Stay(96)

“Addie?” Jackson called. A tiny wave of warmth flowed over me. “Addie are you awake?” He hurried down the stairs, his sock-covered feet not making a sound. Concern muddled his face when he saw my blank stare. “How are you holding up?”

He crossed the basement and sat next to me. I soaked in his heat and instantly felt alive. Tears pooled in my eyes. A shiver ran down my spine. Jackson turned toward me and gently placed his hand on my cheek. I closed my eyes, pushing the tears out. They rolled down my cheeks. Jackson used his thumb to wipe them away.

I took in a shaky breath and put my hands on his thighs. “Jackson,” I started but my voice choked up. I had no idea how to say what I needed to tell him.

“It’s okay, Addie,” he replied and lightly put his lips on mine.

“Nate had an auction,” I whispered, keeping my face close to Jackson’s. I moved my hands up his thighs and around his waist.

“I know,” he said back. “Zane and the new guy are passed out drunk. They were celebrating how much money they made today.” He shook his head. “Nate has one every few years. He sells the girls who get too old to bring in clients.”

I bit my quivering lip and pulled Jackson closer to me. I didn’t want to tell him. The thought of hurting Jackson was unbearable. He didn’t deserve this—any of this. I would do anything to make him happy, and it killed me knowing what this would do.

“I …” A sob began to form in the back of my throat.

Jackson wrapped his arms around me. My heart swelled, and the same flutter ran through me. I loved Jackson so much. I didn’t want him to let me go. I rested my head against his chest and focused on his steady heartbeat. He kissed the top of my head and ran his hands over my hair.#p#分页标题#e#

“Jackson,” I tried again and sniffled. I straightened up, blinking back tears. There was no way to say it and make it better. I took a breath and spit it out. “Nate sold me today.”

Jackson shook his head. “No. No. Not you. H-he wouldn’t. Not you. No,” he stammered. “It’s too risky. You were kidnapped. People are looking for you. Why would he? No, he wouldn’t. Not you.” He sucked in a breath, close to panicking.

“Yes,” I said firmly. “Me.” Jackson looked over my head and composed himself. “The man who bought me is from somewhere in Europe.” My voice cracked at the end, and the sob I had been holding back bubbled out of my mouth. “Nate said it was perfect, and he should have thought of it sooner. No one will know who I am over there. That’s why I haven’t been working. He was just waiting until he could get rid of me.”

“Addie …” he began. I could feel his pulse pounding, and his arms trembled as he clutched me. “If you leave the country, you will never be found.” His words cut through me, the truth searing at my soul.

“I know,” I whispered. “And I’ll never see you again.”

“Do you know when?” His voice was strained.

I moved my head up and down. “Three months. I’m his son’s fucking graduation present. And,” I paused, my gut twisting with disgust. I closed my eyes. “I’m staying under lock and key until then. Jackson,” I cried. “I can’t escape with you.” I pushed myself up onto my knees and looked into his chocolate eyes. “You have to do it. Escape without me. Send help.”

Jackson pulled me forward, I moved onto his lap, putting my legs around him. “Adeline, no,” he said gently. “They could still hurt you. Once they realize I’m gone …” He trailed off and let out an exasperated sigh. “They can take you somewhere else or … or ship you out of the country. I promised you that I would do everything I can to keep you safe, and I intend on keeping that promise.” His hands flattened against my back and he drew me in. “You have to be the one to escape.”

“How can I?” I asked, feeling so defeated. I put a hand on Jackson’s cheek, resting my forehead against his so that our noses brushed against each other.

Jackson kissed me. His lips were soft against mine, and his touch was so intimate, so gentle. The love I felt for him shed a ray of light on the dark cloud of fear I was in and made it all so much harder. I didn’t want to go to Europe and be a personal sex slave, and I didn’t want to leave Jackson.

“You run. You were right all along, Addie. If you just run, someone will find you. Run. Just run, and don’t look back.” His hand raked through my hair. “I’ll distract them, create a diversion long enough for you to get a head start.” He kissed me once more. “We should do it now while it’s dark. Stay off the road. It’ll be too easy for them to follow you.”