Chapter 44: Where Are You Sleeping Tonight
"Hang on!"
After Atlas's roar, the engine roared to life and we shot forward.
Cold rain poured directly into the cabin through the shattered windshield. Roy and I could only grip the unconscious driver tightly, praying we'd make it through safely.
I don't know how long we drove, but the car finally burst out of that narrow mountain road. Unfortunately, after a few sputtering sounds, the engine died completely.
"We're done for, really done for now. The car's totaled, too." Roy looked miserable.
"I'll go check it out."
Atlas glanced back at me, then turned and opened the door to get out.
Seeing him get out, I followed.
The front of the car was completely caved in, and the body was covered in dents. We were incredibly lucky to make it out alive.
Atlas was bent over inspecting it, white steam rising from the engine.
The drizzle fell on us, and I was soon soaked through.
Atlas brushed the rain from his face and turned to see me.
His eyes fell on me, dark with concern. "Why did you get out? It's cold out here. Go back inside."
I stood there stubbornly without moving. Seeing this, Atlas shook his head and closed the hood.
He pulled me into his arms and firmly led me back toward the car. "The car's finished. I'll call someone to bring another one."
I glanced at the pitch-black night, feeling worried. We didn't even know where we were—would the people he called be able to find us?
As if reading my concerns, Atlas said, "I have a local contact. I've already sent out our location."
That was reassuring. Just as I was about to get in the car, Atlas said, "Wait."
He took off his jacket and draped it over me.
Seeing him left in just a thin shirt, I quickly shook my head. "No need, I'm not cold."
Hearing this, Atlas firmly wrapped the jacket around me. "I don't want others seeing you like this."
At his words, I looked down and realized the rain had soaked through my clothes.
The wet fabric clung to my body, revealing every curve.
My face flushed with embarrassment. I quickly pulled his jacket tight and got in the car.
The driver was still unconscious. I asked worriedly, "How is he?"
Roy lifted the clothes wrapped around him. "At least the bleeding stopped, but we need to get him to a hospital soon."
Atlas looked over and said, "Don't worry, the car will be here soon. And a doctor too."
His words put Roy and me at ease. Soaked through, I rubbed my arms, feeling cold.
Atlas pulled out a blanket from somewhere and covered me with it. "Put this on, it'll be warmer."
I glanced at the driver and started to take the blanket off to give it to him, but Atlas pulled another blanket from the trunk and covered the driver with it.
"Don't let him get hypothermic. The doctor will be here soon."
Roy looked at Atlas gratefully. "Okay, thank you, Mr. Lancaster."
Atlas lit a cigarette and got out of the car, standing quietly in the light rain.
Watching his figure, I felt an inexplicable sense of security.
As I was drifting off from the cold, I suddenly heard the roar of engines.
Several cars pulled up in front of us. A young man in the lead walked straight to Atlas. "Atlas, are you okay?"
Atlas took the car keys from him. "I'm fine. There's an injured person in the car, though. Take good care of him."
"Yes, sir."
After speaking, Atlas walked toward the car. I was about to stand up when Atlas said, "Don't move."
Before I could react, I was lifted into the air—Atlas had picked me up and carried me out of the car.
After a moment of disorientation, he placed me in another vehicle.
The new car was a G-Wagon. The interior was warm, and I was instantly surrounded by heat. Much of the chill left my body, and my tense nerves finally relaxed.
I stretched comfortably, and Atlas, feeling my movement, stroked my arm. "Still cold?"
I shook my head. "I'm fine."
"Sit tight, we're heading back to the hotel now."
Atlas pressed the gas pedal, and the car sped off.
"What about Roy and the others?"
I looked outside, but in the pitch-black night, I couldn't see anything except a few distant lights.
"They're fine. Someone's taking care of them."
Atlas pressed his lips together and floored the accelerator. The car raced forward.
When you relax, you get sleepy. Just as I was dozing off, I noticed the car had stopped.
Before I could react, I was lifted into the air again. I opened my eyes to find myself in Atlas's arms.
"Easy now, close your eyes, and rest."
My face flushed with embarrassment as I struggled to get down.
Atlas said, "Don't move."
"Atlas, I have legs," I protested.
"I know."
In his response, I struggled again. "Then put me down."
"Don't want to. Also, if you keep squirming, I'm going to kiss you."
Seeing his serious expression, I immediately stopped moving.
Seeing me obey, Atlas smiled. "That's better."
People were coming and going in the hotel lobby. Being carried by Atlas, I was mortified and could only bury my head against his chest.
I could hear his strong, steady heartbeat. Listening to it, I felt strangely at peace.
Soon, we went up the elevator to the top floor presidential suite, where Atlas finally set me down carefully.
"I've drawn a bath for you. Go wash up."
Once on my feet, I fled toward the bathroom.
When I came out after bathing, I saw Atlas was still there.
He'd changed into black casual wear and was standing by the floor-to-ceiling window smoking.
Hearing me, Atlas turned around. Seeing it was me, he stubbed out his cigarette and walked over.
"Why didn't you dry your hair?"
He pulled me back to the bathroom, turned on the hairdryer, and aimed it at my head.
"Atlas, I can do it myself," I protested.
"Be good, stand still."
Through the mirror, I watched his hand move through my hair, my strands dancing between his fingers. His expression was focused and serious. For a moment, I was stunned.
After drying my hair, Atlas firmly led me to the bed. Once I lay down, he stood up and thoughtfully turned off all the lights.
Only a few floor lamps remained, and the room dimmed. Seeing him still standing there, I frowned. "Where are you sleeping tonight?"