"I'm here. I love you. I don't care if you need to stay up crying all night long, I will stay with you. There's nothing you can ever do to lose my love. I will protect you until you die, and after your death I will still protect you." – Elizabeth Gilbert (I love this quote!💕)

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Chapter 39
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Maggie

"Okay," I huffed, flicking my head at the active dog. "One more time, and that's it."

Fang gave me a look that screamed 'yeah, right.' He was right to have it; we'd been playing for so long, my legs were wobbly from the new activity.

I threw one of his toys that was barely hanging on for dear life, and without an ounce of exhaustion, he went to retrieve it. I chuckled as I watched him, taking the chance to glance back at the window, again.

Lookers could only see through the inside, not from the outside. It was helpful to know, but it looked quite freaky from the inside.

Luke had said he'd be out in a minute, though. It'd been several, but he was still inside. For what, I had no idea.

My gaze returned to Fang. He was such a good, sweet boy. I would miss him when I left, but hopefully, Luke wouldn't mind me visiting for him.

And, only him.

Maybe. I think.

My lips parted for a sigh. If I didn't get this, whatever feeling under control soon, I don't know how long I'll be able to keep my sanity at bay.

At least what was left of it.

I pulled at the ends of my hoodie, using my other hand to gently tug at the leash. "Let's go, honey." I paused before adding, "I'll give you some treats, too."

Fang's head popped up from the bush he'd been nesting in. A moment later, and he was practically dragging me along to the house. I chuckled at his enthusiasm, but followed along, anyway.

My fingers stroked at his head as I undid the leash, to which Fang treaded off toward my room, somewhere he'd started to sleep lately. I'd join him in a minute, but I needed to find Luke first.

Afterwards, I wanted to get started on my midterm paper for school. I'd been putting it off till now, but that was the beauty of online classes: I had all week to finish my assignments.

My eyes followed over the plain interior as I walked. There were a couple pieces of furniture that were neatly arranged around the space, but that was it. This didn't seem like much of a home for Luke, just a house.

If I was honest, though...I dreaded going home. I wasn't sure if Jax would still be around when I came home, or if it would be just as empty as Luke's.

And, as embarrassing as it was...I was terrified to be alone.

I'd gotten a little too comfortable here, if I were honest. Laying with Luke in my bed, watching movies, ordering takeout and taking walks with Fang, I'd grown so attached to it all in the little time I'd been here. I didn't want to leave.

I wondered if he would be okay with me visiting. I could pass it off as just walking to see Fang. Maybe I could even manage to sleep in my room, again. Luke would definitely tease me about it, but he might let it happen.

And, then there was the cuddling. I wasn't even sure if it were possible to sleep alone after being with Luke. There were no more nightmares, no more night terrors or spasms. It was peace.

I didn't want to lose it. Not when I'd just found it for the first time in a decade.

My gaze jerked over the door to Luke's bedroom. From what I could hear, he had turned off his television, resulting in only silence. I found it strange, since he usually had something playing for background noise.

My fingers raised to knock, but I stopped myself. Was he busy? Was I interrupting?

What was I talking about?

I wasn't scared of confrontation, let alone with Luke. A few months ago, I would have just barged into the room without a second thought.

Except, this was now. And, now I was nervous as shit.

I drew out a sigh.

Fuckitfuckit—

I banged on the door a little too hard. "Hey, dingus..."

No answer followed, not even a peep.

I tried, again. "Uh...Luke?" I stroked at the back of my neck, glancing between the door and the floor. "Are you jerking off or something? I mean, it's cool if you are, but if you could just let it go for a second and—"

The door pulled open so quickly, I had to catch myself from falling through.

With a huff, I steadied my feet, shoving the invading strands of hair to the back of my ear. I should have put it up, but I hadn't thought anything of it all day.

Luke, whose damp strands of hair were ruffled atop his head, was standing in the doorway, a grim look on his face.

"Sorry," I rushed out, clamping my hand around the other. "Were you busy?"

"Nah, I was just taking a shower."

I knew that, but it sounded better than nothing. "I thought you took one a minute ago, though." Unless I was mistaken, he did, less than an hour ago, I believed.

"Mhm," he hummed, running a hand through the wet locks. His eyes hadn't left the ground this entire time. "I just needed to think for a minute."

"Oh?" I managed a nod, motioning to him. "About what?"

His eyes finally raised to mine. They were red, like he'd been rubbing them for hours on end, with an expression so blank, the only standout scene was the heavy frown along his lips.

Shaking his head, again, he mumbled, "It was nothing." He turned his back to me, using the towel that was wrapped around his neck to dry his hair. With a hand flick, he motioned for me to join him inside. "Did you need something?"

I nodded to try and give myself more time to answer. "Yeah." I wasn't sure what had turned his mood so sour, but it was obviously there. "Yeah. Of course."

I stepped inside of the spacious space. I'd been in here a couple of times, but now, I had a chance to do a quick sweep over. It resembled the others, of course.

Luke's spacious bedroom featured a grand California king-sized bed, snugly nestled against the left wall. Grey blankets and plump pillows adorned the bed, creating an inviting haven, with a sleek silver nightstand by its side.

In the heart of the pristine white walls, a sleek flat screen TV hung, perfectly positioned for Luke's viewing from the comfort of his bed. Below the television, facing the bed, a generously-sized, cloud-like grey dog bed occupied the cozy corner. Playfully scattered across it were a collection of colorful dog toys and sticks, awaiting Fang's attention.

On the opposite side of the room, a walk-in closet, seemingly as spacious as a small apartment, dominated the space. A gleaming silver dresser was positioned adjacent to the closet, its surface scattered with cologne, lotion, deodorant, and other essentials.

Although the bathroom door on that side remained closed, the overall atmosphere mirrored the luxurious comfort of the rest of the room. The only notable distinction from my room and his was that mine had a fireplace, while his didn't.

There were no pictures or anything, though. Not of his friends, or of Fang. I hadn't even seen one of his mother. Nothing, but color. I wasn't quite sure why, but it wasn't my house to critique.

I moved my gaze to the back of his head. The muscles in his back taunted me from here, moving and gliding so effortlessly with every movement he made. Jesus.

"Nothing important," I responded, dragging my eyes from his appeal. "I was just trying to see if you were hungry."

His feet padded over to the walk-in closet, disappearing inside without paying me a look. "Are you?"

I nodded, then remembered that he couldn't see it. "I am."

"Then, I'm starving," he responded, his voice echoing through the quiet room. "Chili dogs?"

I nearly moaned at the thought. My grumbling stomach seemed to like it, too.

My feet shifted until I got to the front of his bed. I fell back into the spacey mattress with my arms spread out. "Heck yes."

Since he was too indulged in his closet to notice, I found myself captivated by the lingering scent of his sheets, a detail I hate to admit. It bore the unmistakable imprint of him: a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy cologne, accompanied by the invigorating trace of fresh aftershave. With each inhale, I couldn't help but savor the subtle allure, my senses working tirelessly to absorb every nuance of it.

I glanced in the direction of the closet, but I couldn't see him. He was in too deep. Something was definitely up with him.

I decided to head straight for it. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," I heard him. "Don't worry about me."

The past few minutes said otherwise, though. I wasn't sure if I should pry, or if I should wait for him to come to me about it.

My eyes raised to the ceiling with a teasing grin. "Luke," I taunted. "I'm laying in your bed. Wrinkling and tearing at the sheets, and everything."

My hands fell to my stomach as I awaited the stomping, the cursing, and him just throwing a fit. None came, though.

I tried, again, "Fang, get off of the bed." Fang was elsewhere, probably chewing on a bone, but Luke didn't know that.

When I didn't receive an answer, my eyes turned to the closet, again.

Huffing, I rolled my eyes. "How many girls have you had in here, anyway?" I expected the answer to come quickly, and in a large amount. It wouldn't be a shocker.

"None."

"Yeah, right."

"It's true," he responded back. "I've never let a girl in my own bed before. Or, in my house. Shit's too personal."

"What?" My brow rose at the seriousness in his tone. "Really?"

"Really," he confirmed. "So I guess you'd be the first."

Well. I blinked past the shock. "Wow." I hadn't expected that answer, nor the relief and sense of confidence that followed at it.

Moments later, Luke emerged from the closet, dressed in a casual black hoodie and sweatpants. He gave me a flick of the head and asked, "Ready?'"

I nodded, lifting myself from the bed. Even when I was up, the luring scent of him nearly had me falling right back down.

When we passed the kitchen, I glanced around the lit space. "Are you gonna leave the light on?"

He nodded. "I told you, the lights stay on at all times now."

I blinked at his backside. "It's daytime—"

"They stay on."

I followed behind him, gazing at the back of his head as if it had all the answers. Just as always, though, it remained the same. Confusion, and only more confusion.

I shook my head, drowning the thoughts away.

I was going to go enjoy some chili dogs, come home, get a warm bath, and work on my essay. I didn't have time to think about his mood swings right now.

I guessed Luke was thinking the same by his silence. He remained that way, mouth set in a firm line. Even on the drive to the restaurant, neither of us spoke.

I decided to distract myself with my phone, though it barely did anything to help soothe me. It was strange not hearing Luke's voice, but I couldn't force him to talk.

The calls and messages from Jax came in a mass, and continuous pace. Even while he was supposed to be at work, his determination didn't die.

He wasn't the only one. Raven and Kimberly had started their rounds, as well. The last time I texted them was to tell them that I was okay after the shit with Xander and Quinn went down.

I'd give it to them, though. They were determined. Their love for me was so evident, and as much as I appreciated it, I knew that, realistically...I didn't deserve it. Them.

Just as the burning thought started to sear through my icy block of avoidance, my phone buzzed in my lap, this time with a call. It was an unknown number, so I passed it off as a scam and continued on to the group chat. Raven was the top contact.

Raven: SOS. I told Levi I wanted to try weed. He bought me edibles for my first time.

Raven: I'm scared as shit, but I'm so curious, too. But what if I have a trip? I wanted to do shrooms first, but he refused. Help.

Raven: I could be dying, and you two aren't even answering. Wow. Kiss my ass.

Raven: Update: I did it.

Kimberly: Success, or failure?

Raven: Hang tight: I had a bad trip at first, gave myself a panic attack, Levi held me through it, cleaned my throw up, and kept bottle-feeding me water until I calmed down. We built towel forts together on the terrace, ordered five-hundred dollars worth of food, and watched Barbie movies on his laptop until we fell asleep. I'm not sure if this was a fail or a win.

Raven: Also, somewhere in the midst we got stuck shopping online, so you're both welcome for the free shoes.

Kimberly: Raven...

Kimberly: I don't know whether or not to be proud or concerned, hun.

It took me a minute to catch up, but once I did, I laughed.

Me: You actually tried weed?

Raven: Well, edibles, but yeah. Levi only gave me a bit, but when he went to the bathroom, I ate the whole brownie, and thought I saw Charlie and the fucking chocolate factory from our terrace.

Raven: And, oh my god, you're back!

Raven: I've missed you.

Raven: What the hell is wrong with you? Where have you been?

Kimberly: We've missed you so much. Are you okay?

I chuckled at them both, pulling at the phone's skin cover for relief. God, how I wished I was able to answer truthfully.

Me: I know you both missed me, but shiiit. Give a girl a break.

Raven: Don't you dare leave us like that, again, Maggie Norris. I don't care what's going on, do you hear me?!

Kimberly: Agreed. You know we're here.

Me: I'm fine. Don't worry.

Raven: Jax called us the other night. He was talking about something that went down between the both of you. Is everything okay?

I refrained from mentioning that Jax was in the group chat, and he was probably reading all of these messages as we speak. I planned to end the conversation soon, though.

Me: It was just a small disagreement.

Raven: Small? It didn't seem like it.

My heart wrung as I reread the message over. Just thinking of my brother hurt, but at the thought of him hurting because of me...it made my mind sore.

Kimberly: I've never seen Jax like that.

Me: It was nothing, guys.

Jax: It was.

I sucked in a breath at his contact. My fingers hovered over the screen for a response, but none came up.

Me: I gotta go. Love you.

Shoving the phone back into my bag, I pushed it away from me. I didn't plan on opening it for the next couple of hours.

To my luck, Luke had just pulled into the parking lot, which was nearly empty since the time of the day. Kimberly, Raven, and I used to stop by here on the days we were all off work. It was more of a shack than anything, but the food was to die for.

As Luke and I walked toward the entrance, I nearly jumped out of my skin at his voice. "You wanna eat on the patio or take it home?" he questioned, pulling the door of the building open for me.

I nodded in gratitude before turning my attention to him. "Patio. I need the fresh air." It'd give me a minute to level my head with a calming environment, despite Luke's attitude.

Together, we strolled side by side until we reached the menu. A blackboard, suspended by two chains, loomed above the cashier's counter, menu items elegantly scripted in vivid purple chalk, beckoning with their delectable offerings.

We both walked to it, where Luke crossed his arms, bumping into my side. "What do you want?"

The tantalizing aroma of chili and freshly-cut French fries beckoned, tempting me to indulge in every item on the menu at that very moment, but I managed to focus on only one. "A number seven with no bean chili, please."

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught him turning his head. I did the same, raising my eyebrows at his stunned expression. "No bean chili? Really?"

"Mhm."

"Shit," he mused, chuckling. "Me too."

My brows shot up at him. "Seriously?"

"The texture fucks me up every time," he explained, face scrunched with disgust.

I nearly threw my arms up with exaggeration; no one else agreed with me on that. "Exactly! It's gross, right?"

"Fuck yeah it is."

"Kimberly and Raven thought I was insane," I scoffed, pulling out my wallet.

Luke's chest bounced with a laugh. "Kade and Levi, too."

I tried to give him my card, but it earned me a silly look in return. With an eye roll, I put it back in my wallet. My mind was too tired to be arguing over who would pay for hot dogs, right now.

I left him to make his choice and sought refuge on the serene patio. There, around four or five immaculate picnic tables were thoughtfully arranged, each stocked with the essentials – an array of seasonings, dressings, and neatly folded napkins. While the tables were cozy, there was just enough room to navigate comfortably. Overhead, each table sported a mid-sized umbrella, a touch of shade on standby should it be needed.

Positioning myself at a table in the heart of the patio, I aimed for a view of the captivating waves behind it. Though they weren't crashing at that moment, their presence was undeniable, a soothing and picturesque backdrop that struck the perfect balance between tranquility and scenic beauty.

I didn't know which point to hit first: Jax, my father, or Luke. The third option came marching right in before I could, though.

Luke placed my tray in front of me and then settled his own in front of him. Expecting him to sit across from me, I was surprised when he chose the seat beside me instead.

I cast a side glance at him, which he caught. "What?"

I raised a brow. "You're in my seat."

He looked down to the little space between us, then rolled his eyes. "I don't think so, Norris."

My fingers curled around the plastic fork resting nearby, ready to dive into the generous heaps of chili before me. "There's literally a whole space in front of me."

"I'm glad you noticed," he retorted sarcastically. "I just wanna be close to you. Just in case." He shoved his straw into his large cup, and handed me mine, as well.

I took it. "In case of what?" The several mustard packets for my fries made my smile rise. I shook out of it long enough to tease, "Are you thinking there's going to be a shootout or something?"

His wide shoulders jumped in a shrug, skipping right over the joke. He threw a fry back, nodding at the empty spot in front of us. "If there is, I can cover you from here easier than over there."

"Cover me with what, exactly?"

Luke threw another fry back, then swept his hand over the napkin. The other grabbed at his shirt, lifting it. My eyes caught the silver glint before I saw it in its entirety. Against the bronze of his abs sat a gun, right in the crook of his jeans.

He flicked his head toward the parking lot, meanwhile letting his gaze remain on his food. "There's a couple in the car, too. Just in case."

I blinked so hard, it hurt. My lips parted, but only a puff came out. Well, okay.

He was serious about protecting me. I'd seen it many times before, but he was thinking of the things that I hadn't even considered just yet. It was relieving, that and more of the fact that for the first time, I wasn't alone in this part of my life.

We ate in silence until he broke it.

"Maggie." My name came off much more like a question than anything else.

"First name?" I teased with a small smile. "It must be serious."

I'd grown so accustom to my last name, or his nickname, that anything else just sounded like a crime, now.

His expression remained tight with tension. "Because it is."

"Okay." Sweeping over my mouth with the napkin, I turned to face him. "What is it?"

Luke looked to me, and I nearly shrunk under his gaze in return. For the first time in ten years, it felt as if someone really looked at me. Looked into me. It was like he knew every cresses, every crook and cranny of my soul, and like he was only waiting for me to discover the same thing.

It made me nauseous. I didn't like being bare, or open. It made me vulnerable.

He shifted to face me, his napkin nearly ripping from his death grip. "I want you to start living with me for good. Now."

I was glad I put the hot dog down, because if I hadn't, this surely would have went worse.

I stared at him, my expression frozen with shock. "What?"

"You heard me."

I shook my head, my mouth dry. "No, no, don't start with your little confusing messages—"

"Fine," he said. "I want you to move in with me. Hear me now?"

I scrubbed a hand down my face, expecting a teasing grin or any type of joke to follow, but none came. "What?"

With an eye roll, he nodded at me. "How's that 4.0 gpa working for you?"

My eyes switched between him, the chili dog, then the sea. All three were making me queasy all the same.

"We can't," was all that I could force out.

Luke snorted. "Says who?"

"Everyone," I argued. "Every freaking thing that holds any crumb of common sense."

"Fuck them and fuck that. Move in with me."

I stumbled back as if he'd shot me. With the shock that was beginning to rip my reality into two, he might as well have.

"You're playing with me," I mumbled. "Aren't you?" It was troubling how badly I wanted him to say no.

His expression answered it first. It remained just as sobersided, not an ounce of mistruth in sight. He was being...serious.

"Your brother is moving out," he stated. "Which means that you'll be on your own, which means that the chances of you getting hurt rise. I'm not letting them."

I blinked past his words. He wanted me to move in with him, to live with him, to see him every single day for god knows how long, to share the same space...

It wasn't too different from what we'd been doing ever since I wrecked his building, though. We'd spent nearly every waking moment together.

But, this...it was more than just a sleepover or a little hangout. This was commitment, trust, and genuine.

I didn't trust genuine.

I whipped my head up to him. "Why?"

An eyebrow raised at me. "I just told you why—"

"No," I cut him off. "I mean, why, Luke?"

There was no doubt this time, just the question in itself: why was he helping me?

If anything, I was supposed to be the one doing things for him. I destroyed his place. I cost him thousands of dollars. I was supposed to be making up for those charges in exchange for prison time.

That was our agreement, but ever since then, it hadn't been that. I wasn't even sure of when things shifted to such disparity and overwhelming rounds of intensity, but here the hell we were.

Luke took a moment, biting at the inside of his cheek. If anything, it looked like a method to stop him from saying too much, but then I remembered: this was Luke.

Finally, he gave way to a sigh. His eyes raised to mine. "A debt still has to be paid for my shop. It's not possible if my employee isn't around."

His employee.

Why did that sting the way it did? It was true. I was an employee, and he was technically my boss. I'd been making that point to myself for weeks now. I had a debt to pay, and I wouldn't be able to from the grave. This was simply business to him.

Yet, the words pressed around in my head until it was molded in. The pain that followed remained in every aspect of my bones, in my skin, and in my heart. It hurt.

Luke was completely oblivious to it, instead focusing on tearing at the napkin. Stark white pieces flew and glittered across the tabletop in all different directions, only offering a physical representation of my thoughts, right now.

"You won't have to pay for anything," he added, staring right at the waves that seemed to have nothing on the roar of commotion in my head. "Groceries, the bills, all that shit, it's on me. You can keep the room you have or we can switch it, or something. You won't have to do or give a thing, not at all."

I blinked past the burning in my eyes, focusing on him. His gaze found mine, the determination and desperation both facing me.

I knew he was waiting for a response, so I finally managed, "I can't, Luke. You can't. We can't."

With a scoff, he leaned away to get a full view of me. His agitated expression only hardened the longer he held his gaze. "Give me three good reasons, Norris. Three."

"I can give a million."

"Uh huh," he scoffed, crossing his arms, unimpressed. "Talk to me, then."

I mimicked his position, pulling my arms to my chest. My words were too jumbled right now, so instead of using them, I leaned forward to thump him in the forehead.

Luke jerked back from the impact, a scowl pulling at his lips. "Shit," he snapped, passing a glare over me. "The fuck was that for?"

"The beginning," I rushed out, flicking my head at him. "If I move in with you, you'll get one of those every single day. And, I mean it, too; I'm a consistent woman when it comes to these things. Sounds terrible, doesn't it?"

Luke returned the action, flicking me right in the corner of my forehead as I did him. With a hiss, I rubbed at the spot while throwing a cursed glare at him.

He shrugged, a smirk hanging across his lips. "It sounds fantastic, now."

I shook my head, tightening my lips to stop from cursing him. Instead, I used the opportunity to arrange my havoc of a mind until I had something.

"You'll be in danger," I warned him. "Real danger, Luke. I can't ask you to—"

"You're not asking me," he settled, holding his expression up. "I'm asking you, not the other way around. Me. Not you. Next one."

I clenched my jaw, pushing the tray farther across the table so that I was able to rest my arms. Luke remained as still as a statue, eyes studying me over for a sense of acceptance.

My eyes fell. "My dad," I started. "He'll try to kill me."

Luke's chuckle hit me in the stomach. "He won't even get close."

I sighed, turning my hand over to glare at my palm. "He'll try to kill you."

"I'd like to see him try."

I clenched my hand shut around the edge of the table, pinching at the wood. "Confident of you."

"It's not being confident, it's being honest." He shrugged. "Every single person on this earth is a blood bag under dirt, mush, and bones. No matter how you look at it, it's true. The fuck do we have to be scared of?" he continued, scoffing. "We all fall the same, and until that shit changes, I'll never be afraid of any person walking this earth."

I pulled my feet under myself, concentrating on both him and what he'd said. Even though he could have worded it a little more meticulously, I could understand just fine.

It correlated with my own belief: that every single person on this earth is capable of falling, no matter how high they think they are from the ground, because everyone has to come down for a drink of water, eventually.

There was no real reason to be afraid of anyone when you put away the weapons and the facade, technically. It was a fact. We were all just skin and bone.

"As for your father," he added, shaking his head, the muscle in his jaw ticking as he clenched it. "I'm gonna enjoy burying a bullet in his fucking skull."

His voice leaked of so much hatred, I nearly feared that he knew of Owen Norris. Of what happened. Of what he'd done. Of what I'd done.

I shook the thought away before it could yank me too deep. I focused on Luke instead, who was glaring ahead at the body of water.

"It won't be you," I corrected, steadying my voice. "I get the kill-shot."

Luke whipped his head to me, the surprise in his expression evident. My own remained the same.

I didn't care what went on. Or, when it would happen, or how it would happen. My responsibility would remain the same.

Kill the monster before they kill you.

Except, he had already killed me. All I had now was this last shot, this last and only redemption, if I could even call it that. When I thought of that final moment between us, all I sought was revenge, and a chance to finally take my freedom back. Nothing could or would topple over that for me.

Luke raised a brow. "You want to be the one to do it?"

"I want nothing more." His lips parted, but I stopped him, "And, don't try to spew any my soul, my virtue, my morals, bullshit. I don't care. I'm not playing god, but trust and believe that I will be the one to pass judgement on that fucker. I'm not letting anyone or anything change that, so save your breath." 

He drew back with shock. "You think I'm gonna stop you?" At my timid expression, he shook his head, nodding at me. "Fuck no, I'm not. I'll be right beside you, an extra bullet in hand just in case you miss."

A sigh of relief came out shaky. I nodded, steadying my gaze on the patio table.

I felt him bump into my shoulder. Usually when he did it, he tried to knock me off my step, which wasn't too hard with his size, but this time, it was gentle.

"You know how to use a gun?" he questioned.

I shook my head. I'd planned to just watch a couple of videos, and go from there, but I had to actually get the gun first. Jax had a couple, but I obviously couldn't ask him.

Luke nodded, lifting his drink from its spot. "You will by the end of this week. By the time we're finished, you'll be able to empty an entire clip in the fucker without even blinking."

My head bobbed with both relief, and fear. I'd never used a gun before, but under these circumstances, I needed to adjust really quick.

"So," Luke started again, fingers bending at his straw. "Should I send out the moving truck tonight, or tomorrow morning?"

I gawked at him. "You didn't even give me a chance to think."

"I've given you..." he paused to glance down at his watch. "Eight minutes, and thirteen seconds, exactly. Fourteen. Fifteen—"

"I get it," I snapped over him before rushing out a sigh. "Listen, I don't know, okay? What if—"

"What if you just mhm, I don't know..." he paused, waving a hand over my face for exaggeration, an eye roll following. "Move in with me?"

The authenticity shone in his eyes, but that same truth didn't diminish my fear.

"Luke," I said uneasily.

"Maggie," he returned with confidence.

At my hanging insecurity, I saw Luke's determination only thicken. His eyes shut just for a moment, blowing out a frustrated breath. He turned to face me, entirely. "Look at me, Maggie."

Slowly, I raised my eyes to his.

"Listen," he sighed out, reaching out to grasp my hand. I let him. "Leaving you in that apartment alone is like throwing you to the lions. I know that we'll have to be around each other and shit like that, but I promise I'll give you your space. I'll sleep on the other side of the house, if you want. Hell, I'll even mark the spots you want to yourself and give them to you. Anything. Just..." he shoved a hand through his hair, a rough puff of air falling out.

Desperate eyes met mine. "Please, Maggie. You're not alone in this anymore, so don't act like you are. Whether you want it or not, we both know that I'm not going anywhere. I'm not giving up on this, or on you."

The thought was much more appeasing than I expected, that was for sure. There were a lot of things I didn't expect, from both him and myself. I didn't think he did, either.

My mind returned to that day at Moarde's. At Xanders. At the event. At the hotel. He had helped me, and he'd done so without malice despite our rivalry. At the time, I believed that he'd only done them to get a good laugh for himself, but no. He'd been there, and he was still trying to be, despite me giving him every reason not to.

I wasn't alone.

The thought was so foreign to me, I needed to draw back from its impact a bit. I wasn't alone, not while Luke was here.

As bad as my ego threatened to disrupt the idea entirely, I took in consideration of myself. I knew that if I were in that apartment alone, I didn't stand a chance.

My father wouldn't be alone; he never was in these type of things. I'd be going against however many men, plus him, alone. As tempting as it was, I knew that realistically, it wasn't possible.

If not for the physical pain, the anxiety could be the one to take me out. After sleeping with Luke for the past week, there was no way in hell I'd be able to return back to...normal?

I didn't think that was the word. I didn't think it was close.

I hadn't slept for more than five hours straight for so long, I'd forgotten that it was wrong. The only time that changed was whenever I was with Luke.

It would probably be more hectic and troubling than good when it came to Luke, but I couldn't deny it. If I wanted to get my best shot at surviving, I needed help. I needed Luke.

I turned to him, my chest bouncing with anticipation. He was already waiting, his neck bobbing as he swallowed. The nervousness mixed in with the plea only softened his features.

I rushed out a sigh, shoving my middle finger out in the same motion. He looked down at it questionably.

"Promise me," I demanded him.

His brows shot up. "What?" he returned. "Promise you what, exactly?"

My eyes fell to my waiting finger. "That, no matter what...you'll let fate be."

I didn't say the truth. What I'd meant was when the time came, he couldn't take the bullet for me. He couldn't try to stop it. He couldn't alter that part of my life.

Whatever happens between my father and I happens without influence.

He cocked his head with confusion, his eyes passing over me. "Are you quoting Shakespeare or some shit—"

"Luke," I snapped over him. "Promise me."

He was already putting his life on the line by helping me. My father wouldn't hesitate to take the shot at him, and even though Luke would probably beat him to the punch, I wouldn't even let the idea pass.

Luke had already done enough for me; I wouldn't let him do that, too. If, when, the time came, I wouldn't let him, or my friends, or my family take the final bullet before I did.

He sighed, still eyeing my finger as he raised his own. He tightened it around mine, shaking it once before looking to me. "So...does this mean that you've made a decision?" His voice seemed to fall an octave at the ending with hope.

I glanced between him and our fingers before finally offering a sample of a nod. The answer was always there. "I guess we're roommates, now, pretty boy."