Finding Nymphaea's Haven

Chapter Twelve: Seeing His Protective Side

POV

Nymphaea(Delilah)

The next forty minutes after the fight were the most tense minutes I had to endure tonight. The cops questioned what happened. I explained the whole situation, even the witnesses who saw said the same. It didn't take them long to realize who they were taking to jail tonight.

As soon as the EMT cleared Aris with a broken nose and a busted lip, the cops took him into custody and left with him after they did what they needed to. I noticed before they stuck him in the back. The look he had on his face made me worry for the worse. His face was staring straight ahead and smirking as he looked forward. His posture, calm and collective, while very intoxicated, just goes to show he is more dangerous than I even know.

I got my chance to get inspected by the EMT in the ambulance once they had him loaded up and left. I sat there letting them take a look at my arm first. She began bandaging the wound after she had it cleaned. I won't lie it stung like a b***h but that I could handle. I would rather have this outcome than the one that would have happened if Atticus didn't show up.

Once she told me my arm would heal that it didn't need stitches luckily and finished examining the rest of me she saw all seemed okay for me to go. Just giving me a reminder to change the bandage and keep it clean for a few weeks before I left the back of the ambulance. I look down at my bandaged arm. I still can't believe he hurt me this bad with just his own hand and the ring he had on. I could feel the terror build in my throat, making it hard to swallow and breathe. Reliving that whole moment in my mind as my eyes can't seem to look away.

But something started pulling me out of it. Something that filled my nostrils and linger in there faintly. The sweet mint and sandalwood scent comforting my senses immediately. I knew this familiar scent. I already knew who it belonged to before he stood behind me. Placing his hand gently on my lower waist. Holding me securely as I began to put my weight into him as he stood there.

"I shouldn't have left you." Atticus whispers as he stood behind me. I knew he was looking at my arm too. His statement was enough to break the spell my eyes were under. Able to pull away and look over my shoulder at him. His face was harden with guilt and anger. Blaming himself for this as if he could have avoided this for me. I turn around to face him. Placing my hands on his face to make him look at me instead.

"I'm okay, you saved me in time Atticus. If you didn't have come when you did, I'd be in worse shape." I softly reasure him and myself. I was still shaken up by it but seeing him this way made that feeling feel obsolete.

He held me close as we walked back into the bar. Not wanting to leave my side ever since. He sat at the bar while I went back to working. I try not to focus on the bandage or the whispers some customers were saying. I was already putting up a front to where if I let any of that bother me, it would come crashing down. Even the people I work with were trying to help me when they thought I couldn't do it, but I managed.

I could feel Atticus watching me the whole time. I caught him a couple of times when I had a chance to look over in his direction. The look he had on his face was amazement every time I looked at him. I think I was surprising him by still working like nothing happened, or I didn't just get injured pretty bad.

That's just how I managed things like this. It started right after I finally left my situation before the twins were born. I taught myself to get back up and keep pushing forward. Not to let anything keep me down anymore and process when no one is around. It's how I became stronger to keep my kids safe and thriving. I had to it wasn't about me anymore and they have no one else but me that will do anything for them.

It was close to eleven when we started closing the bar down. Sending the last bit of customers on their way. It only took forty-five minutes to clean up and finishes last duties for the night. The waitresses and cooks all left once they were done with what they had to do for the bar the next day. Saying goodnight to me before leaving. Not daring to ask if I'll be okay or if I needed anything. They knew already not to do that and makes me grateful to have an amazing staff like them.

I sat in the office filling out some paperwork Mr. Anderson left. As well as the paperwork for a restraining order against Aris. One of the waitresses actually ended up calling him I immediately got a call before closing.

We talked and I did everything in my power to calm him down. I even reasure him that I'm alright and Atticus was with me and taking me to Daisy's after I closed up. He finally had relaxed once I told him and was getting what I need done to make sure Aris never came near me or the bar again. He agreed and stuck him on the ban list. Being on the ban list at Lucky A's was a life sentence on your profile. This is the only bar that is affordable and worth being at. There are three other bars in this city, but they're basically run down and not taken care of properly.

I heard footsteps making their way to the door to the office. I didn't look up to know it was Atticus. Everyone was pretty much gone now, and no one was left in here besides us. I didn't mind, though. I'm glad he stayed, actually. I know Aris is in jail for the night, but having Atti here made me feel safe.

I was just on the verge of letting my emotions crumble and have their moment before he started heading this way. I could feel tears in my eyes and quickly wiping them away before he noticed hopefully. He did take me off guard for a second there. I didn't dare to look up until I took a breath and felt the wall plastered back up.

I see him leaning against the doorway. His hands in his front pockets while looking at me. It didn't matter how much he tried to relax. His muscles were still standing out and being restricted by his clothing. Making the heat grow in the pit of my stomach.

"I'm almost done here, then we can head to Daisy's." I said to him and gave him a small smile. I wasn't about to be vulnerable like this around him. As much as I feel safe and comfortable near him, I just wasn't that comfortable yet.

He walks closer to the desk. He stands in front of it now across from me. Begins to lean down closer to my face. He rests his weight in his hands against the desk. Only a few feet from me just staring at me. I could tell he was serious but trying not to come off strong. Making my knees quiver underneath the desk.

"Or you could come stay with me tonight." He says softly not breaking character not once.

I didn't know what to say to this suggestion. I know I've already stayed over and we've seen each other naked plus more. But I just don't know if that's what exactly I want. I realize I was gripping the pen tight from being lost in thought. I loosen my grip and look back at him. He was waiting to have my attention before speaking again. Being a gentleman and giving me my time to think. Just making it harder to resist him.

"I know you have kids. And I understand you don't want me at your place. I'm fine with that when you're ready I can't wait to meet them. But I want to be near you tonight. I don't want to be without you." He blurts out to me. Realizing he was being the vulnerable one with me. Taking me back for a second there. I wasn't expecting this at all men have never expressed raw emotion like this for or to me.

"I'm sure Daisy will be okay with the twins staying the night. Let me talk to her and I'm sure I can get her on board. Only if you want to." He says softly to me. Pausing to let me think on it for a minute.

I knew Daisy would definitely go for this. She knew what happened I just know it. I know her uncle called and told her. So she will definitely tell me go get laid and comforted by a man and let the kids stay. Which honestly wasn't a bad idea about the kids being with her overnight. They're safe with her and have no idea what is going on. I would like to keep it that way just until the morning after school.

"Alright, I'll give you her number. If you want to call while I finish this up." I sat to him as I retrieve my phone from my purse. Writing Daisy's number on a sticky note.

He took the number from me and stepped out to call her. Looking back to give me a reasuring smile. Making me feel a little bit at ease. I went back to filling out the paperwork. Wondering what was being said between them. I'm sure Daisy will say something about it over lunch Tuesday. I also began to feel doubt about this decision.

I didn't know what he really expected out of this if I go home with him. I feel my nerves being to take over every sense I have. I pull out the bottle of whiskey Mr. Anderson stashes in the shelf on the wall behind me. I knew he hid a bottle in this fake book with all the books up there. He didn't want Daisy to know he had it but I knew just by the way it was built. Plus being a bookworm you can tell what's a book and what's not on a shelf of books. It was also the only one with no name or author on it standing out a little.

I took it out and pulled out a glass from the desk drawer. Pouring a little over a glass full and swallowing a swig worth. Letting the smooth burn linger in my throat. Relaxing my body with warmth from the alcohol running through me. I took another swig after a few seconds. I could feel the alcohol taking over where the nerves were then. Leaving a tingly warm feeling. I knew I need to keep level head but I need something to help the nerves. I put the bottle away and the glass away when I finished the last sip that was left.

He had returned about ten seconds after I got rid of the evidence of the alcohol. Smiling while still holding his phone in his hands. I knew had good news and I was grateful I knew about the whiskey in here.

"Daisy is keeping the twins and taking them to school in the morning. She'll get what they need from your house she said she has a key." He says to me as he walks to where he was before he left.

I smile at him and try to keep my breathing under control. Feeling the heat of wanting him grow more in me. God this man drives me crazy. I know I don't need to be having s*x right now but I want him again. I crave feeling the way he made me feel in bed.

When he got in the same position as before he smiles at me before intently eyeing my lips. Looking back at me to see my reaction. I wasn't sure what my face gave away for him to do what he did next but he swept me off my feet doing it.

He placed a hand on the side of my face. Letting me relax into his hand. Almost wanting to nuzzle into it but holding myself back. He then leans forward and softly presses his lips on my forehead. Staying there for about five seconds. I felt like I had someone to lean against when it all just felt like too much. I haven't felt like this in so long. My father used to make me feel like this and that feeling left when he passed. I kind of pulled back then when it all hit me at once like this. Like I said, I'm strong but broken too. I can't trust even my own feelings.

He then let's go of my forehead and doesn't react to my action. Just keeps smiling at me while holding my face still. "She told me I'm under orders to take care of you tonight. You're under my watch, little bird." He says his voice soft but had a growl in it. Sending electric waves through my body by this response.

•••

It was around midnight when we got to his house. I had locked up before we left on his bike. The breeze was warm but not humid like usual. We were about to have some hot days ahead but that didn't bother me. The breeze wrapping around me like a blanket. I even let go of Atticus one point to let my arms hang up as if I was flying. It felt amazing. I even heard him laugh as I did it. Amusing him with my wonderment and excitement doing it.

Once we were in the driveway he helped me get off the bike. He began to roll it in the garage as I walk towards the front door. Waiting for only a few seconds for him to join me there. He unlocks the door and let's me walk in first.

I head to the living room as he locks the door behind him. I stood there looking at the photos that was there and ones he had added since. I notice he had made some changes in the last twenty-four hours. The walls were now a deep dark blue and white trimming. I felt like I was at a modern beach house. I've always admired those beach houses they were something I would definitely love to have in the future.

Even to my surpise he had new couches in here as well. He had a white linen fabric sectional couch and two oversized armchair-modern accent chairs the same color. They were beautiful and definitely not something I'd see in this man's house. They definitely compliment the color of the walls and make the feel of the room like home away from home.

I did also notice the photo of him and the boy next to him was gone. He replaced it with a photo. A beautiful breath taking photo. I've been to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk before many years ago. I just don't remember it being this beautiful as the photo I was amazed at. The sunset sky complimented the waves of the ocean and the lights of the boardwalk from afar. It was as if you were almost looking from the ocean point of view. I couldn't help but feel like I was there admiring that view.

The wooden box was still sitting in the same place as before. Looking beautiful and vintage. I smiled a little. Something made me feel warm and at ease. As if my worries and doubts evaporated in just a second. I knew something about this box is special and made me feel alright about coming here. I know sounds stupid, but sometimes I just have those moments where you know you're being given a sign for something good.

I caught him out of the corner of my eye once I turned to face to living room entrance. Staring at me intently with passion burning in his eyes. Locking eye contact with him instantly. I can feel my heart race against my chest. I still believe I made a rash decision on staying here. My damn post trauma scarring me into not trusting any man that comes along. I have completely done the total opposite with him and something about it felt right and instinctive to me.

"I see you made changes. It looks beautiful in here." I say to him as I give him a friendly smile. I then look back over at the portrait on the fireplace. I had to break from his stare on me. I wanted to do things to him. I shouldn't be doing this soon kind of things. I already screwed up once by sleeping with him two days ago. I really need to keep my thoughts and urges under control around him.

I hear his footsteps soft heavy thuds as he moves towards me. Goosebumps begin to rise through my arms as his body came closer to mine. He stood about half a foot away from me. Standing to where I could glance a side view at him and still being behind me. Turning my head a little his way not fully wanting to catch his attention. He was staring at the photo as well. His face lost in thought as a genuine smile grew slowly on his lips.

"Have you been there before?" He asks me as he kept looking at it. I could hear the warmth in his voice. Making me want to melt into his arms.

I blink rapidly looking away from him and back to the photo. "I've been once. That was a very long time ago. When things were simple and innocent." I said to him as I began to think of when I was there.

It was around my fifteenth birthday. My parents asked me where I wanted to go if I could and I chose there. After watching The Lost Boys, I always wanted to go there. My mom loves watching scary movies like that and classic scary movies. I loved sharing that passion with her. The light in her eyes when I chose that place I knew I had a proud mother who felt our connection. That was the best week of my life.

I catch him looking at me then. He was studying my face as I was lost in the memory. His expression was serious as he looks at me. As if he was taking me in at that moment.

"Maybe we can go again someday." His deep voice was purring in my ears. Sending tingly vibrations through my body. I felt my knees get weak then. I'm not sure how much longer I can be strong and not do something rash.

He clears his throat then and took a step back. Making me jolt slightly in confusion. I realize my face when I look at my reflection through the glass in the photo frame. I had looked a little pale, and my eyes were slightly dilated.

I wasn't terrified of his romantic gestures. I was terrified to feel safe with him. I'm not used to feeling safe in a man's presence like he's been trying on me since he came to my rescue. Seeing this sensitive side of him is throwing me for a loop if I'm being honest.

"I'll be back with some clothes you can maybe fit into that are small enough for you." He says to me before he walks out and up the stairs. I stood there for a second before I decided to stroll out to the hallway.

There were three entry ways on the right and four on the left. Of course, the first two on the right were his office and the kitchen. I hadn't discovered any further than that. I decided to take a look at the ones that were open on the left.

The first door was to an empty bedroom. Only boxes stacked up and other furniture that wasn't being used sat in there. I noticed some labels on the boxes: Dad's clothes, Dad's keepsakes, Travian's trophy's. I then see the photo that was once in the living room on the fire place. He must be Travian and he must be his brother. My eyes widen in realization that these two people are dead. I can imagine what it's like to loose the people you care deeply about.

I make my way to the next room. Which threw me for a loop when I realized it was a art studio room. I was amazed at the paintings sitting around in here. Some were silhouettes some were landscapes some were just abstract. All of them took my breath away. I never had an artist touch like this. It made me think of Myla and her artistic flair she has discovered. She would absolutely fall in love with this room.

There was one painting that stuck out to me. Something that felt bittersweet looking at it. I walk closer to it entering the room. As I reach it just inches away the tears begin to flow instantly. It was the balcony/tterrace from Cheekwood in Nashville. I haven't been there in years. Since I lived in Nashville with my family. I grew up in that town and left my whole life there. It was the life I thought I didn't want but came soon to regret thinking that.

Looking at this scenery, it tugged at my core. It was twisting my heart with pain and guilt. The guilt of leaving my family behind. Them not know what has happened to me or that they don't know anything about the twins. The pain of not knowing if I'll ever get to see them again. Contacting them is too big of a risk. If he finds out I came into contact with them, it wouldn't be long until he found where I was.

"Let me take those tears away, little bird."

I turn to see Atticus standing behind me. Looking down at me with softness in his eyes. I didn't hear him come in, and now he has seen me cry. I quickly reach up to wipe the tears. Before I could, he grabbed my hand in mid-air. Holding it gently as he pulls it back down before releasing it. Only to bring his back up and softly wipe the tears from my cheeks. I didn't break eye contact for one second. He didn't either. Staying like that for a long moment.

I'm not used to anyone seeing me cry. I never liked crying in front of people. The only person who has seen me cry that wasn't my father was Nia. But this man saw me and embraced it. Not many people would do that for someone they barely know. Something about him doing this for me made me feel vulnerable. I honestly haven't been this vulnerable around anyone in so long. It felt so good just so right to be this way.

He looks at me with a shock expression slowly emerging on his face. I notice I was still crying but that's not what shocked him. It was the shaking my body was doing lightly. I knew then I was close to a breakdown again like earlier. I felt the fear grow in my eyes. I didn't want him to see me like this. The crying was one thing. But my anxiety and mental breakdowns were another.

I always handle these episodes well and not around people. My own family and friends has never seen one of these episodes. It's been my biggest fear since these started happening. People seeing me in this state. They started about four years ago. The doctor said it was from stress and past trauma that created this. I've even started therapy after he suggested it along with anxiety medication.

It was helping for a while. The episodes were like a almost distant memory. Until they started back up the day I found out about my grandmother and brother passing away. Leaving my mother by herself in the family along with my sister. The therapist tells me this will happen during hard traumas I go through or when ptsd hits. Always telling me in different ways I can either let it take me down or make me stronger.

At this moment I knew it was about to take me down. Make me look so weak and impossible to be around. I mean who would be around someone that can't handle their emotions cause their body is just so broken it can't be fixed? I barely wanted to be around me when this happened.

I immediately shut my eyes tightly. Trying to imagine I was anywhere else but here. Counting to ten slowly in my head when I found my place. Only for the black mist to swarm it's back way in and pull me to reality.

Before I could open my eyes again I felt Atticus put his hands around my waist. Beginning to pull me tenderly into him. Wrapping his big arms around me once I was fully into his chest. Just holding me there while I went through the episode. Keeping me up while my body shook. He didn't bash me about it. He didn't make fun of me for it. He actually didn't say anything about it.

Once it had passed, he pulled me away to check me out. Investigating my face and every body movement. He asked me if I was alright if it was over. He even asked me if I needed anything. When I had the strength, I answered him with simple yes or no.

After I did, he carried me bridal style to his room. Setting me softly on the end of his bed. He helped me out of the clothes I was wearing and into the shirt and shorts he found for me. Sticking me in the bed and putting the covers over me.

He didn't leave, though, and I didn't even have to ask him to stay. He laid there next to me. Leaning on his hand while using his other to rub my arm that was next to him. He laid there on his side, staring at me. I couldn't look at him, though. I was ashamed of how I've handled everything tonight. From the scene at the bar to the episode in his house.

I just laid there and let him soothe me to sleep. I just wanted to fall asleep and forget this ever happened.

I felt my eyes begin to get heavy. They were so heavy to the point that I couldn't keep them open a second longer. I closed them while I lay there. Waiting for the sleep to creep in completely.

Atticus then pulls me closer to him, and I let him. He began to run his fingers through my hair then. Holding me there with the arm he was leaning on. This felt right and absolutely wrong all at once. But I was too tired to let that keep me up.

"I'll be right here. I'm not going anywhere." Atticus whispers in my ear as he kisses my forehead. Just before I let the sleep win, I couldn't help but feel comfort in his words. I knew he was speaking the truth, but even so, he couldn't protect me from the demons in my head.