The cold morning breeze brushes my face as I'm sitting on the windowsill, lost in my thoughts.

Zach was still asleep when I woke up and I needed some time to think anyway, so I stole myself out of bed, slipped into Zach's hoodie and made some coffee.

I sigh. My feelings are confusing me.

I snuggle into his soft hoodie and breathe in his scent which awakens the memories from last night. I take a sip of my hot coffee and close my eyes.

Zach was so tender and respectful last night, but I'm scared of the speed we're moving. I'm scared of how much I care for this guy, who's basically a stranger to me, but at the same time feels so familiar and close. Just the thought of him makes my heart racing.

What if I end up with a broken heart?

"What is going through that beautiful mind of yours?"

Zach's voice pulls me out of my thoughts. His strong arms wrap around my body from behind and he rests his head on my shoulder.

"Just needed some alone time," I reply and turn my face to give him a sheepish smile.

I can feel Zach's soft breath against my neck as he smiles back at me and gently tightens his grip around my waist.

"I'm scared, Zach," I whisper, trying to reveal myself to him, and shoot him with an unsteady glance.

Zach frowns and looks at me with a questioning face.

"Are we moving too fast?" I ask and lower my gaze. Zach takes his hands off me, a gesture which surprisingly hurts me more than I would have thought.

I look up and could have sworn I sense a touch of pain in his eyes.

"I thought you were okay with what happened yesterday," he states in a low voice.

"I am and I have no regrets," I retort quickly and sigh.

"It's just... we've known each other for less than two weeks now and I'm just overwhelmed by how much happened since I met you."

Zach smiles knowingly and nods.

"I know I've brought lots of trouble into your life so far and I can't promise you that no more shit will happen, but I can promise that I will look after you and try my best to keep you safe, as long as I'm here!" he says with a serious but soft voice.

As long as he's here? So, for him this just as a temporary thing?

I don't want to show him how much effect his words have on me, so I just faintly smile at him.

"Okay," I reply and get off the windowsill.

Maybe I'm just overthinking again.

"I'll go for a quick walk," I add and Zach frowns and looks at me with a puzzled face but doesn't retort anything.

Then he nods and smiles at me but doesn't seem too happy about my words.

I slip into my sweats and shoes and shoot him one last glance before I grab my jacket.

As I walk out of my front door I pause for a moment and breathe deeply before I start walking down the street, trying to clear my mind.

What is wrong with me?

I feel like I've lost the control over my own life. Over my own feelings. I huff.

As if I've ever had control over my life!

Zach is so different to the guys I've met before. He's so respectful and funny, but on the other hand very mysterious and brings along loads of problems.

Somehow, I feel drawn towards him, and I can't help but give in to my emotions when I'm around him.

I continue my walk and absently wander through my neighborhood, but nothing much comes of it and after a while I decide to return home.

~

When I put my keys in the lock again and open my apartment door I stop in my tracks.

My instincts tell me something's not right here.

Did Zach leave?

I get closer to the living room, my whole body alerted. When I enter the room, I spot Zach sitting against the opposite wall with his hands behind his back. He looks at me wide-eyed and shakes his head barely noticeable. I sense panic in his eyes.

Before I know it, I feel a harsh grip around my arms and someone's pressing his body against mine tightly.

A startled yell escapes my throat and the next moment I feel a big, sweaty hand firmly pressed against my mouth.

I try to turn around to get a glimpse of the person who just grabbed me, but I'm not able to move.

Just in that moment an intimidating, beefy guy slowly steps out of my bedroom. My eyes widen and I instantly feel like throwing up. I recognize him straightaway.

Terrence.

I look back at Zach, who's still facing me with his teeth clenched.

"Just let her go, T!" he hisses without taking his eyes off me.

"She's got nothing to do with that!" His whole body is tensed as he speaks.

Terrence lets out a bitter laugh and directly faces Zach.

"Did the strong man catch feelings for his little barmaid-slut, huh?!" he scoffs and sneeringly raises his eyebrows.

Zach tries to jump up, but Terrence roughly grabs his shoulders and pushes him back to the ground again. Zach grimaces and I instantly think of his bruised stomach.

"Move again and she's dead!" Terrence threatens and turns towards me.

"And now to you, you stupid, little bitch!" he whispers and steps closer menacingly.

I try to bite the hand, which is still pressed tightly against my mouth, but his grip is too firm.

Before I can think of anything to break free, I feel something cold pressed against my temple. I freeze immediately as I hear the click of a gun getting loaded. Zach looks at me in horror.

"No! Don't... Caleb, please!" he desperately whispers directed to the guy who restrains me.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP, ZACH!" Terrence's shouting booms through my apartment.

I flinch hard and try not to pass out.

Calm down, Olivia!

I can barely breathe with that stinky hand on my mouth and I try to stop my body from shaking.

Terrence comes to a stop right in front of me and signalizes the guy behind me to let go of me. The hand pressed against my mouth draws back immediately and the guy takes a step back.

With a suggestive smile on his face Terrence tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear. He walks behind me and presses his beefy body tightly against mine. I can feel his breath at my neck. Distorting my mouth in disgust, I turn my head to the other side. From the corner of my eye, I spot the other guy who is still pointing his gun in my direction, so I don't dare to push Terrence away.

"You caused me a fucking bump, sweetheart. How will you make it up to me, huh?" Terrence hisses into my ear.

"Terrence, please leave her out of this shit. This is between you and me!" Zach risks an attempt to soothe his stepbrother, trying to keep calm, but I notice his shaky voice.

"I want my fucking Money, Zach! Just give it to me and your cute, little bitch won't get hurt" Terrence winks at me with an evil smile.

I scowl and look away.

"I'll be back on Monday. If you don't give me my fucking cash then, she's dead!" Terrence says menacingly and then adds directed to me, "after I fucked the shit out of her!"

He harshly smacks my butt, making me wince, before turning away.

"Caleb, we're leaving... for now," he orders with a suggestive smirk in my direction.

Then the two of them slowly head for the door.

They door slams, and I instantly rush over to Zach and fall on my knees to loosen his bonds.

He immediately pulls me in for a tight hug.

"Are you okay?" he asks and pulls away with a strained face to scan my body.

"I'm fine. Don't worry about me! What about you? Did Terrence hit you again?" I ask him back worriedly.

Zach shakes his head, gets up and starts walking up and down the room, running his hands through his hair.

"About fifteen minutes after you left, there was a knock at the door. I thought it was you, so I opened it."

He stops and turns towards me.

"Caleb pointed his gun at me and he and T forced me to let them in. They tied my wrists behind my back and then they just waited for you to show up. T was so proud of himself, that he's found my hideout," Zach scoffs, rolling his eyes in annoyance.

Then he looks down with sadness all over his face.

"I'm sorry, Liv! I brought you in danger. Again. I literally promised you an hour ago to keep you safe and I already failed! Shit..." His voice is shaky as his eyes meet mine again.

Zach gets down on his knees right in front of me, his face only inches away from mine.

"I think it's the best if I leave you! I'm fucking your life up and you truly don't deserve that! You deserve a guy who actually has the ability to make you happy and to keep you safe."

His eyes are full of disappointment. Disappointment about himself, about his failure to protect me.

And at that very moment I know the answer to the question I asked myself earlier.

The question about what's going on inside of my head. Inside of my heart.

How is that possible after such a short time?

But the answer is written clearly in my head. The realization lets my cheeks redden, but I don't care right now.

"Zach, stop!" I say quietly and meet his gaze.

Zach watches me intently.

"I don't want any other guy to keep me safe." I pause and close my eyes for a short moment.

I take a deep breath and whisper, "I think I'm falling for you, Zach!"

And there they are. The words everyone's so afraid to say too early, but what's the point in holding them back, if that's the way I clearly feel?

Zach's eyes widen at my words and he blinks visibly surprised.

I look down into my lap, suddenly feeling sheepishly.

"Olivia, I... fuck!" His voice cracks and I don't manage to look up.

He's rejecting me!

A stinging pain rises in my heart. The pain I already experienced so many times and know so well.

"I feel the same way, Liv!" I hear Zach's whispered words and lift my head.

Wait, what?

"You do?" I ask him unbelievingly.

Zach chuckles lightly and smiles sheepishly.

"I'm just scared, Olivia. Scared I'm not enough for you. I don't want to hurt you. I'm just a messed-up guy who brings along many problems," he whispers.

"You're not messed-up! I've never met a guy who treated me this respectful and nice. You're funny and intelligent. Stop selling yourself short!" I retort in a soft tone.

Zach cups my face in his hands, pulling me close. He rests his forehead against mine and we lock eyes with each other for a moment. His thumbs caress both my cheeks.

I guess we both are just overwhelmed by this situation.

Zach smiles at me before kissing me tenderly. The meaningful emotions which resonate with our kiss take my breath away. I place my palms on top of his hands which are still on my cheeks and interlock our fingers.

A few minutes pass until we pull apart with sparkling eyes and rosy cheeks.

I can't believe that just happened!

The happiness flooding through my body makes me fuzzy-headed, and I feel like my belly just exploded.

At that special moment, we forget about what just happened. Forget about Terrence and his stupid following.

All that matters right now is Zach and I and the feelings we just revealed to each other.