"I love her and it is the beginning of everything." –F. Scott Fitzgerald

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Chapter 47
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Maggie

Luke was being weird.

Not the 'I'm a moody prick' kind of weird, but a stone-cold, ready to swing on the first thing in sight, fuck off, type of weird.

I studied him over. His attention was solely on his plate, despite barely even touching it ever since we sat down for dinner.

I couldn't pinpoint much. He'd been fine before I went into the shower. I couldn't think of anything that could have changed it so soon.

I pulled on a smile to ease the tension. "So," I started, placing my fork back down. "Any thoughts about the chicken? I made sure to throw a little spider or two in there for you. Just how you like it."

He shrugged, his hardened jaw unlocking to say, "It's fine."

Okay....

My eyes fell to my glass of soda before attempting, "Got any ridiculously stupid theories for the night? I have one."

Another shrug. His jaw tightened back into place as he shoved pieces of chicken around with a fork, his eyes set downcast.

"Okay, uh..." I thought it over for a second, crossing one of my legs under me. "I think—"

His fork dropped down to the plate, the clattering sound bouncing off of the walls. My eyes jerked up to him in confusion.

Slowly, I placed my own down. "What crawled up your ass and died?"

Luke ran a hand down his face, a scoff following. I raised my brow, but before I could further my questions, he was getting up.

His back turned to me as he scraped what was left of dinner into the trash, then returned to the sink. The sound of the water running was the only audible thing in the house, right now.

I didn't want to fight with him, again, and I'd much rather get the problem out of the way, right here and now. Whatever it may be.

I stood too, and once I got to the other side of the sink, I cast him a side eye of curiosity.

The anger in his expression was undeniable. Even the way he was washing the dish was too aggressive.

My eyes lowered to the plate. "Is something wrong?"

"Is something wrong," he repeated under his breath, chuckling. "You tell me, Maggie."

"If you have something to get off of your chest, then just do it. I don't want to fight with you." I took a step closer so that our sides were grazing. "But, don't keep up with this subliminal bullshit."

"Bullshit?" he scoffed. "You wanna talk about bullshit?"

"Sure." I placed the dish down to dry. "If we're on the subject, let's talk about your pissy mood, first."

His eyes snapped up to mine, squinting at me. "You're serious?"

I nodded, turning so that my back was pressed against the sink. "As a sausage."

"This isn't some joke, Maggie," he snapped back. "Did you really think I wouldn't find out?"

I cocked my head at him in confusion. "I genuinely have no idea what you're talking about."

Luke turned so that his back was to the kitchen island, facing me. "Really? You can't figure out what so easily is pissing me the fuck off, right now?"

My agitation grew at him, and his lack of clues. "Unless you're ready to tell me yourself, then no. I have no idea."

Luke released a dry chuckle, his eyes jerking over me. I saw the accusation well, and if it weren't for all of the lies I'd told to everyone else that weren't him, I wouldn't have got it so quickly.

The threats.

My shoulders, and everything above and below fell. "You know."

"Yeah." He turned to place the dish away, his voice snippy, "You think?"

Shit.

This wasn't like all of the other lies I'd told. This was one that could have resulted in much more damage if it got out of the control. If the unknown messenger had my number, then they could have a whole lot else. Especially if they were still able to reach me.

"Luke," I started, my mind racing for a good enough excuse. "I was going to tell you."

"Really? When?" he replied sarcastically. "When they tracked your phone down, and caught you off guard? Would you have told me, then?"

I blew out a frustrated sigh. I was going to tell him. Right before I walked in on the fight with him, and his father. Then, we got into that argument, and the threats were pushed to the back of my head.

I looked to Luke, who was studying me over for an answer. "They called me the morning of your fight with your dad," I attempted to explain, my voice quiet. "I was on the way to tell you, and then, we got into that fight and I didn't think it was the right time—"

His eyes widened at me. "You didn't think it was the right time?" He stepped away from the counter entirely. "I don't care what goes on with you, or me, or us, Maggie. If you're getting threatened like this, then you're supposed to tell me. You don't hide this, or anything like this if it's concerning your safety."

Guilt rode through me at the worry in his voice. He was trying to protect me, and I'd made it harder. My lies were never meant to be for him, and I wanted to try my hardest not to let them be.

I took a step closer. "I know," I expressed apologetically. "And, I'm sorry."

His eyes ran over mine, carefully. It was like he was trying to depict all of the complex, yet simple things about me. He knew he was the only person who could even get close.

"I'm sorry," I repeated. "I know that I should have told you the moment they started, but I didn't. We can't go back and change it now, though. I apologize, and I promise I'll tell you next time."

Next time made my stomach drop. I didn't want one, but I expected one.

His lips pressed into a thin line. His glare only intensified until I was forced to bare it, my own falling into an apologetic embrace.

"Do you trust me?" he asked me quietly.

I nearly jerked back as if he'd slapped me. "What? Of course I trust you, Luke. I trust you more than anyone."

Hurt flashed over his features for a second before it left. His eyes fell to the floor as he asked, "Then, why didn't you tell me, Maggie?"

I crossed my arms, settling my eyes on my feet. I had my answer at the tip of my throat, but voicing them proved far too difficult.

"Is it me?"

I whipped my head up, immediately shaking my head. "No, of course not—"

His face tightened as he tried to find the answer. I saw the guilt, and hurt wash over his face as he attempted to piece me together.

"If I'm doing something wrong or if you want something to change, Maggie, just tell me," he said, his voice strained. "Tell me, because I don't want to ever have you not trust me with shit like this, or anything at all." His eyes raised to mine, again. "I want you to trust me—"

"I do," I rushed out. "I do." My head fell with a frustrated sigh, but not at him. At me. "I didn't...I didn't want you to leave."

His eyes jerked over mine in shock. "In what fucking world would I leave you, Maggie?" he questioned. "Because it sure as hell isn't this one."

I broke our eye contact, my own burning with shame. "It would be if you knew the truth, if you knew me..." I bit at the corner of my cheek, biting back the tears. "I was afraid that if I showed you, you'd leave. You'd realize that this, I, wasn't worth it."

A moment of silence passed before he broke it, "Maggie," he said my name, slowly. "Maggie, look at me. Now."

I shook my head once, but just as I did, I felt him grow closer. My skin was kissed by his presence, and the longer I embraced it, the more flushed I grew. Luke balanced a finger under my chin, tipping my head up to him.

His dark eyes mirrored the honesty in his words. "Maggie," he said, softly. "Nothing, and I mean nothing in this fucking world could make me even think of leaving you. I promise you that."

I sniffled, shaking my head. "You can't say that. Not before you know—"

"I could get a list of every single thing you hate about yourself, of every single thing that you think is bad about yourself, and I will still say the most honest thing I've ever known: I'm not going anywhere," he confessed in a gentle tone. "And, I promise you...there will never, ever, be a day, or a time, or any type of situation where you're not worth everything to me." I felt my glistening eyes drape shut as he tugged me to him by my wrists, immediately wrapping me in his arms. "You hear me?"

I nodded into his chest, tightening my arms around his figure. The honesty in his tone, and the words alone etched right into the heart I thought was cold for so long. The one that had only began to thaw around him.

His chest struggled with a sigh, before he brought his hand to the back of my head, gently stroking through my hair. I squeezed my eyes shut, leaning into him until I couldn't any longer.

Even though he was consoling me in the softest way possible, I could feel it in the atmosphere. His anger was still in route, drifting and riding down the lane of my lies.

When we pulled back, he checked me over. His jaw was still hinged tight, but he managed to suppress his temper in order to make sure I was okay first.

With a sigh, his hands loosened from me. His heated gaze traveled over me once, before it fell, elsewhere.

"I'm gonna get a shower," he mumbled, turned, then headed for the hallway.

I stared after his back, then in the empty space he left behind. It barely even mirrored the emptiness that followed inside of me at his departure.

It was a mistake, I understood that. And, it was one that I wouldn't make, again. It wasn't fair to accept his help, and not give him, me, the best shot at winning this. I did feel guilty about it.

For right now, though, I'd give him his time to cool down. I knew that a couple of late apologies wouldn't do much, but it was all I had to offer. That, and the truth from here on out.

It was only seven o'clock, but the fight with him had left me exhausted. Having him mad at me made my stomach fall with sadness. I didn't like it.

After I cleared the rest of the table, I waited a couple of extra minutes, before going to my room. Despite wanting to go to his, I knew that he wouldn't want me near him, right now.

I shut the door to my bedroom after me, and headed for the bed. With the night lights, I was more comfortable with turning the light off, which would help provide a better rest.

Except for tonight, I would be on my own. I knew a nightmare would surely occur, because there was no way in hell that Luke was coming in after the fight.

My eyes remained over the flat screen as the reruns of some old show played. It was a bit comforting, but it didn't touch the same, certain comfort Luke brought.

I sighed, rolling onto my side. The television was still running, but the volume was on mute.

I squeezed my eyes shut until it hurt, but to no avail. "Come on, Maggie," I muttered to myself. "Go to sleep."

Just as I reopened them, I heard the door to my room creak open.

For a second, I thought myself to have imagined it. I remained still, staring at the nightlight with a frown.

It was just my hallucination. Luke wasn't coming in when he was so pissed at me, and I couldn't blame him. I'd keep the chimera going, though, if it rocked me into a state of rest.

I shut my eyes, again. I knew it wouldn't be enough by itself.

The bed dipped, and my backside was pulled into something both hard and soft. The same warmth wrapped around my waist, one hand falling to my stomach, and pressing me back into his figure. 

My eyes snapped open, again. It was real.

I remained in place, my chest rocky with nerves. Him being here was was throwing me off bad, but his hand placement alone was making my mind race. "I thought you were mad at me."

Luke remained quiet for a moment, his finger stroking circles into my stomach. That motion alone awoke the butterflies, immediately. "I'm pissed."

A single breath flew from my lips; I knew that much. "Why are you here, then?"

"Because," he started, resting his chin along the top of my head. I felt him sigh as he reached down to pull the blanket over us. "I don't give two fucks how mad we are at each other. If you don't want to talk to me, if I don't want to talk to you...I don't care. I'm not letting the nightmares get to you. Ever."

I bit back the burning in my eyes. The tears weren't directed at him, but at what he said, at what he was doing. Even though I fucked up by not trusting him, he was still here.

He didn't run, or give up on me like I feared. He was more worried than anything, and even then, he came to make sure that I wouldn't have a nightmare.

"Luke," I whispered, my hand falling on top of his. "I'm sorry."

His strokes stopped, now just resting on top of my stomach. I felt his chest suck in, before it fell in one shaky breath. Instead of responding directly to it, he swung the blanket over to my side so that I'd have more.

"Just get some sleep, Norris," he mumbled. "You know I won't let the bad dreams get you."

I nodded, sniffling as I shut my eyes. His fingers trailed up my neck, reaching my chin until he began to stroke, again. It was more effective than a lullaby.

Sleep sucked me right in as one final thought passed: time would hopefully heal it, so that's what I'd give.

***

I lifted myself from under the hood of the car, gently slamming it shut. While I wiped my hands free of the oil, I glanced up to see Luke, who had just finished walking Fang.

My mouth opened for speech, as it had done so many times, but I refrained. It would do no good. Luke hadn't spoken to me all day.

He hadn't even completed his routinely workout this morning. I was the first to wake up, and he'd still been holding me. I got up, then went to make us breakfast which consisted of his favorite foods, but despite his thank you, his anger remained in place.

I didn't know what to do about it. I'd apologized as soon as I saw him this morning, as well as moments before he left with Fang. I'd voiced my regrets. I knew I thought that time would be best, but it was different when I was giving it to someone I considered of his importance.

Luke passed by me, only sparing a side glance my way. It was quick, but when I returned it, he glanced elsewhere, and continued on down the driveway and to the front door.

With a sigh, I stared after him. If it weren't so hot out here, I would probably stay in place to avoid the awkwardness inside. But we lived together. I needed to just power through it, so that's what I'd do.

The car beeped out behind me as I locked it, and I headed toward the door. I needed to go into town for a couple of things before it got dark, but I wanted to ask Luke to join me. Despite how tense the car ride would be, I wanted to make sure that Luke knew I took this, him, seriously.

Once I made it inside, I didn't see Luke in the living room. Fang was laying on the couch, despite not being allowed to. Since he looked so adorable resting there, I let him have it.

With a smile, I grazed my hand over his coat as I passed him. "Hey, honey." As badly as I wanted to play with him, I needed to go.

I observed over the kitchen for Luke, but he wasn't there, either. I shrugged it off, instead making my way to my bedroom for a shower. I'd text him afterwards to let him know.

As soon as I was in, I caught sight of a black glint coming from my bed. When I approached it, I realized what it was. A new phone with a note attached to the back.

I got you a new one just in case they started to track the old. As soon as you have everything sent over, we'll trash your old one and the SIM card.

—Luke

Shit. I especially wished I'd told him about the threats earlier, now. I hadn't even really thought of the possibility of the sender tracking me from the phone until now.

I didn't bother doing much, other than putting in my contacts. As soon as I got there, I felt a smile pull at my lips when I saw Luke had already added his own. It was shocking, but he even added Kade and Levi's, as well.

I admired the phone over. It was expensive, no doubt. The phone case was in my favorite color, as well. I would have been fine with anything, but I appreciated this, just as well.

After I sent out a text to some of the contacts for an alert of the number change, I placed it back down. I didn't have more than fifteen, so it didn't take too long.

Once I finished up, I headed for my shower. It was difficult getting all of the oil from my skin and nails, but I managed to do so with extra effort. As soon as I was out and dried, I wrapped my hair up to dry.

I tied a towel around me, then stepped back into my bathroom. Before I looked for my clothes, I went ahead and shot Luke a text that read, 'I'm going to Branzons in a couple of minutes.'

I waited a couple of moments before placing the phone back down. He'd see it in a minute, or two.

Just as I went to unravel the towel in my hair, the door slammed open against the wall with a loud smack, making me jump out of my skin.

"Who the fuck is Branzon?"

I jerked around, still rubbing at my burning chest. My eyes fell over Luke for observation.

The only thing that he had on was a pair of boxers, as well as a scowl. His upper body was dried, but his hair was dripping wet. Other than that, nothing at all.

Jesus. Something strong zapped through me until it hit me in the stomach, then lower.

I forced my eyes to remain on his as I cocked a brow at him. "Did you just get out of the shower?"

"You're damn right I did." His scowl deepened as he shook his phone at me. "As soon as it read out your message, I got out and came to find out who the hell this fucker, Branzon, is and why you're headed there."

I swept an odd look over him, turning to finish the search for my clothes. "Because I needed some di—"

"Finish that sentence the way I think you're going to finish it, and I swear to you, Maggie," he cut me off in the form of a warning growl.

I turned around once I had my bra, balancing a look of confusion on him. "What are you talking about?"

His body was so stiff with annoyance, it seemed painful. He was crossing between a frown, and a scowl now, a darkish glare settled over his face as he watched me.

With a shrug, I placed my things on the bed. "I mean, you can come with me, if you want—"

He scoffed. "You can bet your ass, I'm coming with you," he responded with an bulky sense of attitude. "I'll be more than happy to meet this fucker for myself."

I blinked at him. "What..." My voice fell as I thought it over.

It clicked, then. How I missed it was nearly ludicrous.

He thought that Branzon was a man, and he thought that I was going to go meet up with said man for a hookup.

The jealousy continued to grow along his rough expression as he watched me chuckle. A part of me wanted to let the poor man in on it, but I couldn't help myself. I'd fuck with him for a bit, before telling him that Branzon was just a thrift store granny and I used to love to shop at.

Attempting to hold in my laughter, I nodded. "I'll meet you in the car in a minute."

His jaw clenched down, his nostrils flaring. "If you're not out here in five minutes, I'm going to find this Brandon bastard my own damn self."

"Branzon," I corrected after him.

"I don't give two shits what his name is; it's a stupid name for a stupid bitch either way," he snapped back, jerking around.

With that, he marched out of my bedroom, his sizable jealousy stringing along right after him.

As soon as I heard the door to his bedroom slam shut, I couldn't help myself. The laughter washed out of me until I was teary-eyed. He was such a cute idiot.

I wasn't sure when I'd tell him the truth, but I decided his reaction would be worth it for the time being. It was actually cute seeing him so jealous, but it was uproarious that it was over a thrift shop.

Once I finished dressing, I headed for the door of my bedroom. Luke was waiting right by the door, still murmuring profanities and curses at this 'Branzon.'

I withheld a chuckle, walking toward the front door. Luke opened it for me, as well as the car door.

As soon as we were in, he voiced his opinion on the matter in a way that had my stomach hurting from trying not to laugh.

"The fuck does he think he's doing texting you for a hookup any goddamned way?" he hissed under his breath, nearly running his mailbox over as he tore out of the driveway. "And, at..." In his rambles, he glanced over the time on his radio. As soon as he read it, he threw his arms up with an eye roll. "Five fucking o'clock in the evening. The fucker probably didn't even stop to think that you haven't even eaten yet, let alone is wanting to fuck and whatever the hell else..." his rant continued on as he glared ahead.

I nodded along, barely even managing to sustain my humor. I handed him my old phone to chunk out of the window. I didn't have anything that would make me miss it, and if it threatened me, I was more than glad to let it go.

Luke rolled his window down, tossing the phone into the air with much more force then necessary. I nearly wheezed with laughter at him, sinking back into my seat.

He jerked his eyes my way, narrowing them at me. "Give me his address."

I gave it to him, tickled. Even with it, his attitude only grew more sour.

"And you have this fucker's address memorized?" he scoffed, shaking his head. "Oh, fuck no."

I chuckled, turning my eyes to the window. I had to clamp my lips shut to avoid cracking up.

Luke continued to jump over so many profanities, even I was astounded at some of them.

I shook my head, biting my lip to stifle a smile. I'd give the poor thing a break.

I turned toward him, releasing a chuckle. "Luke—"

His eyes squinted at the road as the GPS directed him to take the exit. "Tell me about this son of a bitch," he demanded, his fingers tightening around the wheel. "Why haven't I heard of him, and why in the fuck am I hearing about him, now?"

My original plan rerouted the moment I heard his envy drenched tone. I couldn't help myself.

My grin widened as I shrugged. "I haven't seen him in a while, so I haven't thought to bring it up. Granny likes him, though, a lot." She does, especially when they have a sale, which is often.

Shock and bits of panic washed over his features. "No, she doesn't. Not more than she likes me."

"She does. He always helps her get the best gifts, and don't even get me started on how much money we spend on him."

His eyebrows furrowed with tension. "On him, instead of you? The fuck kind of—"

I shook my head, looking ahead with a chuckle. This man. "Mhm, but he makes up for it, trust me." I emphasized with my arms, stretching them wide. "He's big. And, when I say big, I mean he has a big—"

Luke whipped his eyes over to me, the warning written over his face. "Maggie," he snapped.

I shrugged, cupping my hands together as I laughed, "You were the one who asked."

I knew what he thought I was implying, but that wasn't it. I was actually saying that the thrift store had a big layout, as well as great prices that we spent a lot of money on.

I bit the inside of my cheek, not even fighting my grin, any longer. We were only a couple of feet away from the store, so I'd put it to rest when we got there. It was entertaining while it lasted, though.

I saw his jaw tick under a clench. "If you try getting out of this car for that son of a bitch, Maggie, I swear, I'm locking you in here, you hear me?" he warned, tapping a finger against the wheel. "I'm breaking this fucker's jaw the moment he opens the door. And, you better believe I'm erasing your number from his phone before I snap the shit in half."

I laughed, nodding. "You do that, Luke."

Luke whipped us into a parking spot so quickly, it nearly gave me whiplash. His eyes jerked over the store with a glower.

"This his?" he threw my way, flicking his head at the building.

I crossed my arms, giving a teasing smile. "Sure is."

I could see the confusion tightening his brow, but he shrugged it off. "Fine," he decided, twisting in his seat to reach behind me. "Let me find my matches to make his ass step out—"

At this, my laughter began pouring from my mouth in endless waves. I couldn't hold it.

Luke leaned back, the box of matches, and a lighter in his hand. His eyes narrowed at me with accusation. "The fuck is so funny?"

I swept at the corners of my eyes as I attempted to reel it in. "You." At his growing confusion, I motioned toward the building. "Branzon is a thrift store, you idiot."

His eyes fell to the matches, his expression falling with it. He gazed down at his hands with nothing, but bafflement. "What?"

My head thumped against the seat as I giggled. "Jealousy looks cute on you, Luke. Real freaking cute."

I could see the realization working way past his jealousy. Once it did, he cursed under his breath, raising his eyes to mine with annoyance. "I wasn't jealous."

I rubbed at my chest for relief from the laughter. "Luke, you grabbed a box of matches and a lighter—"

He scoffed, placing them back in their place. "That was just... determination." As soon as he was back to me, his gaze shifted into a glare. "That wasn't funny, Maggie."

I shrugged, attempting to calm myself. "To me, it was perfect."

With an eye roll, he sunk back into his seat with a grumpy look. His frown only grew as he reflected. "Earlier, you said you wanted dick, then you said—"

I shook my head, gently smacking his knee. "I was going to say that I needed some new dishes," I explained. "And, I meant that granny and I love their deals, so we used to spend a lot of money there when she wasn't sick." I turned to the building, motioning to the large space it took up. "And, that's what I meant by big."

His glare remained as he crossed his arms. With a huff, he remained in his grouchy position until I tugged at his arm.

I flashed a smile, nodding toward the building. "Come on. I promise you'll like Branzon even more than I do. They're real nice—"

His melting expression shifted back into a cool one at my teasing. "Maggie," he hissed.

I laughed, squeezing his arm. "Fine, fine. I'll buy you a pretty new dish to make up for it." The poor thing was so flustered from his temper, his skin was still warm.

"I'm not letting you pay for shit," he argued in a mumble, still glaring ahead. "But...fine. I'll go."

With a chuckle from me, we both got out. As soon as we met sides, I bumped into him to try to erase his scowl. "Come on, give me a little smile, already. You know you want to."

Luke tried his hardest to let his eyes remain on the concrete, but when he caught himself glancing my way, he was rolling back a smile. As soon as it started, he erased it with a shake of the head.

I grinned with cockiness, kicking his foot with mine. "I saw that."

"You didn't see shit, but the last of my patience."

"Nope," I shook my head, laughing. "It was a smile. It was one of my most favorite smiles in the whole world, and it was given to me, and only me—"

Luke drawled out a groan, yanking the door open for me. "Norris."

I walked in, immediately turning to him. "Mhm?"

"You're a brat." This time, he let his smile show, his dimple sinking as he rolled his eyes. "My brat."