Cabin Fever | ✓

(52) Eyes Wide Open

"You need to give me a second," she murmured quietly, placing a hand on Eli's arm before he could open the door.

They locked eyes, Eli nodding and stepping away, crossing his arms over his chest across the hall from the door - the very door where Aiden, Jace, and Kyra were locked in. There was the muted sound of voices on the other side but Marley was staying quiet for now.

Eli's sharp green eyes scanned the empty hallways. He'd sent the guards away but they won't be gone for long. They have a small window, and he knew it. She watched him check his watch.

"Two minutes before we need to set the rest of the plan in motion. Two minutes."

Marley nodded fiercely, knowing walking in there in a fresh pair of jeans, zip up sweater, and dusted off converse was going to raise a lot of questions and probable fits of rage. But the dress wasn't going to help her blend in when she would need to for what's next. For the plan her and Eli discussed for the last thirty minutes.

Marley took a deep breath and wrung out her hands, knowing that calming Aiden down before Eli enters the room is critical to their survival. As much as she missed him, as much as she just wanted to launch herself into his arms and let him hold her tightly for a while - there would be time for that later. She had to focus on making every second count.

Eli twisted the key into the lock and slid out of view. Marley rushed into the door and closed it, hazel eyes wide and frantic in search for him.

Jace and Kyra were sitting cross legged across from each other, their hands clasped as if they'd been playing a handshake game. Their eyes bugged when they took her in, but hers darted to the figure in the corner of the room.

Aiden was sat against the wall, turned away from Jace and Kyra. His dark hair was in a terrible disarray. His temple was pressed against the steel - his entire stature slumped and defeated.

Everything she would be, had their roles been reversed.

Marley felt her eyes well up all over again as she slowly approached him.

"Aiden?" She whispered.

His breathing stopped, but he didn't move a muscle. She closed their distance with cautious footsteps, crouching at his side and placing a hand on his back.

He flinched. When she tilted to look at his face, his eyes were squeezed shut tightly. His lips parted with a shaky exhale, breathing shallowing out.

"I'm here, Aiden. Open your eyes. I'm safe. I'm okay. I'm right here," she pleaded quietly, scooting until she was in front of him.

She cupped his cheeks and his eyes flew open immediately. The blue took her breath away, the coldness she felt whenever they were separated - retreating.

But, he...there isn't a word to describe the hell behind his eyes.

A single tear slipped from her eye, while he scanned her over with wild ones.

"Marley," He croaked, his hands hovering over her.

Uncertain. Afraid. Because he knows the worst case scenarios. He's seen them with Violet. And while Marley was gone - at the mercy of dozens of ruthless, careless men - he's been picturing them all.

"I'm okay. Look into my eyes, Aiden."

His locked on her own. Studied carefully. Blue on hazel.

"I'm unharmed." She said fiercely.

His hands shot for her, shoving her as close as she could get while finally unfolding for her. Marley straddled his lap as his hands curled around her torso, his nose nuzzled into her neck.