“No!!!” Alex screamed as he fell to his knees in despair. “Holly!…No!…Holly!” Alex was hysterical. Tears flowing down his face, throat closing over in horror.
He could hear Kim’s and Dev’s screams as they were being held back.
“Baby, no.” He shook uncontrollably. “Aaarrgh! He roared. The pain he felt was overpowering.
He couldn’t breathe.
He looked to the door as the officers, who had rushed forwards and pulled it open, aimed their guns inside. The light from the shed lit up the space and he saw…
“Holly.” He whispered in disbelief.
There she was, above Stacey, pummeling down on her with her fists.
“I’ll kill ya! I’ll kill ya!” She was growling.
Alex immediately found his legs and stood.
He ran as the police pulled Holly off of Stacey. She was kicking and screaming as she struggled to attack Stacey some more.
“Put me down!” she screamed loudly. “Alex!…Alex!”
“Holly!” He shouted, and as she heard him, her head snapped to his direction.
“Alex.” She wept in relief. The officers brought her further away from the door as the others had barged in to detain Stacey.
“Holy fuck!” An officer shouted.
Alex reached Holly, and the officers let go just in time for his arms to wrap tightly around her with so much joy and relief that she was Ok.
“Holly’s ok!” Dev shouted, happily.
Alex and Holly both wept as they dropped to the floor, holding each other tight.
Their families ran to them.
“Baby girl!” Kim said as she threw herself down and held her daughter. Oli joined in and it quickly escalated into a full group hug.
“I knew you’d come.” Holly said. “I knew it.”
“Always.” Alex replied. He slightly pulled back to look into her eyes, and his heart jumped. “Blood!” He said in shock.
“It’s not mine.” She assured him and looked towards the shed as Stacey was brought out on a stretcher, screaming wildly.
“My fucking arm!” She yelled. The sounds coming from her were as if she were talking with food in her mouth.
“Your arm’s the least of your problems.” Spat Dixon as the paramedics loaded her into the ambulance. He pulled out his phone and pressed the screen.
“This is officer Dixon…” He began. “…The suspect has been apprehended and detained. On the way to hospital. Some injuries caused by the victim in self defence. Weapon involved…a nine millimetre glock. We need the forensic team to collect and tag the evidence.
As he ended the call, he walked over to the group and spoke to Holly.
“Miss. Edwards, we know this is not a good time; however, we need to take a statement from you as soon as possible, after we have you checked out at the hospital."
“I’m fine” Holly replied. “She didn’t get a chance to hurt me”
“Thank goodness!” Kim cried out as Alex held Holly tight.
“You have blood on you” Dixon pointed out.
“Not mine” she shook her head.
“Still, you need to be checked over for shock.” He added.
“No…I”
“Please just let them check you over.” Kim pleaded.
Alex saw the worry in Kim’s eyes, and he had to agree with her.
“Please, babe.” He said, gently.
“Ok” Holly agreed and they exhaled in relief.
“What will happen now?” asked Evie. “Will that girl be taken care of… for good this time?”
“Definitely.” Said Dixon. “Kidnap with intent will make sure that Miss. Scutter will be locked away for a long time. She’ll have her wounds treated, and then she’ll be held in custody until she’s sentenced."
“For real this time? Or will she be let out, again?” Asked Dev.
They’d gone through enough and his sister needed to know they were safe.
So did he. Alex wouldn’t let Holly out of his sight if he thought there was a chance Stacey could get out again.
“She’s not getting out, Miss. You have my word.” Promised Dixon. “We need to get you checked out now and then talk when you’re ready” Dixon said to Holly.
She nodded her head. They all got up off the floor and Dixon steered them to the other ambulance.
Holly sat on the ambulance steps, and Alex sat next to her. She never let go of him and held him tighter when the paramedic approached her. She didn’t want to let him go. She turned her head into his shoulder and breathed him in.
He was really there. He had come to get her.
Her heart was aching with the feelings she had for Alex. So much, her breath caught. Alex kissed the top go her head.
“I love you.” She whispered. Alex held her tighter.
“I love you too, babe.” He replied as he stroked her hair.
The paramedic cleaned the blood from Holly’s hands and face. She checked for injuries and was satisfied Holly wasn’t suffering from cuts or breaks.
There was a slight swelling in her right wrist and knuckles, from hitting Stacey, so the paramedic applied a support bandage and an icepack.
Holly was aware of the conversations going on around her, but everything was a blur. She couldn’t pay attention to what the paramedic and police were saying. All she could think about was the photographs all over the walls in the shed. The things Stacey had told her he’d done and what she’d planned to do.
Holly caught the words ‘shock’ and ‘psychologist’ as they were talking to Evie and Rami. She felt fine and just wanted to leave.
“I just want to go home. I’m fine.” She said. As Evie and Rami were both doctors, the paramedic was content that Holly was in good care. Oli kissed Holly’s forehead and told Kim he would take Holly’s car home. Holly wasn’t going to drive that thing again.
The forensic team arrived, and some officers got in the cars to take the families home. Holly was nestled between Alex and her Mum in the back of the car. Alex held her hand as his arm was tucked around her shoulders. Kim had her other hand.
The police got them home, and they went inside. It was four am, and the sun was starting to come up. Everything had happened in just over four hours. It was unbelievable to even think what could’ve happened if they hadn’t found her. She could’ve still been there; she could’ve been shot.
Holly’s pulse was pounding, and she could feel her legs shaking.
“Babe, you’re safe now” Alex said as he held her face. “I won’t let anything happen to you.” He whispered into her hair as he pulled her close.
Holly tightened her grip on him too. She didn’t know what she would’ve done if she’d lost him. Just the thought made her nauseous.
“Would you like a drink? Something to eat? Anything? Baby girl, can I do, or get anything for you?” Kim asked frantically, fussing over Holly.
“No thanks, Mum” Holly replied as Oli walked in.
“Princess.” He said, and Alex released her so Oli could hug her, Kim hugging her too.
“I love you both so much” Holly said. “But right now, I just want to shower and sleep.” Holly released her parents, took Alex’s hand and led him upstairs.
Holly went into her bathroom to shower, and Alex quickly went into the other one to brush his teeth. She finished in her shower, dressed into her PJ’s and walked out.
Alex was lying on her bed, and he held his arms out to her. Holly climbed into Alex’s embrace.
“I was so scared.” She said into his chest. “She got into the car when we were at the door.”
“Holly.” Alex whispered into her hair, closing his eyes.
“I knew you’d call me.” She continued.
Alex listened whilst Holly told him everything that had happened over the past few hours. How Stacey’s mood had gone up and down in a split second. How she’d said she would have ‘ended’ Alex if Holly hadn't had been around. Holly described the inside of the shed and the photos of them on the walls.
“She’d been watching me almost straight away” she added before telling him about the defaced photographs, the vial of liquid and how Stacey had told her about giving something to Jake, making sure it was enough to keep his equipment working.
Holly mentioned the party and Stacey giving Alex a drink. He tensed as he understood what Stacey had had in store for him that night.
When Holly finished telling Alex every single detail, they were both openly crying.
“I heard you.” He said, sniffling. “I was relieved when I heard your voice, and you were still trying to protect me, even though she pointed…” Alex couldn’t finish the sentence. “When I heard the shot, I thought…” Alex was reliving the terrifying moment he thought Holly had been killed.
“I ran at her and beat her down” Holly said. “I couldn’t stop. Even when I heard the bones crack, I couldn’t stop”
“Bones? Are you ok?” He asked quickly.
“I think I broke her arm babe. And possibly something in her face.”
Alex blew out a breath.
“That’s why she was screaming about her arm,” Alex said.
“I told you, Alex. Nothing and nobody will keep us apart. I love you so much” Holly said with emotion, her voice cracking.
“Holly, I love you too.” Alex whispered as he brought their mouths together, like he would die right then if he didn’t.
He clung to her as if she would disappear at any moment, swirling his tongue over hers, his kiss passionate and slow. Holly moaned and reached up to his hair.
As they gently pulled apart, Alex, reluctantly covered Holly with her quilt.
“I would like nothing more than to kiss you again and again but, baby, you need to try to get some rest. I’ll stay until you fall asleep.” He said.
“You’re leaving?”
“Just to the other room, my precious girl. I’ll text my parents to let them know.”
They both lay down and Holly, slowly, fell asleep in his arms.
Alex went into the spare room he had stayed in the week before, when Holly had had her nightmare.
It was as if Holly had predicted what Stacey was going to do.
He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself before he undressed and got into bed. He didn’t want to be there. He wanted to be with his Holly.
The events of the night were running wildly through his mind. How terrified he felt, his own panic attack, and what Holly had been through. He felt sick once again, at the thought of Stacey taking her away. He was trying to hold back anger when he heard Holly crying out.
“No! Don’t hurt him!”
He quickly got out of bed, pulling on his sweats.
Holly was tossing and turning.
“Please leave him alone.” She cried. “Kill me instead.” Alex’s heart sank at her words.
“Holly. It’s me. You’re having a nightmare.”
Her eyes flew open, and she was breathing heavily.
“Alex!” She pulled him into herself. There was no way he was leaving her again. He lifted the cover and slid in next to her.
“I’m not going anywhere.” He said as Holly curled into him.
Alex woke sometime later, tangled in Holly’s arms and legs. Her face was buried in his bare chest. She brought her hands up his torso and gently stroked from his chest and down onto his abs, moaning in appreciation.
“Down girl.” He chuckled, and Holly gasped in surprise.
“That’s a great feeling to wake up to.” He said as he pulled her in tight and kissed the top of her head. “How are you feeling?”
After last night, he expected Holly to be withdrawn and quiet, but after waking up to her hands on his body…
”Actually I’m ok.” Holly replied whilst continuing to stroke his skin with her fingertips.
The sensations were doing crazy things to his insides. Just Holly’s touch had his body on fire but now was certainly not the time to react, even though other parts were already wide awake and ready for action.
”After you came back…the nightmare stopped. You being next to me made them go away.” She added as she hooked her leg over the top of his.
“If that’s what it takes for you to sleep, than that’s where I’ll be” He said, stroking up and down her back.
“Holly, Alex, are you coming down for breakfast?” Kim asked as she knocked on the door. Holly groaned. Her Mom obviously knew Alex would have stayed with her.
“In a minute” Holly called out.
“I suppose we should get up.” Alex had loved waking up next to Holly.
Her warm body entwined with his.
Feeling her heartbeat close to his own.
He wanted to stay there all day. Staying in bed together would be the perfect way to spend their time.
As Holly went into her bathroom, he quickly went to the other to try to hide his ‘excitement’.
They both exited the bedrooms at the same time and walked straight into each others’ arms. Alex pulled back to search her face, and he saw what he thought he’d seen as she walked towards him. She’d been crying.
“I’m ok, really.” She said as she read his expression. Alex understood completely. Nobody could be fine so soon after an ordeal that she’d just had. In fact, most people would probably have a breakdown.
Holly, his precious Holly, was so strong and brave. He gently pressed his lips to hers.
“You’re everything to me, Holly. Everything.” Holly gazed up into his eyes.
“You’re my all.” She said, her voice shaking.
Alex cupped her face and kissed her softly, his heart aching for her.
They walked, hand-in-hand, downstairs for breakfast.
As soon as they walked into the kitchen, Kim rushed towards Holly and crushed her into a bear hug.
“My baby, are you ok? How are you feeling? We were so worried!”
“I’m ok Mum. I’m fine” Holly managed to say as her Mum squeezed her tight. Oli came through and joined in with the hug, kissing her head. Even though Holly knew her Mum and Dad were worried about her, she just wanted to relax. She was Ok. She didn’t want to be fussed over.
“I’ve just got off the phone to officer Jones.” Oli told them. “They want to come over and talk to all of us this afternoon.”
“We need to go to Alex’s first.” Holly said, anxiously. “He needs to change and make sure Dev’s Ok. He needs to see his family. I need to go…” Holly felt her hands shaking ands her heart racing. “I don’t want to be alone. No, I can’t.”
As Holly began to hyperventilate, they could all see she wasn’t as fine as she had made out to be.
Alex looked into her eyes as he held her.
“Breathe, Holly. I’m not letting you out of my sight. Ok?” Alex took deep breaths for Holly to follow. “I’m not going anywhere without you” He whispered.
Holly swallowed as her breaths evened out, some tears escaping down her cheeks. Kim and Oli were watching as Alex calmed her again.
“He’s got the magic touch with her” Oli said to Kim as she curled into his arms.
“They’re obviously made for each other” Kim replied in wonderment.
Holly heard the exchange and smiled. Looking at Alex, she knew he’d heard them too. It felt good knowing her parents understood the connection between them and were supportive.
“Try to eat something, baby girl.” Said Kim. They sat at the table, and Holly ate a little but she wasn’t feeling particularly hungry.
They left the house to get in Rami’s car. Holly checked the back of the car first, before getting in, and Alex held her door open for her.
“Baby, nothing is going to happen ever again, Ok? I meant it when I said I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
Holly simply nodded, and Alex took her hand and kissed across her knuckles. The bruising peeking out next to the edge of the support bandage from when she’d been pummelling her fist into Stacey’s face.
They drove to Alex’s house and he parked in the garage.
“Holly, how are you honey?” Evie said as she greeted them, holding Holly’s face in her hands.
“I’m doing ok, thanks.” Holly said as she looked to Alex. Dev and Ben appeared, and they both walked quickly over for a group hug. Holly could tell that Evie and Rami were trying not to be obvious as they were checking them for signs of distress.
Holly could feel her legs shaking and tried her best to remain calm. The last thing she wanted was to be taken to hospital for shock. She wasn’t feeling that bad, just a little…nervous.
“Oh my God, Hol!” cried Dev. “I’m so glad you’re ok. When I thought…she had…” Dev shook her head and then squeezed Holly tight again.” I’m just glad you’re ok.”
Ben had bro-hugged Alex and then hugged Holly.
“Hey short stuff.” He said as he crushed her with his arms.
“Ben…need to breathe.” Holly squeaked.
“Oh, sorry.” He apologised as he released her, making everybody chuckle.
“It’s ok Ben, I’m fine”
“I need to get changed, and then we have to head back. The police are coming over to talk to us.“ Alex told them.
He took Holly upstairs, keeping her with him, as promised.
Rami had just gotten off the phone with Oli when they came back down. Dixon had called as they’d uncovered more information that they all needed to hear.
Once back at Holly’s the officers were just pulling up as they got out of their cars.
Kim wrapped Holly in a tight hug.
“My baby.” She breathed. Kim pulled back, still holding onto Holly and checking her over. Satisfied that Holly wasn’t falling apart, she let go and motioned for everybody to go through to the living room.
They all sat down, Alex next to Holly on her other side, as the officers stood at the front of the room to address them with the information.
“Thanks for meeting us so soon” Dixon said. “I know this has been a very difficult time…”
“Difficult? Don’t you mean a fucking shit-storm of fuck ups?” spat Alex, angrily.
Evie place a hand on his shoulder.
“Please, Alex. Let him speak.” She said, calmly.
“I agree, there have been some grave mistakes made with the previous arrests of Miss. Scutter. I can assure you, she will not be released into society for a long, long time.” Dixon spoke to Holly. “Could we record the details of what happened after you left Mr. Valencia’s home last night? We could go to another room…”
“It’s ok. I don’t mind that everybody hears” Holly said. “I’m only going to go through it once again. I don’t want to talk about it anymore after that. Ok?” Alex squeezed her gently and kissed her temple. “Everyone can hear it from me and then that’s it.” She added.
“That’s fine, Miss.” Said Jones as he took a dictaphone from his pocket and set it to record. He stated the date, time, and Holly’s name.
“I said goodbye to Alex, walked down the path and got into the car. It didn’t even occur to me to lock the doors…” Holly continued recalling the horrifying details of her kidnapping at gunpoint. The room was eerily quiet as she spoke. Only Alex had heard the details in the early hours of the morning.
Kim was silently sobbing into Oli’s chest, for her daughter. What she’d been through at the hands of a crazed lunatic.
“Thank you.” Said Jones as he stopped recording.
“Three times that girl attacked them” Oli said angrily. “None of this should have happened. After the attack on Holly’s car, and her priors, that girl should’ve still been in custody!” He raised his voice. “After Saturday morning, your department should have been more vigilant that the same mistake would not have been made! Holly could’ve been killed!” Kim sobbed out loud as she held onto Holly and shook with grief over the possibility of what the outcome could have been.
Evie and Dev were also weeping. Holly had been through more than most people could cope with, and she was sitting there… brave and calm.
Evie moved to kneel in front of her and hugged her.
“Oh you sweet, brave girl. I am so sorry this happened to you…” She cupped Holly’s face as she looked into her eyes. “You will never go through that ever again.” Evie pulled her back in for a hug. When she let go, Dev tackled her.
“Honey…” She cried. “I’m so sorry.” She sniffled. “You must have been so scared! I’m glad you beat the shit out of her.” Dev finished with hatred in her voice.
The officers waited patiently whilst everybody took their turns hugging Holly.
Alex immediately reattached himself to her side, and she was more than willing to as she rested her head on his chest when his arms came around her, holding her hands. Holly held his left with her right. Looking at the rings they wore, and Alex lifted their hands to kiss them.
“We need to inform you of the incidents that took place leading up to, and the reason Miss. Scutter was released.” Jones said as Dixon stood next to him as he told them everything.
Stacey had been detained and been in a holding cell whilst a warrant was applied for, to search her house.
They found nothing.
During her previous arrest in San Francisco, the police had found the evidence of her stalking the victim. This time, they had nothing, and filed a report stating the fact. But, as she’d vandalized Holly’s car and broken into the Valencia house, she remained in custody pending a psych evaluation.
Without Dixon and Jones’ knowledge, a judge had ordered Stacey to be released under parental custody and house arrest. She was tagged and told not to leave. The officers confirmed what Stacey had told Holly about how she had orchestrated the plan to remove the tag and get to Alex’s house.
Stacey had driven across town, dumped her mother’s car, and took a cab to the Valencia house. When the officer showed up, they found her mother unconscious. Stacey had given her Rohypnol, commonly know as the ‘date rape’ drug. They’d radioed through and went searching for her. By the time the report came through, Stacey had already taken Holly.
When the officers pulled Holly off Stacey, at Piper’s Farm, they got a good look at the inside of the brick storage shed. The evidence was taken away and tagged.
They’d found three more vials of the drug, in liquid form, and the gun Stacey had pointed at Holly. It was registered to her mother. They’d found Jeans, a T-shirt, large sunglasses and a cap she’d used to disguise herself with when stalking in public.
Holly’s dream of Stacey, in disguise, was so vivid. She had seen her like that before. Outside her house, but she’d not paid much attention to her then as she didn’t know who she was.
They’d also found a diary with explicit details of what she’d done up to that point and that she’d planned to do the same to Alex. Also confirming a failed attempt at a party. The officers couldn’t give the names of the other victims, or what had taken place, but it involved parties and spiking drinks. Stacey had written that the others had turned her down too. When Stacey had failed to get Alex at the party, the previous year, she’d turned her attentions to somebody else… somebody older.
The officers told them that an officer was speaking to Jake about the real reason he’d had sex with Stacey.
She’d told Holly she’d used ‘chemical persuasion’ and just enough to keep his equipment working. The others knew this because of Holly’s statement. They knew about Steve the senior the previous year and knew it had happened to him too, and from what Jones had said, there were others.
“The evidence was presented to Miss. Scutter, and she admitted everything” added Dixon. “I’m sorry to have to tell you this Miss Edwards, Stacey targeted you, not solely because of your relationship with Mr. Valencia, but because she saw you as her competition for others. When you started school and she witnessed you receiving any male attention, she planned to ‘remove’ you from the equation. She also told us that she came to terminate Mr. Valencia, but chose you instead when she saw you, to eliminate her ‘rival’ and to teach Mr. Valencia a lesson.”
The gasps around the room were audible. Holly and Alex were frozen.
Alex could’ve been killed.
“You can die happy knowing you saved his life” Holly sobbed. “That’s what she said. I thought she meant she had come for me. She had come for… If I hadn't had been there…” Alex held her tight to his chest as she cried.
Stacey had shown up intending to kill Alex. Seeing Holly there, she’d made the decision to Kill her instead. Holly felt sick knowing Alex was targeted.
“She’s not getting released Miss” Dixon assured her. “She admitted everything like she was proud of it and there was nothing wrong. If she doesn’t get locked away in a mental hospital, she’ll go to prison for a long time, due to the crimes she admitted to.”
“The people responsible for her release will be hearing from my company.” Said Oli, furious with the mistakes made by the judge.
“Off the record? Make them pay, sir, make them pay.”
The officers thanked everybody for their time and left them to digest the information.
“I hope she fucking rots!” Spat Dev as Ben held her close.
“It’s over.” Said Holly. “She can’t get to us anymore.” She was rocking back and forth as Alex held her.
“My precious girl” he whispered. “She’s not going to hurt you, us, again.”
“I’ll see to it you don’t have to testify” Oli said. “With her admission, and with what they’ve gotten, there’s no reason to.”
Holly turned into Alex as much as she could and breathed deeply.
“Thank you.” Said Evie, wiping her face. “They’ve been through enough without that too.”
“What’s happened is over now. Holly doesn’t need it brought up again and again” Alex told everyone. “None of us do”
“You got it, son.” Said Rami and everybody else was in agreement. The only thing they needed to hear now was how long Stacey’s sentence was.
“I want to go to my room” Holly said, with a frown.
“Ok baby girl.” Said Kim and she stood to hug her. Holly reached for Alex’s hand, and nobody made any comments as she led him out of the room.
They lay on the bed; Alex arms protectively wrapped around Holly. She buried her head in the hollow of his throat and inhaled him. She felt safe in his arms.
Protected, loved.
He stroked her hair and her back as they lay together.
They stayed in their embrace as they both fell asleep. Still tired from the ordeal.
Alex awoke when he heard a soft knock at the door.
Kim and Oli had brought a holdall, from his Mom, with some clothes for the next day and Kim had gotten Holly a new phone to replace the one Stacey had thrown out of the window. Kim sat down on the bed, next to Holly, stroking her head as she stirred.
“Hiya love, how are you feeling?” Kim asked, quietly, as Oli sat down next to her.
“Hiya Mum, hiya Dad.” Holly replied as she sat up and looked to Alex. Seemingly checking he was there. “I’m ok”
Alex could see the worry behind their eyes.
He couldn’t even begin to think how they felt to have almost lost their daughter. They were clearly putting on a brave face so as not to distress Holly. He understood that completely. He was also trying not to show how it was affecting him. He’d almost lost his other half. The split second decision from a psycho had put Holly’s life at risk instead of his. He would’ve given anything to have been able to switch places with her. She would have been safe at home.
“Alex” He heard Holly’s voice and felt her hand cupping his jaw, bringing him back out of his horrifying trance. Holly was looking into his eyes, searching. He couldn’t stop himself from wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close.
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” He whispered over and over as he rocked them.
“Don’t” Holly told him. “You don’t need to be sorry. It’s not your fault” Holly’s voice was shaking as she held Alex’s face.
They remained in each other’s arms as Kim comforted them both. She told them the only person to blame was lunatic who was in custody. She made the decision, as the officers had said earlier.
Stacey saw Holly as a threat before becoming involved with Alex.
Holly and Alex stayed in her room, Kim bringing them lunch. Trying to get them to eat.
Holly felt better just being next to Alex. His arms around her. She turned over so she was facing away from him. That way she could mould her body to his. His legs tucked in behind hers, his hard abs against her lower back.
He brushed her hair away from her neck and gently kissed, causing butterflies to dance in her stomach.
“Oh my God!” he said, suddenly. Making Holly turn her head to see what was wrong and the butterflies to freeze. “Babe, you have bruises.” He said with sadness in his voice.
“I do?” Stacey hadn’t hit her so the only explanation was when she’d been pushing her forwards to the shed.
“Yes” he gently pulled down the top edge of her vest top to look closer. “There are a few. Did she do these?”
Holly could hear the upset in his voice.
“Probably from when she pushed me…” she didn’t want to mention the weapon involved. For them both. “…Towards the shed. She pressed it into my back” she finished. Holly felt Alex shift behind her and felt his warm lips against her skin. He kissed each of the bruises before pulling her back to his front. He buried his face into the back of her neck and took a deep breath.
“I love you.” Holly could tell from his voice that he was trying not to say anything else. Neither of them wanted to talk about what Stacey had done.
“I love you too” Holly replied as she brought his hand to her mouth and kissed his knuckles.
She didn’t know what she would do if Alex weren't there with her. She was strangely calm and not anxious. She had been, that morning, when she had the thought of being alone. She’d burst into tears when she was showering, even though Alex was only across the landing. Holly knew that the ‘normal’ behaviour of a kidnap victim was to go into shock, have anxiety, nightmares and sleep problems. She barely remembered the paramedic mentioning other symptoms. She even wondered if that was a symptom in itself.
Holly was happy to be out of the shed and with Alex and their families. She’d had a nightmare but as soon as Alex got into her bed, it hadn’t returned. Other than that and the anxiety that morning, and wanting to stay in her room she felt fine. She didn’t want anybody to fuss over her. Now that would be something that would annoy her.
Holly looked to the small bag her Mum had brought for her.
The new phone.
Stacey had thrown the other one out of the window.
They both sat up so Holly could set it up. The note on the bag said that Kim had already had her number transferred to the new one, and the old phone had been wiped, via ‘find my iPhone’. Holly switched it on and restored it from iCloud. Everything was there, even the pictures of Alex. She had a big smile on her face when she showed him her pictures.
“I was only bothered about losing these.” She chuckled.
“You could’ve taken more.” He said with a sexy smile.
“Oh, I intend to.” She replied as she bit her lip. Holly leant into Alex to bring their lips together. His lips were soft and warm as she glided hers over them. She let out a small moan as his grip tightened on her and she felt heat surge through her body, causing her skin to tingle.
Then, her phone started to beep.
Repeatedly.
There were lots of missed texts that had started to come through from the girls. Dev would’ve told them earlier that day as Holly wouldn’t want to keep it from her friends, but she also wasn’t ready to face them just yet.
She quickly replied to the ‘How are you?’ and ‘Oh my God are you ok?’ texts. She explained she was fine, and they needn’t worry. Even Ben had texted to ask about her too. Before Alex and Holly could resume their kissing, Kim knocked again, with Dev and Ben.
Dev was obviously concerned for her brother as well as her. Ben was worried too. Knowing Alex for so long, they were like family.
“Hey, how’s things?” Dev asked as she sat on the end of the bed with Ben.
“Getting there.” Replied Holly with a smile.
“You ok man?” Ben asked Alex with a bro-hug.
“Yeah, thanks.” Alex said with an unspoken ‘manly’ best friend communication between them.
Holly was happy that they’d come over. Dev had been there for her since she’d started at New Haven and was there when they’d found her in the shed with Stacey. There was no way she’d turn them away.
Dev and Ben stayed for a while, and Kim asked them to stay for dinner. Again, Holly and Alex didn’t eat much, but neither did anybody else. The night before clearly on everybody’s minds had made them all lose their appetite.
Once Dev and Ben were leaving, Holly insisted that they check the car before getting in. Seeing everything was ok; Holly and Alex went back to her room.
Holly was not looking forward to Em’s reaction. Her temper at Riss’ house when Ryan threw her into the pool was bad enough. For something this bad, she didn’t know what Em would say or do. It was too late to call her anyway. It would be early hours in the UK, and Emily would probably have been out celebrating her first exam being over with.
Alex’s phone rang as they sat on the bed.
“Hi, Mom.” He said. Holly felt bad that Alex was spending all of his time with her when his family were concerned about him too. “Yeah, we’re ok.” He replied to Evie. Alex seemed to sense Holly’s guilt when he wrapped his arm around her tightly. “No, she’s doing really well. She’s so brave.” He said as gazed into her eyes. “I will, Mom. I’ll see you soon. Bye. Love you too.” He ended the call and wrapped his other arm around her too.
“My Mom asked how you were doing. She asked if you had…um…any symptoms.”
Holly knew he meant ‘shock’ symptoms.
“She asked me to tell you that if you need anything, she’s there.” He added.
Holly smiled as she pressed her cheek to Alex’s firm chest.
“Your Mum’s lovely.” She said gently. “Not just for that, but for not telling you to go home too.”
“Well, even if she did I wouldn’t go without you.” He said as he kissed the top of her head.
“I love you.” Holly whispered.
“Babe, I love you too.”
Alex held her tighter before pulling back to cup her face in his hands. He looked longingly into her eyes before his gaze dropped to her mouth. He brought his lips to hers and kissed her softly. Gently sucking her lower lip.
Holly’s hands fisted in his T-shirt as their kiss deepened.
She released his shirt and ran her hands up over his chest, his shoulders and neck. Pushing her body closer to his, pressing herself to him. Her skin tingled where they touched, even though they were fully clothed. The sensations heating as they travelled through her and down to her lady parts.
Holly quickly threw a leg over Alex’s thighs so she was straddling him. She ran her hands up and threaded her fingers into his hair as she moaned into his mouth. His own arousal evident as it presses against her through his jeans. Holly lightly licked across Alex’s bottom lip before tasting his tongue with hers.
Her heart was beating hard and loud as her breathing rate increased.
She was trying to restrain herself from removing his shirt and kissing all over his perfectly sculpted torso. Holly knew they should be trying to rest because they’d not had much sleep. She also knew their emotions were sensitive, and they needed time to deal with them.
Holly was running through the thoughts that were in her head. Knowing the sensible thing to do was to avoid getting each other in a highly aroused state.
Yeah that was the sensible thing to do but the way Alex kissed her…it was impossible not to get turned on. Especially as he was running his strong hands up and down her back.
I want you. Now, always, forever.
She’d come really close to not having that chance.
That chance of forever with Alex.
Seeing him, touching him, kissing his lips.
Having him tell her that he loves her and that she’s his everything.
Holly broke their kiss, panting as she looked into Alex’s eyes. Seeing the love for her in the deep brown pools. She felt her own eyes fill with tears. Alex’s arms tightened around her, worry filling his own.
“Oh, babe.” He said softly.
“I came close to losing this.” She said as if she had only just realised. “Losing you, your kisses, touches, smiles.” The tears spilled over her cheeks as she continued. “She was going to take me away from seeing you again.” Alex held her as she cried. “You thought she had.” Holly added quickly, and Alex nodded.
“That was the worst feeling when I thought you were gone.” He said. “I felt as though I’d been torn apart. Empty. I can’t even imagine how you felt. My brave girl. Nobody will hurt you again. I promise.” Alex held her to his chest as she sobbed.
Holly needed to get it out. Maybe it was a symptom after all. A delayed reaction to her kidnapping.
Yes. She’d been kidnapped at gunpoint, threatened with harm to Alex, her own life, and made to listened to the sick and twisted details of Stacey’s psychotic actions.
She’d survived.
If Alex hadn’t called her, she could’ve been dead. If he hadn't had reacted as quick as he did, she could’ve been dead. Alex had saved her life.
“You saved my life.” She told him. “If you hadn’t called, or reacted quickly…” She took a breath. “You saved me.”
Alex smiled at her as he brushed some loose tendrils of hair away from her face.
“You saved mine first.” He replied.
Stacey had gone to kill Alex first, before she’d seen Holly at the door with him, and changed her mind. If Holly hadn’t walked him to the door, Stacey would’ve shot him dead.
Holly smiled back as he wiped her tears.
“As much as it pains me to say this, you need to get some rest babe.” He groaned, clearly not wanting to let Holly go. She was tired, as was he.
They broke apart, and Alex quickly kissed her before she got off the bed and headed into her bathroom to shower, and Alex went to the other.
He’d gotten back before Holly had come out, so she wouldn’t have been alone in her bedroom.
Once in bed, they cuddled together, Holly tucked into Alex’s chest, his arms around her. Exhaustion overpowering them as they fell asleep.