B R E E

Nash finally settled down after a while, he laid down and I followed. We slept a while, but now I was awake as he slept.

His eyes and nose would twitch, I could tell he was in a ton of turmoil. It's hard to tell what was going through his mind at any point. Hearing him yelling, I know that he's stressed, I'm scared of him.

I think it was more scary learning what is going on. I don't think I've ever seen him so mad. His voice when he yells his voice is growls, it's deep, and I can hear that New York accent stronger at times.

I snuggled into the sheets, this room is always freezing... I peeked up, watching his dark hair ruffle as he adjusted. I guess we have to leave today.

But he was pretty angry. So I don't even know if that's where we are going. Can he even face Xian tonight?

I glanced at the clock. 6:34 AM. Gosh, I wish I could stay asleep... I tucked my nose into the space between our pillows, into his pillow, listening to his breathing.

"Hey.." He muttered, making my eyes shoot open."Hmm..?" I moved my hand, feeling him get a little closer.

"It's freezing.." He groaned, making me snicker."You set the AC.." I blinked, Nash still half asleep. He didn't open his eyes.

"Yeah..." He whispered, tucking his arm against mine. He was so much warmer than I was, yet says he's freezing? But, I'm not complaining. His skin feels good against mine.

I pinched my eyes shut and exhaled. This is nice...

Maybe I can get a little more sleep before we have to leave. That'd be good. I'm still sleepy.

I could smell Nash's cologne, it was comforting.

I breathed it in before forcing myself to try and sleep. I'm sure as soon as the day begins, it's going to be hectic.

-

"Do we have everything?" I asked, sitting my bag in the backseat. Nash nodded as he searched the room one last time. He seems like he doesn't want to go back right now. He stalled a bit this morning.

I felt almost like I was pushing him. He walked out of the room, closing the door."I'll just return the key." He cleared his throat, approaching me."Take the keys and start the car."

"Can I drive?" I smirked as I took them, Nash's tired eyes staring down at me."Erm... No."

"Why? They aren't chasing us now, right?" I teased, jingling the keys in my hand. I'm just trying to make him smile a little. Yesterday was good, until they stressed him out. So maybe we can have another good day.

"You can be the passenger princess this time." I laughed, watching his brow raise."Passenger princess?"

My cheeks puffed out as I laughed under my breath."But, come on. You always drive." I begged, cupping my hands.

Nash reached toward my hands, trying to pluck the keys from me."No, I'm driving." He smirked a little.

"Hey, no, you gave them to me." I smiled, turning to the side as he tried to pry them from my hands. I glanced down at his finger, his nail was chewed up and bloodied. His fist was still bruised. Gosh, how did he bite so low?

He took the keys and laughed, shaking them in front of my face."Alright fine." I shook my head, starting to the car. He followed and unlocked the door for me, letting me inside.

I sat down and glanced up at him."I'll go return the room key now." Nash started to the office, leaving me to simmer in my thoughts.

50,000 dollars.

Gosh... What are we going to do? What do the jobs he does even pay half the time? Is there like one mega heist..?

I don't know if that would be lucrative in the end. I've seen a lot of movies where that goes wrong. How does this even work..? What happens next? That feels like a stupid question.

I bit my lip, looking toward the radio. I curled my hair around my finger, glancing around. At least we aren't being hunted now.

'Ding'

I glanced down toward Nash's phone, seeing "Mich" pop up. I wonder if he got a job.-

I forced myself to turn my head. I won't invade his privacy. I don't want to make him mad. I ran my thumb across my bottom lip, trying to resist the curiosity. And why do I feel a little excited to know?

Though that would've been a quick response, wouldn't it..?- Oh, come on. Why is this bugging me? Usually, I can stick to my business. I pinched the bridge of my nose, holding the pillow Nash put in the car for me.

Nash started walking to the car, he now had his aviator sunglasses on. I returned my smile for him as he opened the door, sitting down.

"Your phone went off- I didn't check it." Oh, I just butchered that. Nash's brows furrowed as he picked up the phone, clearing his throat.

"I swear I didn't, I wouldn't- I just got nervous.." I cringed, Nash nodding as he opened it."Goodness, you wouldn't be a good thief.."

I couldn't read his face with his eyes covered, but I could see the message in the reflection of his glasses.

"Is it a job..?" I asked, folding my hands into my lap. He shook his head."No- I just was seeing... If he'd take you home, safely."

My expression distorted, making me grip the center console."Uh, no?" I leaned over, getting closer to him. Nash frowned, shaking his head."Bree, you have this opening to go, so go." He sighed, making my chest tighten a bit.

What a 180...

"No, I mean- I'm in this deep, I want to stay." I argued, Nash slipping off his glasses."You're really not though..." He continued, looking away from me.

His eyes grew guiltier as he tried to keep his gaze from me. I don't want that.

I shook my head again, crossing my arms."I don't want to go back."

"I like being around you." I smiled, Nash still not turning to face me.

"... Are you stupid?" He asked lowly, gripping the phone."Probably." I broke a small smile as he scoffed, rolling his eyes.

Nash started typing, replying to whatever Mich had said.

Maybe I am being a bit stupid. But, I don't want to leave. I mean, I'm not far from home.

I want to stay.

I like being around Nash.

"So, where are we headed then?" I put on my seat belt. Nash shrugged, putting his chin into his hand."I'm not sure."

He bit his thumb nail, before sighing."I guess we have to go back down there..." He grumbled, turning the radio on low. He winced, his thumb nail now bit too low as well.

He should probably bandage the other nail or something."It'll be okay." I rolled down my window a tad as he turned around to check behind us.

"Just back to being a little thief..." I yawned, leaning my pillow into the door. Nash broke a soft laugh, making me perk my head back up.

"Oh yeah, I put that towel in your bag, so you are technically a thief now.." He smirked, putting the car in reverse as my mouth fell open.

"Hey- really??"

-

We were 2 hours into the drive. But, good news is we only had about 30 minutes left. I just was enjoying the scenery, everything feels good when there's not a gun pointed at your head. I had my hand out the window, letting the wind brush through it.

We are close to Lovettsville. I'm glad because Pennsylvania was definitely not my cup of tea. Well, at least where we were it was boring. I think I'd like to see New York, where Nash is from.

"Nash, what part of New York are you from?" I asked, bringing my hand back inside.

"Why?" He kept his eyes on the road as I kicked my feet onto the dashboard. "You know I want to go one day, so I want to know where you're familiar with." I rested my arms behind my head, exhaling.

"Brooklyn. It's a bit loud and busy." He explained, laying his hand down on the center console."There's a few other quieter places, it's nice at night." He glanced over at me as I stretched out.

"Mmm... I think I'd like to go to the noise. Ooo, an old-fashioned New York clubbing." I snickered, seeing him shake his head in the corner of my eye. He's easy to tease.

"Have you ever done anything remotely close to clubbing?" He asked, tapping his fingers in a pattern.

I bit my cheek before shaking my head."Nope... But, a lot of people say I look like a clubber." I shrugged, fixing my hair."Mmm..." Nash glanced at me from the side again.

I smiled, cocking my head to the side."What do you think?"

"I don't know. I don't go into clubs very often." He hit the brake, approaching the red light.

"But you have before?" I started to grow more curious, leaning up a bit."Of course. I lived in New York, my group is... You know." He paused, returning both hands to the wheel.

"They're the ones you'll find in the expensive clubs making deals or the low-end getting drunk." He laughed, shaking his head."Or Xian, seeing who he can meet..." Xian's name alone seemed to bother Nash.

He lost his smile, tensing his shoulders.

"We'll be there soon. Do you want to go anywhere before?" He cleared his throat, looking around. I shrugged, leaning up."No, I'm good. What about you?"

Nash shook his head, furrowing his brows."Actually... I don't know where we should honestly go." He confessed, chewing his cheek. I removed my feet from the dashboard.

"What?" I leaned all the way up, turning to face him."What do you mean??"

The light turned green, all his attention returning to the road. Now I just have to simmer with this information. I genuinely thought we'd just be going to Coal and Xian's...

The wind from my window began to blow my hair back.

"Where are you going then?" I raised my brow, watching him just gesture his hand.

He parted his lips, only to pinch them shut after. Oh come on, now I'm confused...

"I guess we are going to Coal and Xian's.." He sighed, sinking into the seat a tad bit. I wonder how it's going to be when we get there. Coal and Nash never seem to have any issues, but Xian and Nash do.

"Do they know we are coming?" I asked. I have no clue, I never saw Nash call anyone. But maybe when he messaged Mich, he messaged Coal.

"Yes. Well, Coal does. But I'm sure Xian knows..." His tone kept getting more flat with every mention of him.

However, I guess if my friend put me in a bad situation, I'd fight with them too more often than not. But gosh, will they argue more tonight? Nash alone was loud, I wonder if Xian will be.

I twisted my lip in between my pointer and thumb, before glancing back to Nash again. His brows knitted together as he tapped the wheel. Maybe he's anxious?

"Let's go sit out by their pool tonight," I suggested, rolling up my window finally. Nash's tapping slowed as he processed my words."Okay..?"

"Like- we should relax, first night where we don't have to worry about them finding us." I smiled, throwing my pillow into the backseat."Well... It's not full freedom. But, we can try and relax." He caved, glancing to the left before turning onto a familiar back road.

Maybe Xian and Nash will just avoid each other. Or get along. It'll be fine. I'm sure.

-

We pulled into the driveway, Coal was waiting outside on the step with Bella.

He was in a simple brown shirt, with a pair of jean shorts and black sandals. He looked like he had been out doing something outside today. His pale skin across his nose dusted red from sunburn.

Bella looked so happy to see Nash, it was so cute. Her tail started wagging and she jumped, pulling at the leash Coal had her on.

I got out of the car as Nash shut off the engine. Nash followed and Coal cleared his throat.

"Hi- Uh, look, she wants to see you." He laughed, letting go of the leash. If awkward were a color, it'd be painted across his face. Bella ran to Nash, jumping onto his legs. He grabbed her leash and squatted down to her.

I smiled as he ruffled her fur, smiling."You are so cute.." He whispered, picking her up as she licked across his face.

I laughed, turning back to Coal.

"I hope that helps him calm down more.." He whispered, forcing a smile. The closer I got, the more I noticed how burnt his skin was.

"I'm sure it will." I smiled back, placing my hands on my hips.

I wonder what he was up to?

But I won't question much."Is Xian here?" Nash's voice grew deeper as he approached behind me, Bella wagging her tail as he held her.

"Uh, no he's out right now." Coal stood up, dusting off her shorts."Do you guys want to eat..?" He changed the subject like he did this every Monday, starting inside.

I nodded, rushing inside. Oh, I am starving.

Nash stayed close behind, sitting down Bella and unhooking her.

"Uh, we have some leftovers of a few different things if you want that." Coal pointed to the fridge, taking the leash from Nash.

"Oh, what is it?"-

"When will he be back?" Nash cut me off, leaning into the counter. His black shirt tugged across his chest along with his chain dangling down.

He actually looked a tad more rested right now, the bags under his baby-blue eyes were just a bit lighter.

He turned his head to the side as he waited for Coal's response.

I fiddled with the belt loop of my shorts as I watched him. Coal clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth.

"Uhm... I don't really know, Nash- do you want some of this Chinese I won't eat?"

"Can you ask him?" Nash pressed, raising his brow. Coal's eyes flickered over, exasperation smudging across his face.

Oh, he's really persistent right now... I looked between them again. Coal scratched the back of his neck.

"... Sure." Coal hurried off and I pursed my lips, pushing myself off the other counter and onto the one Nash was against.

I looked up at him, his eyes flickering toward mine. Despite the stone-cold expression, his eyes softened a bit.

"Don't worry about this. Go enjoy that Chinese." He gestured toward the fridge, but I just leaned forward.

I smiled, tapping my fingers on the counter toward him."Do you wanna split it?"

"I won't take much. Not hungry." He glanced away, a few pieces of his hair falling across his face.

"Okay.." I muttered, resting my cheek against my hand. He brought his hand to his chain, adjusting it. It adorned his appearance, adding a charm to his rather plain attire.

I noticed the scar on his forehead an inch above his eyebrow. It wasn't too noticeable unless you looked for it. I continued to study his features.

His nose is sharp, and straight. His lips were full but not too plump. A lot of his features were sharp but attractive.

I closed my eyes and pursed my lips. I won't stare too much.

I mean, I was hitting on him at the firework show. So, I guess it makes sense I still find him attractive.

"He'll be home soon." Coal returned, holding his phone in his hand.

"Okay, but when?" Nash turned his head to the side again, letting the chain fall against his chest.

He really isn't letting it go. I just rolled my eyes, scratching my cheek.

"Ugh, 5 PM Nash." Coal finally broke, walking away. Nash nodded, glancing toward the clock.

"Alright. 2 hours then." He leaned up, walking to the fridge.

"Now, we can eat." He smirked, taking out the leftovers and grabbing some plates. I nodded, forcing a smile in return.

But I don't know what to think of him pressuring Coal for when Xian is coming home.

It should be fine...

-

5 PM arrived sooner than later, and there was no sign of Xian. And then 6, 7, 8, and now 9.

I was sitting with Nash out by the pool, enjoying the sunset.

He was smoking as I dipped my feet into the warm water.

He didn't seem happy or angry. Just kinda bleak. He tapped the ashes off of his cigarette, exhaling the smoke.

It's been a quiet evening besides Nash asking Coal once more 'Where is he?' And Coal told Nash he had no clue any more.

That finally helped, at least on Coal's side. Coal went out himself, and said he had some business stuff to do.

So now it left us here. It was kinda peaceful right now.

I glanced back at Nash, meeting his eyes immediately. He looked away, not returning the gaze even though I tried to smile.

Hm...

Is he grumpy again?

I pulled my feet out of the water and started to approach him sitting on the bench.

"Can I ask you something?" I put my hands on my hips, standing really close to him.

He looked up at me, then down toward my legs."What is it?" He asked, leaning up in the chair.

"Why did you keep pestering Coal about Xian?" I puckered my lips to the side, giving him time to respond.

"Bree, don't worry about that." He replied, blowing the cigarette smoke away from me.

At least he isn't being short with me, but his words did not ease my worry.

I inched a bit closer until I stood between his legs."Well... I don't know, I am worried." I confessed, watching his eyes trail back to my legs.

"What are you doing?" He asked, trying to look away from me. I noticed the pink across his cheek, making my lips tug into a smile.

"I just wanna know what is going on." I relaxed my arms, almost touching his knee.

"Well, sit down.." He motioned to the bench he was on. I nodded, walking to the side and then plopping down.

I looked at the cigarette and parted my lips, ready to joke about it.

"No." Nash shut it down, making me roll my eyes."Why do you get to do it?"

He smooshed it into the ashtray, shutting down even my playful asking.

"I want to talk to Xian." He started, clearing his throat."I want to see him face to face and hear his..."

Nash sunk into the bench a bit, bringing his thumb to his mouth.

I brought my knees to my chest, resting my head on them. Now he's sparked my curiosity big time.

"I wanna hear his side of what happened at that job." He sighed, biting his thumb nail.

"What did happen that night?" I asked, Nash's eyes widened. Anxiety flooded into them, and he bit his nail harder.

He jerked his hand away from his mouth, groaning.

"Don't do that." I scolded, putting my hand out for his. He looked at it, retracting his hand to his chest.

Why did that feel embarrassing..? I dropped mine, leaving it on my seat.

"Do you wanna bandage them..?" I offered, shuffling my feet against the seat.

"I don't know..." Something touched my shoulders.

"Hey!"-

"Ah!" I screamed, Nash grabbing me and pulling me to him. I gripped his shirt, catching my breath.

"Oh.." Nash sighed, making me turn around as he started to groan."You are such a jerk!" He hissed as I met Xian's dark green eyes.

He laughed, placing his hand on his stomach.

"But it was funny." He snickered, Nash letting go of me, pushing me back to my side of the bench, and standing up.

I just focused on catching my breath, before laughing.

"I'm sorry pretty lady, I couldn't resist it." Xian snickered, focused on me, but Nash wasn't laughing at all.

"You said you'd be home at 5." He began, shoving his hands into his pockets. Xian shrugged, walking out of behind of the bench.

"Sorry?" Xian shrugged, still laughing.

"Where were you?" Nash investigated, standing in front of him. I bit my cheek, standing up as well.

I'm not getting in the middle of this... I glanced toward the door and saw Coal standing on the inside of the sliding door, wearing the same expression as me.

I gave him a dumbfounded look, which he returned one filled with anxiety, shaking his head.

He gestured for me to come in, but I furrowed my brows. Why doesn't he come out and stop whatever is going to happen if he's telling me to leave..?

Well...- Shoot, I guess I am leaving too.

"I was with Mich, then I had a drink at his place." Xian replied, crossing his arms."Why are you so mad?"

"I have so much I want to talk to you about, but you, knowing I am here, went off and did something else." Nash gritted his teeth as I stood still, watching from the side.

Xian crossed his arms and rolled his eyes."Nash, you are mad at me why would I wanna be here?"

Nash sneered, looking at me. For some reason I froze stiffer, stopping my breath, like if I don't move he just might not see me...

"I need to talk to you," Nash repeated, returning his gaze to Xian.

"Where?" Xian huffed, lowering his head.

"I don't care. But not here. Bree, go- I don't know, do whatever you want." Nash gestured me away, and I nodded, rushing toward the door Coal was in front of.

He opened it for me and shut it back, looking at me with wide eyes.

"What was that about?" I asked, brushing my hair back. Coal sighed, returning to the fridge and pouring two glasses of whiskey.

"I would leave them to fight it out for now... They'll be fine soon. Drink?" He offered, gesturing to the glass near me.

"You won't be drugged here, don't worry. But, I think you could use the unwinding for now." He reassured me. I gave him a sad smile.

"Yeah, I'll take some..." I nodded and he slid the glass to me.

"Enjoy. Because it might get either loud or dead silent in here tonight."

"Alright.."

-

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