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Chapter 5

I went into my room and saw that somehow Ethan had put out for me. I smiled a bit and went and grabbed them. I then walked into the bathroom and shut the door. I looked at myself again. Red puffy eyes, broken smile, and cracked lips. Without thinking I licked them to get some moisture on them. I turned away and stripped from my clothes. I turned the shower on and turned it up so hot that it almost felt cold. Going against my body’s protest, I stepped in.

A painful cry left my lips and I danced around in pain under the boiling water. In a way, it felt good. I felt like I deserved it. I guess I was a little too loud because Ethan came knocking on the door. “Are you okay in there?” I nodded my head but realized he wasn’t in the bathroom with me. I mentally slapped myself.

“Yes,” I scream over the water. Within one second Ethan was in the bathroom. I forgot to lock the door.

“Bri, turn that down, it's boiling in here. You’re cooking yourself alive.” I turned the water all the way cold and it felt so good on my burned body.

“Sorry, Ethan. Didn’t realize it was so hot.” I knew it was burning me but did I care? No.

“Just be careful, please. I don’t want you to get hurt.” With that said he left me with myself again. I banged my head on the shower wall and closed my eyes. I really do hate myself. I finished my shower by washing my hair and my body. Once I was finished I got out of the shower I grabbed a towel and wrapped it around me.

I then ducked the mirror and hurried out of the bathroom. I ran into my bedroom and got dressed. I grabbed a sweatshirt and some baggy sweatpants and got dressed. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before I went downstairs. I calmed my anxiety down momentarily before sucking it up and going downstairs.

I walked quickly toward where I thought I would find Ethan. Heading toward the living room I wondered what my life would be like if mom and dad were still here. Would I ever have gotten into the accident? Or would it all be the same? I was broken from my thoughts when I walked into my living room to find Ethan with buff men.

My anxiety skyrocketed and I made a beeline to get to my brother. He immediately opened his arms and was prepared to comfort me. The scary-looking men had their eyes on me while I basically ran toward Ethan.

“E-E-Ethan who are they?” I stuttered. That hasn’t happened for a while. I felt him tense up a little bit. He hates when I stutter because it shows him how scared I am. Before he could say anything one of the men spoke.

“Are you Brianna Smith?” My blood ran cold. How did they know my name? All I could do was nod, not trusting my voice. “Hello, I am Ian. This is Matthew and this Cameron.” He pointed to Matthew first then Cameron. Ian was a younger guy, I would say in his late 20’s. He had tan skin and a lot of muscles. He looked like he could break me in half with his finger.

My thoughts made me shiver but I brushed them off. Ian had brown hair and the bluest eyes I have ever seen. His hair was a little long. It was brought up in the front and cut on the sides. He was wearing a black shirt that was fitted and showed off all of his muscles. He also had on black jeans with vans. I looked at Matthew and Cameron and they looked like exact replicas of Ian. They must have seen my confused face because they chuckled.

“We are triplets,” Matthew said. I made an “oh” face.

“Anyway, you’re probably wondering who we are and why we are here.” He didn’t even wait for me to respond before he started to talk again. “We are bodyguards for Mr. Black.” My eyes widened and I looked at Ethan. He gave me a look that I couldn't read and turned my head back around. I was so confused. Mr.Black was the world’s richest and most powerful man. He is said to be a heartless man and is often called The Devil. He also has 5 sons and they are nothing but trouble.

I started to shake a little after hearing the news. Ethan held me a little tighter when he realized. “Mr.Black has something to tell you and would like you to visit his residence today with us.” I turned to Ethan again and looked at him. He looked guilty. What does he know that I don’t? Ethan then spoke for me.

“Yes of course. When will we be leaving and for how long?”

“We will be leaving when you guys are ready and I suggest packing a bag overnight. You never know with Mr.Black.” Cameron spoke up. We both nodded as I got up. I bolted upstairs and ran into my room. I sat on my bed trying to calm my breathing down. Ethan came up shortly after and sat on my bed next to me. He brought me into a side hug.

“What is going on?” He gave me a sad smile and sighed.

“I can’t say.” I shook my head and put it in my hands.

“Why?”

“Because I have to wait but I promise I will tell you soon.” I just looked at him and sighed. Why can’t he tell me? We never keep secrets from each other and I just don’t understand what is so important that he can’t just tell me. “Let’s just go and get ready. Remember to pack a bag. I know that this might make you nervous,” I felt tears threaten to overflow. I looked at him with teary eyes. “Okay scares you a lot but I will be with you the whole time and won’t leave you. I will try to make sure we don’t stay over but I don’t like saying promises that I know I can’t keep.” I nodded and looked away from him. I can’t believe this. Leave my house twice in one day.

Ethan gave me one last squeeze before he left to get ready. I took off my sweatpants and threw on some leggings. I kept the baggy sweatshirt on because I am not trying to impress anyone. I grabbed a bookbag and stuffed some sweatpants into it. I also grabbed a tee shirt and another sweater. I grabbed underwear and a pair of socks. I then walked into the bathroom to grab my toothbrush and my hairbrush. I zipped up my bag and went back into my room when Ethan stopped me. “You ready?” I gulped and nodded.

“I just wanna get this over with,” I whispered while looking at him. He smiled sadly.

“Me too.” We walked downstairs to see the guys in the same place they were when we left. When they noticed us they got up and came over to take my bags.

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