B r e e

"Hold.." I whispered, grabbing my pin for the calendar.

Nash obeyed, not a word had come from his mouth this morning. He was sealed shut. He had been the last couple of days, to be honest. He wasn't meeting my gaze often, instead would look to the wall. Yesterday, we spent the day just sitting and watching TV.

It's leaving me full of anxiety. My hands are clammy, it feels like I could drop all these pins any second now.

I took my pen and marked the date.

July 30th.

Days have flown by. It's funny how the harder I try to grind my feet into the ground so time can't pass, it seems to go by faster than my eyes can follow.

I shoved a pin into the calendar, making sure it was stuck in the wall. I smiled at Nash, stepping down from the step stool. He pursed his lips and glanced toward his window. The sun was rising, filling the sky with soft oranges and yellows. It just turned 6 AM.

Without a word, Nash started out of the room. I clenched my fist and followed.

"Hey, do you want to have breakfast?" I asked, forcing a bright smile. Nash's baby blue eyes were drug down by the heavy bags under them. They were red too, reminiscent of mine the night after everything...

Has he been crying?

"I'll sit with you, but I'm not hungry." Nash's voice was hoarse, maybe the lack of talking was getting to him. I bit my cheek and approached closer to him. He has been open to my touches. Not shoving or tensing at all.

Instead, he's always pulling me deeper. As if he can't stand to let go. I hugged him yesterday and his hands planted against my back, pushing me as close as I could be as his fingers sprawled against my skin.

I didn't know what to do, except lay my head against his shoulder. He wasn't animated during it, he was void of emotion. I sneaked a glimpse of his expression in the mirror. His lips were pinched together as his eyes just stared at the bathroom wall.

Nash may be a cold stone, but I don't think he's dead inside. Yet then, he acted as if he was purged of his spirit. It seems like depression more than anything.

"Come on.." I nudged his shoulder, puckering my lips. "Can't I make you a cup of coffee? Or orange juice?" I begged, snickering after. Nash shook his head. "No, just enjoy breakfast and I'll sit with you." He was stern.

I sighed, my shoulders falling. I'm not going to be able to convince him otherwise. He raised his hand, approaching my back with a twinge. Why is he hesitating?

He rubbed my back and brought me in. "Don't be sad, I'm just not hungry." He rested his cheek against the top of my head. I placed my hand against his chest, inspecting his frame. Muscular, mixed with bony.

His heartbeat grew faster before slowing. "What is it..?" He asked, his voice remaining a hoarse whisper. I patted 2 times before dropping my hand back to my side. "I'll go make pancakes for me.."

-

Cooking didn't feel as much of a joy as before. I just feel off as Nash sits at the table. He held his head in his hands, reading a paper over and over. "You okay?" I asked, sitting down my plate next to him. He nodded, biting his lip.

"Uhm... Want a bite?" I stabbed into my single pancake, ripping a piece away. Nash shook his head, glancing toward my face. My stomach began to flip around, but it wasn't pleasant. I sat down and took a bite.

Nash crumpled the paper's corners and groaned. I just want to know what it is at this point. I've seen him with papers for days and I felt paper in his jacket pocket. I leaned over and Nash's eyes snapped to mine.

My breath hitched, but despite it, I pushed past. It was all the money. Added up over and over, then minus signs and equals. If I'm honest, I can't even read this well.

It's like he was sketching over and over an unsolvable equation. "Are you ok..?" I looked up, and Nash's eyes grew frantic as he looked away.

"It's nothing- just eat your breakfast, relax, and we can do anything you like." He demanded, pointing to the plate. Harsh.

And it hurt that time.

My nose curled as my brows fell. "Don't be all rude.." I scoffed, crossing my arms. I don't even want to eat now. It's easy to lose my appetite when he barks like that.

Nash leaned up, straightening his back. "I- You were reading my papers.." He crossed his arms and leaned into the chair.

"Oh, so you can have your tongue down my throat but I can't read your scribbled math equations?"

I regretted the sour words as soon as they slipped out. Oh, shoot. What is done is done. I bit the inside of my lip.

Nash's eyes faded. They didn't darken with anger, they vanished of emotion. "It's... Okay, you can eat." He stood up, his tone unfaltering from the monotone. I stared up, gawking before trying to stand up.

He placed his hand on my shoulder and shook his head before leaning down. He stopped and kissed the top of my head. It felt like the tension we were having just slammed on the brakes and threw me forward.

As soon as he pulled away, I grabbed his collar. "What?" I blurted, furrowing my brows.

I could feel the tension across my face, it felt tight. I don't understand.

"I'm not gonna waste this energy with us bickering." He said, trying to rip my hand off of his shirt. I shook my head and clenched tighter.

"What is up with you? We bicker- that's fine. Who doesn't? You're not acting like yourself at all.." I gulped, looking at his forehead.

Is this all because it's almost August 1st..? Why is he acting so dreadful..?

My questions began to find answers in the depths of my brain and every single one twisted another screw into the pit of my stomach.

There's something...

I let go and stood up, dashing to our room. I didn't have many thoughts, just a feeling. My feet felt as if they didn't even brush across the floor.

"Woah- Bree??" Nash hurried after me, I know I'm confusing him but he has been doing it to me for days.

I opened the door and looked around. He caught up, huffing.

"What is that about? It's 7 AM??" He reached toward me, but I slipped from his faint grasp, grabbing his jacket.

I felt the pockets and soon found a folded note. I glanced at him, before flipping it over.

Bree.

"Hey- stop." Nash approached me, his hand out in front of him. He was acting like I was a wild animal barring my teeth. I don't know if I should be offended or concerned.

Without a thought, I backed up into the bed.

"Why do you have a note for me, Nash?" I asked, attempting to unfold it. He tried to snatch it back, but I turned away. His nails jagged and scratched my skin, leaving 2 burning red marks. "Ow- Stop!"

Nash halted, backing up at my sudden yell. "Oh, I'm sorry- I'm so sorry..!" His attention was captured by the scratches.

I shook my head and scanned the note.

Oh, there's that final screw. I knew there was one left to push in there.

Yet this one didn't seem to screw my stomach down, instead, it gutted me until I felt hollow.

I looked up at Nash, my throat was so tight I was surprised I could breathe. I didn't want to.

"Nash..?"

Now I was hoarse.

He stayed back. "Bree... I-.."

Nothing he could say could capture the way I feel. Nothing he could say could repair what I feel.

"So- that's it? You're just gonna succumb? Get shot and have your brains blown across the floor like Cyrus?" I asked, gesturing my hands to the side. Oh- gosh... My fingers twitched as I blocked the memory I just recalled.

"Ugh- Nothing to live for anymore? You don't even want to try?"- "Oh- stop..!" Nash cut me off, waving his hands in front of his face.

"I— Can't do it anymore, Bree... They want me dead, and I can't run. I can't... And I won't make you endure it anymore either." He took my hands into his own and traced his thumb across my knuckles.

"You are tired of this, I know it; you have dreams and so many things you want to do, go do it. Please..." He begged, crouching in front of me.

I yanked my hands away and sharpened my gaze. "Shut up- just shut up," I began, shaking my head. "You're not doing this."

"Bree- you can't stop this."

"Oh, the hell I can't." I stood up, Nash's hair draping across his left eye. Is it selfish to say I am glad..?

Staring into his eyes during this is killing me. I looked toward his desk, it was covered in papers.

"You know so many criminals, you're saying none of them will get you a get out of jail free card? No one will help??" I scoffed, shaking my head.

Nash's hands ended up on my thighs, making my head snap back toward him. He pressed his forehead against my stomach as he sniffled.

"I'm not going to drag them into this..."

I could slap him. But when he's crying into me, I couldn't help it, I caved.

"You are being ignorant.." I said, my tone softening as I touched his head. I sighed and Nash's cry advanced into sobs.

Genuine, painful cries.

Out of place? No. Unexpected? Absolutely. This isn't what I expected for today.

I pushed him back a foot from my thighs and crouched down on my knees, cupping his face. "Nash- please don't do this.." I begged, breaking the plaguing eye contact.

He held my wrist, holding my hands against his face. "Please.." I whispered, tucking his hair behind his ear.

Nash lowered his head, squinting his eyes shut. I don't have any more words. I'm all out of pleas. I hate how out of control I feel. I closed my eyes.

This life lacks so much mercy. So much empathy. Why must I meet someone as wonderful as you in such a place?

-

I felt like we got somewhere. I thought after he cried he'd get up and start planning or making phone calls, anything. But instead, it was 8:34 PM and Nash was still on the couch. I sat next to him. We were a few inches apart, my fingers tapping the space in between.

I've been trying to think. But my brain is cloudy. I didn't know what to say. I stared at the TV. Police sirens rang on it as the news came on.

"Can you report them to the police?" I blurted, turning to face Nash. His eyes widened before he furrowed his brows. "No- we'll get in trouble too." He cleared his throat.

My cheeks warmed as hot as the summer sun, but I lowered my head. "Can Mr. Clyde help?" I asked another, but Nash shrugged. "I told him I'd deal with it.."

I could feel the aching return in my mind. I tried more questions, but Nash didn't have good answers. I told him to contact Mr. Clyde and he sighed. He's frustrating me. It's to the point I am chewing my tongue to prevent blurting words I may regret.

I don't understand why he would just say he can deal with it. I can't... I don't want to understand. But I know he's tired. When I reflect, I can still see his back hunched over the wheel, his eye bags growing more sunken, the way he'd crash whenever he could sleep.

"Nash," I said, gulping after. I slipped my hand onto his thigh. He stared at my hand before placing his on top of mine. "You know I don't want to lose you, right?"

He paused, tracing his thumb across my hand. At this moment, he felt like the softest person in the world.

The tough, cold-blooded criminal.

What's happened?

-

N a s h

When I learned I could die, and that they wanted my head as a trophy, I didn't want to give up. I didn't want to accept that fate.

I didn't want to cave, I wanted to fight, I wanted to win. I knew I wasn't fully in the wrong here and that's what mattered to me.

I want that spark back. But when I stare at Bree and I think of those nights she restlessly turned in bed. Or her scream. I don't want to put her through it anymore.

She told me she would scream the way she did and worse if I died. That made my stomach feel like it was being ripped out of my body.

I stared at the clock flashing at 4:01 AM. I held my phone in my hand, Bree's hands laced around my free one. I traced her knuckles and waited for Mr. Clyde to get back to me. She rested her head against my back, dozing in and out of sleep.

I don't know what he is going to tell me to do.

'Ring'

My phone started to go off as he called. I flipped it open and pressed it to my ear. "Hey.." My ribs began to shake inside, making my stomach feel as if it was wrenching.

"We have to kill him."

Bree's head rose, looking at me as I flushed of all my skin's undertones. I felt like I just became a pale white.

"Mr. Clyde I—... Won't that backfire?" I began to grind my teeth together, hearing him huff. I know he just woke up. "It's not like we have any other choice. You have your gun, don't you?"

"Yes, I do..." I felt like I was going to implode as the dread filled my body. I stood up, Bree's hands trailing down my back. "Where are you going?" She asked, fixing her cropped shirt.

"I'll come get you. We'll talk more then." Mr. Clyde said, his tone was stiff and stern. He can't mean now, can he..? I don't think I can argue. I exhaled, closing my eyes. "Alright."

I snapped the phone shut, hearing Bree step onto the floor. "Are you going to get out?"

"In a way..." I looked away from her eyes. I couldn't stand the doe-eyed stare this time. "What does that mean?"

"Just..." I don't know what to do with her. "Just sleep." I shrugged, hearing a soft scoff come from her. "No."

I knew she'd be stubborn.

"I'm going to see how we can handle things. Can't you just rest?" I asked, tucking her hair behind her ear.

"I'll go with you." She persisted, pushing past me and out of the bedroom. I pinched the bridge of my nose.

"No- this time I'm serious." I took her wrist into my hand, pulling her back. She turned to me, her eyes wide.

"Stay."

"I won't listen to you. You know that."

"What if I have to kill him?"

The room went so stiff, not even my heart would thump. I stared at her, not even her hand moving. She stilled in my touch, her lips parting before slamming shut.

"You can't handle it." I sniffled. Not even I could handle it. I'm such a bluffer. My poker face must be cracking now.

"If he's trying to kill you, then I... I'd kill him for you." She straightened her back as her eyebrows tugged down. "I would..."

I shook my head, letting go of her wrist. But as soon as I did, she rushed out of the door, grabbed her bag, and into the living room she went.

I chased after her. This feels like a repeat but in reverse... She opened the front door and stepped onto the porch.

"I have this." She pulled out her gun, holding it away from us both. I hesitated before getting closer.

"You couldn't live with yourself," I warned. She already had herself sick from crying about Cyrus. How could she handle this?

"Can you shut up?" Her words caught me off guard as she scoffed. "Let me protect you for once." She walked to the side of the porch, placing her gun on the railing.

"You saved me from them. You kept me safe from them for days on end. You nursed me from being drugged. You carried me out covered in blood to get us to safety. You have done a lot. It's my turn." She finished her monologue, crossing her arms.

Her words didn't touch me. Not that they weren't meaningful, but my heart warmed my chest as I realized how she's been collecting these moments. But it doesn't sway me, she can't kill.

I ran my thumb across her cheek as I heard the gravel on the driveway crunch. Mr. Clyde's car pulled in. A 2000 Infiniti.

Bree looked at me, grabbing my wrist.

Mr. Clyde stepped out of the car, looking at us both. He furrowed his brows. I mouthed 'later'. He nodded and approached us both.

"Hello, Bree." He greeted, her eyes trailing around him. "Hello..."

"Is she coming with?"

"No."
"Yes."

Our words overlapped each other. I whipped to her face, shaking my head. "I'm getting in the car. You two talk." I reached for her, but she grabbed her gun and walked to the car.

"Say something.." I growled, crossing my arms. Mr. Clyde shook his head. "Not my playmate. That's in your court."

My cheeks flushed red as I sputtered words, though they all came out like scrambled eggs.

"Okay- wrong- not... Huh?" I stared at him, furrowing my brows. "You picked a wild one, you have to keep up." He started to his car and I rolled my eyes.

"I didn't pick her..." I crossed my arms. He looked back at me, his eyes growing softer with each moment.

"Oh... I see. You're in love with her." He pursed his lips before sighing. I couldn't move, I felt like I was glued to the porch now.

"I mean... I suppose I've never seen you have a fling. But I didn't think you'd ever be able to grow close enough to someone to fall in love." He bit his lip.

"Guess this is your blessing in disguise." He finished, opening the car door.

I peeled my feet from the ground, glancing at Bree in the backseat. She didn't smile at me. Her eyes were weary, her head seemed heavy as a ton of bricks.

Oh God, please let me get out of this...

-

The car ride was rather silent. Bree stared out of the window, Mr. Clyde stared straight ahead, and I held my head in my arms.

"So... Where are they?" He asked, glancing my way. "I'll drive us there when we go. I can't explain right now."

Mr. Clyde halted the car, knocking us all forward. "Alright." He put the car in park. I furrowed my brows as he got out, walking to one of his places. But this one I had never seen.

"Come on. You don't even have a day now Nash, it's July 31st." He motioned us out. Bree hurried out, following him.

I stared at them both. I can't believe I didn't fight harder. But I guess I would've had to tie Bree to a chair to get her to not follow me.

I couldn't do that.

I got out and followed them inside.

Me. Clyde slammed down a notebook, sighing.

"Alright... Let's figure this out."

-

We spoke of how to handle this, if I should call and ask if I could get the rest of the money later, and all the other ways to handle it before it could come down to the gun in my hand.

I don't know what to do. Bree is sitting at the end of the table, her feet kicked up on the desk. Her left converse was untied. It had been bothering me this entire time.

I stood up, walking to her. I started to tie her shoe, hearing a soft "huh" sound from her.

"Oh... Thank you." She smiled, leaning up. I nodded, brushing my finger against her soft skin.

I nodded, grabbing my phone in my pocket. I pulled it out and took a deep breath.

I have to do this.

I began to press the number Mr. Clyde gave me. My chest began to rattle as I pressed the phone to my ear.

I felt like I could throw up, my throat burned as Bree tapped my hand. I must be turning green.

"Hello?"

That familiar deep voice. I took a deep breath, leaning against the table. "Hello..." My voice trembled, it was clear how nervous I was.

"What are you calling me for?" He was quick, not bothering to ask my name or who I was.

"Better get to the point.."-

"Oh. That accent. The New York boy. Nash..." His voice snarled as he began to laugh. "What is it? Why have you called? Getting a head start on the money?"

I started tapping my foot, looking down. That was way too easy for him to figure out.

"Oh- uh no... I needed to ask if I can give you 26,892 now and the rest later..?" The words coming out of my mouth made me cringe.

Bree stared at me as I heard the man hit something on his desk. He sighed, a few voices in the background chatting. Then I heard his gun cock.

"Alright."

The call ended.

My eyes widened as I looked at Bree. "Mr. Clyde, he grabbed his gun and hung up.."

Mr. Clyde glanced up from his desk across the room and sighed. I could see faint worry cross his face before he washed it off. "Okay... I guess we aren't handling this calmly."

He stood up and grabbed us both, pushing us to the door. "Take us there before he leaves, go please.." He demanded, smacking his keys into my hand. I nodded, my face growing paler with each passing moment.

I looked at Bree, stopping. "Wait. No, keep her- I'll go."

"No-!" She yelled, making my frustration finally blow. I locked eyes with her, stepping away from them both.

"You're staying and that's final. I'll go- it's my job, you're staying."

I slammed the door in both their faces and walked to the car.

I heard Bree yell out but from what I presume, Mr. Clyde tugged her back and told her to leave me be. I'm surprised he did. I didn't think he'd let me be alone...

The morning air felt sickening as I walked, the birds singing tunes in a minor key. It's like they knew.

My heart felt like a thousand nails just stabbed into it. I got into the car, trying to steady as I started it.

It hurts me that this could be our last interaction.

I fought my hands, forcing them to remain on the wheel. I cannot go back. I can't.

But her eyes... They stared at me like a puppy whose tail I shut in my door. I felt the hurt. I felt her pain.

Oh, this is going to tear me up until I get back. If I do...

I gripped the wheel tighter as I put it into drive, my chest burning. I don't think I've ever felt like this before. I feel like I'm being torn limb from limb now. It burns all across me.

I slammed on the break, almost missing the red light ahead. I've got to focus...

-

I parked on the street, staring at that familiar brick building. What a sickening Deja vu. I held my gun in my pocket as I stared at the gate. Do I sneak in?

This time I'll know where I'm going for the most part. I approached the gate as quietly as I could, glancing around for any sign of an opening.

I split the gate's opening, the sharp pieces tugging at my clothes. I stared straight ahead as I walked down the alley.

I felt my emotions flush out of me as I continued. I know what I have to do. It is fine.

I will be fine.

I pushed the door open, avoiding it to groan. I looked around before stepping in. It was emptier than I thought it would be.

I looked down the hall. There were bins, boxes, even file cabinets. I shut the door behind me, holding my gun in front of me.

I glanced around, at every door, at every corner, staying vigilant. I don't know where they are. Or him?

One door was cracked open. I approached it carefully, leaning against the wall next to it. I heard movement. It was soft but still there...

I tried to find a way to peer in, to make sure this was the person I was looking for.

"Nash."

Oh...

"I installed cameras since our last occurrence. Killing my accomplice. Or well, that was the little friend saving you, wasn't it?" He stayed calm, scooting back in his chair. I took a deep breath and ducked behind the file cabinet.

"Hold on, I'm not just going to kill you yet. Oh, that wouldn't be nearly enough fun for the stress you've put me, Dale, and Sebastian through..." He purred as he stood up.

I held my breath, keeping my gun close. Even if he has eyes on me, I can still shoot him. I can still win.

I feel like I'm just hyping myself up for failure...

My heart grew a bit heavier as I looked around. What have I done..?

Stop. I had lost my emotions, I needed that back. I don't care- I am fine.

"Won't you say something?" He asked, stepping into the hall. Does he not know I have a gun? Or does he have one himself..?

I backed up as black hair came into view. Then the tattoos. And finally the dark eyes. Impulsions took over my body as I shoved the filing cabinet at him and dashed behind a different box.

I heard him groan as it slammed into his body.

"I would've given you it all. You could've given me the time I needed." I said, cocking my gun.

"You— shit!" He knocked the filing cabinet back, hitting the boxes I was behind. They landed on top of me.

"Mmph..!" I clasped my hand over my mouth as the heaviest one hit my lower back. I fought through the pain, trying to escape the box tsunami.

"You stole from me, killed my friend, and ran for months! You expect me to trust you? Don't make me laugh..!" I flinched as he hit the box and before I knew it, he grabbed me up by my shirt.

I grabbed my gun and hit him in the face with it. He groaned, dropping me. I tried to grasp at the floor but before I knew it, I felt the cold gun press against the back of my head.

Now, I could feel everything again.

Fully.

I caved, unable to move as the dirty floor filled my vision. I didn't want to breathe in. But I had to. Dust and mud filled my nose, making me cough.

"Oh, poor thing..." He mocked as he stood up, keeping the gun to my head. I didn't have any other thoughts but I am glad I slammed that door.

And that I was so sorry I was so mean.

I wish I was kinder sooner.

I wish I asked for help before this.

I wish I kissed her earlier.

He grabbed my shirt again, the collar choking me as he did. He kept the gun pressed against me as he pushed me to the wall.

"I'm surprised you thought you'd win. We've never met face to face. It's always been someone else chasing you..." He kicked my gun away.

"I know..." I whispered, pressing my forehead against the wall. The gun ruffled my hair as I closed my eyes.

I wish I wasn't me right now. I wish I was something else. I wish I was the dirt on the ground instead of this.

I wish I was with Bree.

"What happened to all my cash?" He asked, intensifying the pressure of the gun. "I ended up spending it when I was running for you."

He sighed. "If you just threw it on the road, we wouldn't be here would we?"

I nodded.

"Who's that girl?" He continued to ask. I pinched my eyes shut harder, trying to regain my composure.

"An ex-friend's girlfriend. She's far from me now..." I lied. The man kicked my ankle, hard enough to cause me to sway. "Does she have any of our money?"

I bit my tongue, keeping my balance with my forehead. "None, I didn't give her anything- I didn't have any." That wasn't a lie. It was mine everything I bought things for her with...

He adjusted the gun, trying to position it in a way where I wouldn't survive no matter what. But I don't think it matters. He's going to kill me any way he can.

"How old are you?" He asked, settling in the middle of my head.

"20."

He didn't seem to care, placing his finger on the trigger.

'Bang!'

But I didn't fall.

I felt blood splatter across my back, my eyes shooting open as he fell.

I whipped around, expecting to see Bree.

"I'm so sorry." Xian croaked, walking toward me. "I'm so sorry— I am so sorry, I never meant to let this happen, Nash- I am so sorry."

My hands shook as he approached, the black pistol in hand. His hair was frazzled across his head, he didn't look like he had slept. He pulled me into a hug, sniffling.

"I'm so sorry..."

I placed my hands on his back. His breathing was spastic.

"I wish you would kill me for being such a jerk. I put you in this, I was careless and rude and I deserved you to punch me even if it wasn't for this.." He ranted, but my head felt empty. All I heard was a flatline.

I'm so relieved it wasn't Bree... But where is she?

"Mr. Clyde called and he told me and I heard Bree yelling and she took it too and told me to get you... I'm so sorry..." He tightened his hug. "I am the worst friend alive, I know this... I should've taken this more seriously Nash..."

I stared out the door. "Where is Bree..?"

"She's with Me. Clyde still, they were following me. But they lost me somehow.." Xian let go of me, meeting my eyes.

"Xian..." I sighed, avoiding the bloody mess seeping beside me. "Thank you..." I exhaled, closing my eyes.

His breathing calmed as mine did too.

"Are we still going to be friends..?" He asked, his tone was pleading. I broke the shock, cracking into a small laugh.

"You're an idiot to think we couldn't be. You have my evidence box in your house..." I shook my head, Xian wrapping his arm around my shoulder. He led me out of the building, his truck in the parking lot.

"Let's get back to everyone... I think it's finally over..." Xian sighed, rubbing his burdened eyes.

"I hope so..."

-

Xian took me back, Mr. Clyde for his car, and Bree drove the other one. I couldn't do it. I couldn't drive. But Xian thought it was best we got out of there quick.

It made me more anxious knowing Bree was there though. I felt like I could throw up. I sat on the porch, Xian and Coal both tending to me.

They gave me water, food, and blankets, and begged me to come inside but I wouldn't. And I won't.

I stayed in the driveway, waiting for her to come back.

I just need to see her face.

I heard the gravel and I shot to my feet. As soon as the car parked, I ran to the door and pulled it open. Before I could grab her, Bree grabbed me, knocking me back. I steadied, taking in her presence.

Her body was soft, her hair was clean and floral, her perfume that same vanilla, and the way she held me back.

"I'm so sorry for being so harsh when I left.." I squeezed her, kissing her head. She shook her head, leaning up.

"It's fine- I get it." She closed her eyes, cupping my cheeks. I stared down at her, before pulling her in.

Her lips crashed into mine. I held desperation behind my every touch. I tucked her hair behind her ear before breaking the kiss subsequently.

"Please don't make me go home now that this is over.." She laughed. "I don't think I wanna be away from you after that..."

She watched for my reaction to her words. But I couldn't explain it. My chest got warm as could be and it felt like my heart lifted all its weight.

I admired her, taking in every ounce of her beauty. Her words, her smile, her eyes, her soul.

I held her hands, resting my head against hers.

"I promise I won't ever make you do a thing. We can go to New York, or LA, or anywhere you want to go..." I suggested, kissing her forehead.

Bree pinched her lips, before breaking into a smile.

"We'll figure it out. I think we should finally rest..." She paused, looking up at me. I waited for her words, her brows furrowing.

"Thank God I met you. Even like this. Even if a gun was against my head.." She leaned against my chest, sighing. "You changed a lot for me..."

I closed my eyes, relaxing my shoulders and letting the wind brush over me.

"I am too."

-
-
-
-

Total word count: 84,572
Chapters: 21
Sequel possible.

Thank you so much for reading Hotshot. I truly hope you have all enjoyed it. I send you all love.