. Kevin moved first, followed by Erik.
"Come on Anna." Nico whispered in my ear. I nodded and stepped forward, following behind Erik and Kevin. We all got in the lift together. It was cramped and I was pressed into Nico. His fingers played with my hand, and I found it somewhat comforting. The lift door opened and we walked into Nico's room. I let go of Nico's hand and walked back into the dressing room, grabbing a matching set of sports bra and underwear, I also grabbed a casual button up shirt of Nico's

I walked back into the room, they were watching me closely.
"I'll go change out of swimwear." I said, holding the bra and undies up and walking to the bathroom. I winced when I pulled the dress off. I quickly changed into the undergarments and pulled over Nico's shirt.

I took a deep breath before stepping out the room. It was quiet and somewhat tense.
"What?" I asked, stepping out the door and stopping to look at them. No one responded.

"Where do you want me?" I asked looking to Erik. He gestured to the bed. I nodded and moved forward. My heart was hammering against my chest. I climbed into the bed and looked to Nico and Kevin before removing the shirt. They both looked away almost immediately.
I felt self conscious at their responses and slowly lay back down on the bed.