I stared at Nate, my mind torn between caution and desperation. The weight of my circumstances pressed down on me, a constant reminder that every word, every action could be scrutinized. Yet, the flicker of hope burned within me, urging me to reach out and seek assistance. It was my last chance for survival, and I couldn't ignore it.

"Can you help me?" I managed to utter, the words escaping my lips slowly and cautiously.

Nate's head jolted back at the sound of my voice, his eyes widening in surprise. The strain of my vocal cords was evident, each vibration causing a dull ache that resonated through my throat. It was a reminder of the punishment I endured, a cruel testament to the intentions of my father.

In my mind, Lorna's image appeared, her face etched with sorrow and longing. A lump formed in my throat as I closed my eyes, trying to swallow the pain. "I'm so sorry, Lorna. I miss you so much," I whispered silently, the weight of guilt heavy on my shoulders.

"What do you need, Princess?" Nate's voice broke through my thoughts, his words laced with concern.

"Safety," I replied, the urgency evident in my voice.

Nate gently took hold of my chin, his touch featherlight against my skin. His thumb caressed my jaw, sending shivers down my spine. It was a stark contrast to the harsh touches I had grown accustomed to, reminding me of the vulnerability that plagued me. I moved my chin slightly, breaking his hold, and averted my gaze to the worn-out carpet beneath my feet. The sight of it made me feel small, lacking the strength and confidence I once possessed. That strong, empowered woman seemed like a distant memory, replaced by a fragile creature constantly evading predator. "You can stay with me," Nate offered, his tone understanding and accepting of my withdrawal.

I shook my head, tears welling up in my eyes once again. I blinked rapidly, attempting to regain my composure. I thought I had run out of tears weeks ago, but in Nate's presence, they flowed like an unrelenting river.

"He knows where you live," I confessed, the words heavy with the realization that my current situation wasn't safe enough.

Nate seemed to grasp the unspoken thoughts racing through my mind. "There's a place. A few people who work for my father stay there. We can go there together. It's safe, and there are other women there. There's even a child, or at least there was the last time I checked."

His words stirred a flicker of hope within me. A place where I could find solace, surrounded by others who understood the dangers we faced. It was a lifeline I desperately needed, a chance to rebuild my shattered existence.

I looked up at Nate, gratitude mingled with the remnants of fear in my eyes. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice trembling. "Lead the way.

"Is it far?" I inquired, my heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.

Nate nodded, his eyes filled with determination. "A few hours away. We'll need to be cautious during the drive to ensure we're not followed. But I have people who can help with that."

Relief washed over me at his words. The thought of evading potential pursuers was daunting but knowing that Nate had a plan eased my worries. He had connections and resources that could shield me from the prying eyes that lurked in the shadows.

"How do I get there?" I asked, my voice still tinged with vulnerability.

Nate's gaze softened, his reassuring presence giving me a glimmer of hope. "I'll take you there. We'll drive, taking precautions along the way. Our team has expertise in counter-surveillance techniques. They'll make sure we're not followed."

A sense of gratitude welled up within me as I realized the extent to which Nate was willing to go to keep me safe. The weight of his protection settled on my shoulders, a shield against the world that sought to consume me.

"How long can I stay there?" I inquired, desperately needing some semblance of stability in my life.

"For however long you want," Nate replied, his voice unwavering. "The place is secure, and there are provisions to accommodate you. It can become your sanctuary until you feel ready to face the outside world again."

My heart swelled with gratitude, tears threatening to spill once more. I glanced up at Nate, searching his eyes for reassurance. "Will you be there too?" I asked, my voice laced with a mixture of hope and vulnerability.

A warm smile graced Nate's face, and he took a step closer, closing the distance between us. "If you want me to be," he replied softly. "I'll stand by your side, offering my support and protection. It's about time I checked in on some of the things that have been happening."

A sense of relief washed over me at his words. I longed for his presence, for the familiarity and security he exuded. To have him with me in this unfamiliar territory would provide an anchor for my battered soul.

"Who else is there?" I inquired, curiosity tugging at me.

Nate paused, considering his response. "My father stays there sometimes when he's in the country," he revealed, his voice tinged with a hint of complexity.

My eyebrows furrowed in surprise. The revelation added another layer of intrigue to the place I was about to enter. I wondered what kind of relationship Nate had with his father, and how it would impact our time together. But for now, I trusted Nate's judgment and clung to the hope that this refuge would shield me from the relentless storm that had become my life.

"Where is he now?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Austria. He's there for work," Nate replied, his voice tinged with a mixture of pride and reservation.

I nodded, absorbing the information. The distance between us and Nate's father provided a temporary reprieve, an opportunity for me to find my footing without the weight of his influence hovering over me. I couldn't help but wonder what Nate's father was like, what role he played in the web of secrets and danger that had ensnared me.

With a deep breath, I mustered the strength to face the unknown. "Let's go," I said, determination lacing my voice. "You want to go right now?" I asked, the urgency evident in my voice.

Nate looked at me, confusion and slight shock etched on his face. "Can we?" he replied, his eyes searching mine for confirmation.

"Like right now?" I questioned, a surge of hope mingling with my fear.

"Like right now, we get in a car and we go," Nate affirmed. The thought of returning to the office sent shivers down my spine, knowing that if I did, my father would undoubtedly discover my whereabouts and possibly attempt to finish what he had failed to accomplish last time.

Nate continued, his tone filled with a combination of anxiety and resolve as he said, "I need an hour or so to figure things out."

I was trembling because the degree of my anxiousness was so high. When Nate noticed the anxiety that had taken hold of me, he tightened his jaw in an effort to contain his anger on my behalf.

He looked at me and remarked, "You don't need anything, do you?" as he searched my eyes.

My head trembled and my voice was barely above a whisper. "I'm not interested in any of it. Just getting out of here is all I need."

Nate's eyes softened with understanding. "Follow me. We'll go now," he declared, determination resonating in his words.

Without hesitation, Nate reached out and grabbed my hand, leading me in the opposite direction from which I had come. As we walked, he pulled out his phone and dialled a number, his fingers moving swiftly across the screen.

"Claud," he spoke into the phone, his voice commanding. "I need you to come pick up Ellie and take her to Round G."

He listened intently to the voice on the other end of the line, his expression growing more resolute. "Don't ask questions now, but I'm taking her to the safe house. Right now, I need you to come pick her up and fucking keep her safe until I have the cover sorted."

Nate ended the call, slipping his phone back into his pocket. His grip on my hand tightened, offering a sense of reassurance amidst the chaos that surrounded us. I couldn't help but be grateful for his unwavering determination to protect me, even as his own emotions simmered beneath the surface.

As we continued our hurried journey, I couldn't shake the mixture of fear and anticipation coursing through my veins. The unknown lay ahead, but for the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope flicker within me. With Nate by my side and a safe haven awaiting, I took a deep breath, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

Lorna, I will come for you. I will find you and make sure you are safe. That was a silent promise to my most cherished friend. Something that would drive me to keep going.

For now, I will get somewhere safe.