"Absolutely not! Nobody told you to hook up with a married woman. Nobody, Xian! And now I'm doing these dangerous jobs to keep you alive, so get in that truck and do what you agreed to.."

"Are you forgetting there wasn't a way for me to know?"- Xian was cut off by the sound of keys rattling.

My eyes fluttered open as I overheard all the noise, I couldn't keep them open though.

My head feels like a thousand thorns are embedded in it.

What time could it even be..?

"Quiet down... I need my phone. Go- Hurry up!" Nash barked again, his heavy footsteps coming closer. I forced my heavy eyes open enough to see, the unfamiliar room was still pitch black.

Where am I..?

The clock flashed 4:23 AM as Nash shoved the door open, barging in.

"Nash.." I whispered, making out his figure in the dark.

"Bree..?" He replied, his movements slowing. He grabbed the phone off the bedside table, biting his cheek.

He bent down to my level, flicking on the lamp. I pinched shut my eyes, groaning as my headache returned. I covered my face for more protection from the lights. This is hell...

"Look at me." He reached for my hands, pulling them away from my face. I pried my eyes open, meeting his pretty ice blue ones... He dropped my hands, pursing his lips. As he backed up, he furrowed his brows and narrowed his eyes at my figure.

He was wearing something different, how long have I been asleep..?

I don't understand what's going on..?

"Are you still weak?" He asked, examining my limbs."Kinda..." I groaned, snuggling into the pillow."Why are you asking me all this..?" I mumbled, muffled through the pillow.

"Do you not remember?" Nash's tone was lighter, taken aback by me for some reason.

"Listen, this will alleviate. I have to leave, if I'm not back by the time you're up, Coal will take care of you." Nash got up, flicking the lamp off.

"Where are you.. Why-?" I stared up at him, Nash sighing."I don't have time. Go back to sleep."

"Wait please.." I cried, reaching out to Nash. But he ran out the door before I could even say goodbye. I stared out, pursing my lips.

I wish he didn't leave. I don't understand what's wrong with me. I don't want to be alone.

And I still don't know where I am..? I struggled to look around. Nash's black shirt was on the bed.

I furrowed my brows, clenching the pillow tighter. What even happened? Why am I in so much pain?

I pushed my hands into the bed, lifting myself up as I heard more commotion.

"Just keep an eye on her, I'll see you later." The door slammed. And soon, a soft sigh.

I reached for the lamp, squinting as my head ached from the light again. What kind of hangover is this..?

"You two are insufferable some days..." A soft voice whispered as it started my way.

"Hey..!" I yelled through my weak voice, the footsteps slowing.

"Oh, so you are awake..?" Coal's smooth voice got closer as he walked in.

His brown eyes were dark with bags, he looked like he hadn't slept at all. He was wearing a simple white t-shirt and black plaid sleep pants.

"I suppose you look better, not so weak." He commented, tapping his fingers against his chest.

"Is this a hangover..?" I asked, examining the room. The walls were a soft eggshell white, the walls had paintings but not much more.

Nash's jacket was on the bed as well, along with more items of his scattered around the room.

"Do you remember anything?" Coal asked, sitting down in the desk's chair by the bed."Why do people keep asking me that?" I groaned, placing my head into my hands.

"You were drugged." Coal gave me a small frown. I turned my head to him."What..?" I laughed without a hint of joy, looking down at my body.

"Did someone hurt me??" I gripped my shirt, my heart started to pound as I grew hotter.

"No, I promise you weren't hurt. Nash took you here and put you to bed." He reassured, putting his hand out to calm me.

I stared at him, looking back toward his jacket. Where did Nash even go..? So early and in such a rush, I am curious.

"But, we do need to get you some food and water like I said. Come on." Coal motioned me to get up as he did, pushing in the desk chair.

"Where are we..?" I furrowed my brows as my head ached more. This is the worst hangover of my life.

"My house. Well, Nash's room in my home." He pointed to the closet. The door was ajar, some of Nash's clothes were visible.

"I thought he was from New York?" I questioned, swinging my legs out of the bed. Coal looked to the side, scratching the his neck.

"He is. But, he doesn't have an apartment there anymore. We had to collect what we could of his stuff and store it here.." He confessed, despite the reluctance.

I don't understand why he is being secretive when it comes to Nash. But yet again, I've hardly talked to him.

I stood up and groaned, holding my head."I'm sure once we get some food in your system and then painkillers, you'll be okay." Coal gave me a gentle smile, starting out of the door.

This is absolutely horrible...

-

I sat at the table, holding my head low as I struggled to eat the cereal. It felt good to eat, I am hungry, but still so nauseous.

"So..." Coal began, pressing his hand into his cheek."Hm?" I glanced up at him, furrowing my brows.

"Are you experiencing any other symptoms?" He asked, placing his hands against his legs. I took a deep breath, clearing my throat.

"Just the worst hangover." I laughed, stirring the cereal into the milk. Coal gulped and checked the clock."It's almost 5."

I nodded my head, sinking down in a the wooden chair a bit."Where is Nash..?" I crossed my arms. I'm not so sure I want to hear the answer.

Coal's face soured a tad bit before he glanced away."I'm sure it's just another small money heist on a sketchy scene.." He sighed, shaking his head.

I bit my lip, pulling my knees to my chest."Will he make more enemies for us?" I dug my fingernails into my skin once again, Coal just began to pluck at his nails.

"I'm sure he won't." He gave me an unconvincing smile and stood up."Uhm- I'll get you painkillers."

I stared at the bowl of cereal as the milk swirled between my cheerios. This is the first time I've been away from Nash in a couple days. It feels a little weird.

I don't know exactly what I am to do until he comes back, I glanced around the soft decorated kitchen. Their walls didn't have any pictures of family or them. It feels so weird to be in a home without that...

I glanced out the glass sliding doors. There was an in-ground pool was lit up by the lights in it, along with some pots growing unfamiliar plants.

This place was gentler than the other environments I have found myself in. I think I'm content here.

I turned around, glancing toward the living room.

The coffee table was more cluttered, books, magazines, scissors, pens, pill bottles, and a gun..?

Maybe I take back my comfort...

Coal started back, noticing where I was looking. He bit his lip, slowing to a halt."It's not anything bad- The pills I mean. We aren't doing them.-"

"I was eyeing the gun." I cut off his nervous ramblings, pointing out to it. His eyes landed on it as well as he furrowed his brows."Oh..." Panic flooded his eyes as he rushed past me, dropping off the two Tylenol.

I furrowed my brows, taking them and picking up my bowl."What's wrong?" I asked, setting it down in the sink as he leaned against the counter.

"Well, it is Nash's, he forgot it." He cringed, grabbing his phone and checking it."This isn't good..."

"I hope they aren't long with whatever this is." I gave him a small smile, washing up my dishes. I don't like the sounds of this.

I'm worried. Coal looks like he could split into two. His hair got more frazzled as he brushed his fingers through it.

Maybe I should change the subject.

"So, what do you do..?" I turned off the water, shaking the excess off my hands before grabbing the towel.

"Like... Actually?" He furrowed his brows, holding his hand to his mouth. I nodded my head, pressing my waist back against the counter.

"You're not going to like this either.." He sighed, placing his hand onto his chest."I... provide a lot. Guns, ammunition, those pills, anything you'd need. I'm also good at hacking I suppose."

"Okay.." I replied shortly, glancing at the coffee. That sounds good right about now... I haven't had any coffee I could make to my liking in a while.

"Why are you so unfazed right now?" Coal crossed his arms, making me begin to laugh."Right about now, I want to buy a gun from you and shoot the guy who drugged me."

Coal's eyes widened before he slowly started to rest his shoulders."You don't mean that..." He laughed, lowering his head.

"I'm 99% sure if I did right now, I wouldn't feel remorse. He probably doesn't care I feel like death." I pointed out as I approached the cabinet for a mug. His smile fell as he fiddled with the collar of his shirt.

"It wasn't for you, you know? Nash told me what happened around 12 AM when I got in." He met my eyes, gulping."It was Xian's. He was trying to drug Xian."

I paused my movement, parting my lips. I narrowed my eyes at him and crossing my arms."Why?"

Coal glanced away, shutting his eyes."Nash was yelling at him, something specific..." I began to pry.

If he isn't going to give me the answers I want, I'll just figure it out. I remember hearing something when I woke up...

"Something about a married woman..?" I rose my brow as Coal's eyes fluttered open. He sighed, giving me an anxious look.

"Yes... He did something stupid and Robert wanted to kill him. He pleaded and asked to repay him, and that's where they are." He explained, lowering his head once again.

"But, I mean... If Nash is this angry at him, I don't know how that job may be going..." He scratched his cheek as I filled the mug with coffee.

I cringed at the thought, glancing back toward the pistol on the table.

I wonder what mood he'll come back in...

-

Coal and I parted ways while we waited. He was getting ready to leave from what I could hear and I remained curled up on Nash's bed.

At least he had a TV, but my head is still aching, so I closed the curtains and blinds and covered my head.

I don't know when he'll be back but I hope it's soon. I honestly find myself a bit worried...

He left at 4 AM and it's already 8 AM. Maybe I shouldn't worry though. I don't know how this works or how long it could take.

I don't even know what job it is still, not for sure...

I curled my fingers into my palm, tucking my nose into the pillow. Everything has a tiny hint of Nash's cologne. At least it is a nice one.-

Interrupting my thoughts, I heard the door open roughly. I could only hear the footsteps.

"Go away." Nash groaned, grabbing something up. Footsteps began to get closer until he pushed the door open.

He held the gun in hand, flicking on the light as his hair draped across his half-masked face. "Oh, a warning would be nice.." I sighed, covering my eyes for a moment.

I glanced back to the gun, biting my cheek. Why did he bring it in here? He pulled down the mask, making me glance up toward his face.

Oh shoot. My eyes widened as I processed how beat up he appeared.

Dried blood was on his cheek along with his lip. It looked like he had busted it a tad bit. His hands had quite a few bruises and blood as well.

My breath hitched as he flicked on the gun's safety lock.

He sighed as he looked my way, setting down the gun on his desk.

I gulped, sitting up as he approached me with caution. His black hoodie was a bit ripped, the black mask dangling around his neck.

"Any better?"-

"What did you do..?" I stared at his face, his lips parted as he drew his brows together. Blood stained his front teeth, inducing more worry.

He looks so rough...

"Please don't look at me like that.." He whispered, closing his eyes. I pursed my lips and reached toward him. I wish I could help.

"I'm not... I mean- is this all your blood?" I furrowed my brows, halting my hand as his eyes shot open.

He rose his hand to his lip, the blood was much more fresh."... Not all of it."

My hand dropped as I went blank. I can't imagine what happened. I don't know if I want to...

"What did you do..?" I asked once again, ignoring the barking voice in my mind telling me to leave it be.

"No one is dead, it just got... Messy." He shrugged, the blood from his lip smudged on his finger. I stared at it inhaling.

"What did you do?" I reiterated one final time, placing my hand onto my thigh. Nash's gaze hardened into a glare before he looked away.

"Okay, I'm not doing this right now." He avoided my question, starting to collect his clothes."I am going to shower."

I held my breath and stood up."Why don't you want to answer?" I followed him, watching as he covered his mouth.

"I don't have to tell you what I do." He snapped, jerking around to face me."Guess you're doing better..." He pointed out, gesturing to me.

I pushed my hair back, stopping as he stepped into the bathroom, shutting the door.

"Shoot.." I whispered, looking down the hall. I wasn't trying to make him so mad... I guess I'm just worried about him.

Xian leaned in a doorway. His green eyes met mine, before he shook his head.

He had blood on him as well, though he was less beat up. He didn't have any visible injuries besides his bruised fist.

Would he tell me?

I took a deep breath and approached him, crossing my arms."You're okay. I'm happy to see that, pretty lady." He smiled, adjusting his bloodied green shirt.

I gave him a soft smile back and cleared my throat."Thank you, uhm.." I had to pause to collect myself. I hope he doesn't shut me down the same.

"What did you guys do?" I asked, Xian's eyes widening. He began to laugh, glancing toward the window in what I presume is his room.

"Nash won't spill, huh?" He smirked, scratching his chin. I stayed stern, not feeding into his playful attitude. I don't even feel up to it.

"And why do you want to know so bad?" He tilted his head back, crossing his arms as well.

Honestly, I don't know what to say. But nevertheless, I met his eyes again."Well, isn't it fair for me to want to know when he comes in covered in blood?"

Xian shrugged, breaking the eye contact."Okay, pretty lady... We stole quite a few things other than the cash we were instructed to.." Xian paused, glancing at the bathroom door.

"Nash started to scold me because I wasn't being cautious or something, but he got punched square in the lip." He pointed to his mouth, before laughing.

"Since Nash didn't have his gun and I didn't have mine either, it broke out into a fight." He explained as I plucked the skin around my finger nail.

"He was telling me we should've gone in quieter, those two men aren't going to say anything..." He examined his fist before sighing.

"Forgive me for looking so violent. But, when you live like this, you tend to need to be." He started into his room, glancing over his shoulder at me.

I bit the inside of my cheek, nodding my head.

"Yeah..." I stretched out, scratching my arm. I hope this doesn't place a bigger target on Nash.

"Do you guys ever get worried you'll get caught?" I furrowed my brows, Xian chuckling again. He picked up his phone and punched in a number.

"Well, they aren't going to call the police because we stole their counterfeit money. They'll come after us if they figure out who we are though." He pressed the phone to his ear, giving me a gentle smile.

"They won't though. So don't worry." He turned his back to me, facing the window. I sighed, finally departing from his doorway.

You know, at least they weren't out killing someone. But Nash looked really rough...

Gosh. Aren't I stupid to give so much concern to a criminal?

I glanced back the bathroom, hearing the water running. I don't feel so good again...

-

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