35.

                                    

                                          
Sam
                          
We were supposed to leave at nine in the morning but with everything that happened, with everyone staying up late, we ended waiting for everyone to wake up. Of course, Sidra and I were the last ones to wake up. Burkhardt covered us for as long as he could but when we wake up, we were drowsy as fuck. I was worse though. Despite sleeping together-I know that stops her nightmares, but that wasn't the case for me. I had a nightmare somewhat similars to Sidra's. I didn't make it on time and Burke got to her. I woke up crying but thankfully I woke up before her.
                          
"Sam?" Sidra coos in my ear. 
                          
"I'm up," I say for the sixth time since we both woke up. I force my eyes to pop then roll on my back. "I'm up."
                          
"You need to get up," she says. "Please, baby, get up." I sit up and smile at my queen. I refuse to tell her or let her worry about my nightmare. She's wearing a large green hoodie with gray sweats-my gray sweats. No one will notice though because half the guys here were the same pair. With the hood scrunched up around her neck, hiding my bite marks, she has her hair up in a messy bun. She seems refreshed thanks to half a night's rest, but there's still a hint of tiredness lingering in her eyes. I peck her lips. The taste of toothpaste is light on her lips. 
                          
"When we are leaving?" I ask. 
                          
"The cars are already loaded up, everyone's grabbing whatever they forgot. So..." her nose scrunches. "Now?" 
                          
As if backing her up, there's a quick knock on the door. I panic-she smiles, and Burkhardt steps inside. "Y'all ready?" 
                          
"Yeah," I mutter then peck Sidra's cheek. She smiles, rising to her feet. I take her hand and she places mine on her shoulder. I hold on to her as I climb out of bed. I kiss the top of her head. 
                          
"I'm glad you guys are doing better." Burkhardt flashes one of his rare, meaningful grins at us. 
                          
"It's her," I say honestly as she grabs my shirt off the bed. "If she's fine, then I'm okay." She turns and smiles up at me. I lean down to peck her lips. 
                          
The moment we were in the car and driving on an actual road, I passed out. I could sleep easy too knowing Sidra was near and she was safe. Burkhardt, Ramos, and Lopez, all amazing and strong guards were in the car too. If anything were to happen I know Burkhardt won't hesitate to get her as far away as possible, and Ramos and Lopez would stay fighting off any threat. 
                          
Normally when you sleep or take a nap, it's like passing out then a second later, you're up. But that wasn't the case this time. I had one of those naps where you can feel every minute tick by. It was a long ride with just me and the darkness of sleep, but I didn't care, nor did it really matter. I didn't have that nightmare again. I knew deep down I had saved her and she was safe. 
                          
"Wake up," someone growls, nudging at good my arm. "You try."
                          
"Sam?" Sidra's soft voice whispers. "Baby, we're here." Sleep clears from my mind and body, and I open my eyes only to stare into hers. She smiles, and behind her, Burkhardt rolls his eyes. I give him the fingers as I carefully step out of the car. "I got you this." I look down to see her holding my sling. 
                          
"I'm fine, Sidra."
                          
"I'm sure you are. Now put it on." I grit my teeth but take it from her. She helps me put it on then the three of us walk up the driveway. "I never thought I would say this, but I actually miss this place." I peer up at her small mansion as we approach it and shrug. 
                          
It wasn't until we reach the front door when I looked around and saw the driveway empty. "Where is everyone?" I ask. 
                          
"Rita sent the other guards back to their original jobs," Burkhardt answers. "They were supposed to leave like five hours ago."