Secrets Worth Keeping (Finding my Home #2)- Nikita Parmenter Page 0,146

guys home.

“It’s alright, I’ve got her” I hear Trick say quietly to the others when Jenny gets occupied with something Rob says.

Each of them pull me in for a tight hug and completely uncaring of the parents watching, each of them give me a kiss goodbye.

“Keep your phone on Firecracker. We’ll text you later” Luc instructs as they all walk out of the door.

I nod and smile, reaching the point where words will break my façade. Trick threads his fingers through mine and squeezes tightly.

“Are you guys hungry?” Jenny asks.

“There’s so many leftovers in the fridge, please say you are?” Rob grumbles sounding amused, “she carried on cooking as if you were all still eating here most nights” he chuckles wrapping an arm around Jenny’s shoulder.

“It’s a habit” she giggles smacking him on the chest and I grin.

They’ve completely ignored the fact that all of them kissed me goodbye and have breezed past it like it's nothing unusual. Although it really shouldn’t surprise me since they’re friends with Kat, Marc and Rich and not only were they in a relationship like mine in high school but the three of them recently reconciled thanks to a little bit of meddling from me and Jenny. It’s really no surprise that they’re so accepting of my relationship with the guys and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for them. I could’ve easily ended up in a group home until I turned eighteen and my life would have been completely different right now.

“I could eat” I reply, knowing that Trick is more than likely starving and we didn’t have much for lunch anyway.

I was still shook up about the news of Jeremy and the fucking creepy as shit text message he sent me. After Atlas’s promise to me though, it’s become a hell of a lot less scary and I’m more intrigued to know what Atlas is going to do to ensure Jeremy never comes near me again if I’m honest, than worried about Jeremy himself. I trust Atlas and I know that he can take care of it with no problem at all. He’s more than capable and I get the feeling that he has done something similar in the past.

“Go and rummage in the fridge and choose whatever you want and I’ll make you up a plate” Jenny says obviously happy to have us back.

“Thanks, Mom” Trick says.

It’s not long before we have plates piled high with all sorts of left overs that Jenny insisted we have and I can’t help but chuckle as she decides to join us in a late night feast, Rob watching on amused. I have to admit that it makes me feel lighter if only for a minute. I’ve missed them both.

“Alright mom, I really can’t eat another bite. I can promise you that the guys will be over tomorrow and we will most likely eat it all but right now my bed is calling my name. It was a long drive” Trick says as he pulls me up gently and starts walking towards the door with me in tow.

“Alright kids. I’m just so glad that you’re home” Jenny says and smile at her.

“We’ll catch up properly tomorrow” I say and then regret it as the lock rattles on my repressed emotions, I’d like nothing more than to wallow in bed tomorrow whilst I over think everything that could be going wrong with Atlas.

That’s probably not healthy though.

As we ascend the stairs my mask slips and my locked down emotions slowly unravel. Trick must sense the change in me because as soon as my bedroom door shuts behind us he wraps me in his arms and I rest my head over his heart as he holds me tightly.

“Are you ok, Sweetheart?”

“No. I miss him and more than that I’m really worried that he’s not safe” I reply and his arms tighten around me.

“I know. I am too, we all are,” he admits truthfully, “but if anyone can handle a dangerous situation, it’s Atlas and I’m starting to suspect a bit more about his background and where he’s come from. That’s his story to tell though and it’s pure speculation on my part anyway. My point is, he’s got this and if he doesn’t we’ve got a burner and he will contact us. I’ll have a word with the guys tomorrow and make sure that everyone has a go bag ready, just in case he calls and needs us” Trick says, taking charge of the situation like usual and managing