Chapter 78 The Disclosure
Annabel looked up with wide disbelieving eyes. As she had assumed the hand that had sprang out to stop Bridget was actually Troy's not Carson's.
In sharp contrast to his normally laid-back manner his face was a mask of icy rage. He had a steely grip on Bridget's wrist, his knuckles white.
Bridget gasped and attempted to pull her hand away, her expression a mix of surprise and indignation.
Bridget yelled “Who the hell are you?. How dare, you let go of me?”
Like ice chips Troy’s eyes never left her.
“Never again under any circumstances attempt to raise a hand on Annabel.” The low growl in his voice was so menacing that it made the room's atmosphere feel heavy.
With a last forceful shove he released her wrist and Bridget staggered back gripping her arm and staring at him like a snake with poison.
Annabel stood in stunned silence. She was unaware that Troy was in the city at all, much less this house.
The butlers and maids who had been observing the scene gaped in shock. A force of nature, Troy had just entered this painstakingly organized world and destroyed its understated elegance.
With her voice trembling with anger Bridget demanded once more “What is the meaning of this? Who are you?”
Troy didn't give her a single look. As soon as he turned to face Annabel the anger in his eyes vanished and was replaced by a kind worried warmth.
He asked softly looking into her eyes for any indication of pain “Are you okay?”
Still in shock Annabel was only able to nod silently. A peculiar mix of relief and perplexity overcame her.
Troy was here. Despite seeing her at her weakest he had stood up for her. He had witnessed the true hero, not the polished elegantly dressed young woman she aspired to be.
Troy took her hand without saying a word, his fingers tying with hers his touch a firm reassuring anchor. He avoided turning to face Bridget who was standing irate near the fireplace.
He ignored the gaping staff. All he did was guide Annabel up the opulent staircase and out of the sitting room. Annabel trailed behind him the chilly wooden floor a faint recollection beneath her feet.
She was very conscious of her tangled hair and wrinkled pajamas but she didn't give a damn. They were saving her.
The room with the crumpled tissue and the oppressive quiet was the one Troy showed her down the hall to. He continued until the door was securely closed behind them and they were inside.
He exhaled deeply and slowly as he leaned against the closed door. He appeared to lose the tension in his shoulders.
With a small wry smile on his lips he said “I just wanted to stop by and say hi.I didn't realize I was entering a lion's den.”
Annabel's voice came at last. With a slightly raspy voice she questioned “What are you doing here? How did you know where Carson lived?”
Pushing the door aside he stepped in her direction. “I promised to pay you a visit. I did some research for you. The gate was open when I arrived so I made the decision to enter and search for you. I realized there was a problem as soon as I heard Bridget yelling.”
Annabel’s heart tightened. He had recognized right away that this was a hazardous environment for her. He was aware of the true nature of the gilded cage.
“Thank you.” she said her words sounded insufficient. “You didn't have to do that.”
“Yes I had to.” Troy said plainly.
He went to the nightstand, grabbed the rumpled tissue and tossed it in the trash can. The unopened food tray on the table caught his attention next.
“You haven't had any food?”
She shook her head “I wasn't hungry.”
“You should eat something,” he said softly.
But he didn’t press it. He simply patted the area next to him while sitting on the bed's edge.
After a brief pause Annabel took a seat. He repeated “Are you really okay?” in a serious tone.
With her hands knotted together in her lap Annabel gazed at them. The anger, humiliation and sense of betrayal all returned in full force.
“I believed that I was alright. I believed that I had moved on. I put on this armor, you know this new determination to keep my tears to myself… but…That’s challenging.” She muttered.
“I understand,” Troy said quietly. “I can just picture it. You cannot face this alone.”
With a slightly shaky voice Annabel said “I’m not alone.”
She gave him a glance. “You came.You are here. When I need you, you are always here for me.”
A calm empathetic silence descended between them. Annabel felt a surge of thankfulness that was nearly overpowering.
As a knight in shining armor he had heroically stormed into the castle to save her. She didn’t need to be strong for him. She might just be the confused, scared and hurt girl.
Slowly, silently she leaned forward putting her head on his shoulder and her arms around him. He had a warm firm body and she could feel his heartbeat against her ear—a calm, comforting rhythm.
He didn't tense up or back off. Rather he put his arms around her and held her tightly but tenderly.
“You will be alright.”he whispered into her hair. “I'm here.”
Tight in her throat with emotion she clung to him. At last a single hot drop of tear stained his shirt as she felt it fall. Not that she tried to hide it. She made no attempt to stop it.
It was alright because it was only a tear. They both jumped when a sound interrupted the moment which was both profound and simple.
Her room's door clicked then, silently and slowly it pushed open. The abrupt intrusion made Troy and Annabel to both snap their heads up, breaking their embrace.