Chapter 43

"What do you mean?" Nathaniel asked. He was so confused. He looked at her, waiting for her answer.

"Paige Everett is the identity that I assumed when I ran away from home. My family is extremely wealthy and powerful, much like your own. If I had kept my name, they would've found me. If they had found me, I would be dead," Paige said, eyes welling up with tears.

"Baby, can I please hold you?" Nathaniel asked. He wanted to comfort her. He wanted her in his arms. He honestly did not care that her real name was not Paige Everett. To him, this amazing woman was forced to make painful choices to survive. All he wanted to do is care for her and love her.

"I need to get this out, Nathan. You might hate me afterwards," she said softly. She bit her lip, trying not to cry. Nathaniel rushed over to her, scooped her into his arms and sat on her bed with him, holding her close.

"Baby, I don't care what your name is. I know your soul. We'll figure this all out together. I understand that living under a false identity is a crime, but I think between our two brains, we can fix it," he said, kissing the top of her head.

"Why are you so good to me? I do nothing to deserve this," Paige whispered. She looked up at him and he saw that she was crying.

"Baby, you exist and you love me. That's all you need to do. I'm sorry that your family is horrendous," he said softly, wiping her tears away.

"My father is the head of a rival business of yours," she said closing her eyes. She didn't know what he would say to that.

"Which one? I'll make them go bankrupt and kill him for hurting you," he said angrily. Paige opened her eyes.

"It wasn't him. He just basically watched everything that happened. My mother was the one who abused me. But, I would always take double punishment so my little brother didn't get hurt. She was the one who tried to kill me," Paige said softly.

"I'm so sorry, baby. I'll make sure she suffers for what she did to you," Nathaniel said gently, despite his words not being gentle.

"I don't want that. I just want to be left alone," Paige whispered.

"Can you tell me your real name? I'd love to know everything about you. I'll sign a nondisclosure agreement if you need me to," Nathaniel said, slightly joking.

Paige looked at him and kissed him softly. "I don't think I can tell you tonight. I promise, I will. I've just never told anyone and I'm overwhelmed," Paige said, tears falling from her eyes.

"I understand, baby. I only asked because I didn't know if you wanted me to call you by your real name when we're alone," Nathaniel said, continuously kissing her forehead and rubbing her back while he held her.

"It's too risky. And…" she said pausing, "That person, who I was before, died the night I left. At least, that's how I think of it. As Paige, I've been able to work hard and live my life quietly."

"Then you are my 'Paige' forever, baby," he said gently, moving the hair out of her face so that he could see her eyes.

"Forever?" Paige asked.

"Paige, I don't think I can do this with anyone else. I've been genuinely myself with you. I've loved you more than I've ever loved anyone," he said looking her in the eyes.

"I feel the same way, Nathan. I love you," she said, her eyes looking back into his.

"What if we moved in together?" Nathaniel proposed. He hoped she would say yes.

"We've know each other a week. What if you hate me next week?" Paige asked.

"I told you, I'm not letting you go. You're done running," Nathaniel said definitively. Paige sighed. "I'm not joking, baby. If you're family comes for you, I will get rid of them. Besides, this manor is extremely secure."

"Nathan, my mother tried to kill me. If I hadn't left, she would've killed my little brother. My father is ruthless. These aren't people to take lightly," she said, looking into Nathaniel's eyes.

Nathaniel looked down at her and captured her lips. He kisses her passionately, nibbling her bottom lip. When she opened her mouth, he slipped his tongue inside to dance with hers. Paige let out a soft moan, wrapping her arms around his neck. She let out a whimper when he pulled away.

"We are going to live out our lives together, Paige. I am extremely powerful and I have the means to bend anyone to my will. I have no issue exerting any of my power to keep you safe. Now, will you move in with me? I'm even willing to buy a place in the city if you'd like for us," he asked. Paige looked up at him and the jumped.

"Oh, Nathan, I didn't take the pill. It's on the counter," she said, looking over at it. Nathaniel looked in the direction Paige's eyes went to and he saw the bag.

"Shall I get it for you?" he asked. He was somewhat elated that Paige hadn't taken the pill yet. There was something primal in him that wanted her pregnant with his child. He desperately wanted to bind this woman to him in any way possible.

"Do you want me to take it? You didn't go get it right away," Paige asked softly.

"I want what you want. I understand that being 25, you might not want children right away—-" he said prior to Paige interjecting.

"23," she said. He looked at her, and then understood.

"You weren't 18 when you ran away. You were 16 and lied about your age," he whispered to her. Paige nodded.

"No one knows. Carrie could get in trouble even though she didn't know about it or do anything wrong. Don't tell anyone, please," Paige begged.

"Baby, this doesn't leave this conversation unless I'm having someone help us, in which case, they will sign an NDA," Nathaniel said firmly.

"I feel like I took part of a huge weight off of me. I feel so tired from all this. Thank you for listening and understanding," she whispered.

"I will be here when you're ready to tell me the rest of your story. I just want to keep you safe and make you happy," he said.

Paige kissed him again. She curled up in his arms and fell asleep shortly afterwards, feeling safe and relieved. It was as though a burden had washed over her.