𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆: 𝐖𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

...🏀...

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓, 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐋

𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟓

I sat at the kitchen counter, staring at the half-eaten bagel in my hand. My fingers absentmindedly tore off small pieces, dropping them onto the plate below. The room felt heavy, the air thick with unspoken words I wasn't sure I was ready to hear. My thoughts swirled around Andrew and the mess he had made of my life. I couldn't escape it—no matter how hard I tried.

The creak of the door pulled me from my daze. My mom walked in, her expression set, determined. She sat beside me at the counter, folding her hands in front of her. I knew what was coming before she even opened her mouth.

"We need to talk," she said quietly, but there was a weight in her voice that made my stomach knot.

"About what?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.

Her eyes softened, but her gaze never wavered. "About Andrew."

I went still, the name freezing me in place. I didn't want to talk about him. I didn't want to relive any of it.

"Mylah, he hurt you." Her voice cracked ever so slightly, betraying the calm front she was trying to keep. "You have to file a police report."

I looked down, my fingers gripping the edge of the counter, fighting the urge to scream. She didn't get it. No one did.

"Mom, he's the governor's son," I whispered, my voice barely holding steady. "It's my word against his. You really think anyone is going to believe me over him?"

Her hand rested gently on mine, a soft comfort I didn't deserve. "It's still your decision. I just don't want you to let him keep hurting you, even from a distance."

I swallowed hard, fighting the tears that threatened to rise. She didn't understand how powerless I felt. How being trapped by him felt like a cage I couldn't break out of, even if I wanted to.

My voice wavered as I finally answered her. "I can't do it. I can't take him on."

We sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation hanging between us like a dark cloud. I felt her eyes on me, and when I finally looked up, I could see the hurt in her gaze.

I opened my mouth, but the words caught in my throat as Nathan walked into the kitchen, his sweatpants hanging low on his hips, a white T-shirt clinging to his chest. He smiled at me, his presence instantly easing some of the tension I hadn't even realized was there.

"Mrs. Evans," he called out, his tone polite but warm. My mom stood up, brushing past him with a tight smile.

"Nathan," she said in a voice that barely acknowledged him before she left the room. Nathan's eyes narrowed in confusion as he turned to face me.

"What was that about?" he asked, moving toward me. His hands reached my waist, turning me to face him, my back pressed against the counter.

"Nothing," I mumbled, not wanting to rehash the conversation I'd just had with my mom.

He leaned down, his lips finding mine, soft and familiar. I melted into the kiss, letting it wash away the heaviness in my chest, at least for a moment. But just as I lost myself in the feel of him, a voice cut through the room.

"Hello, lovebirds."

I pulled back, startled, and turned to see a stranger standing in the doorway. My brows furrowed in confusion as Nathan chuckled beside me.

"How you doing, Coop?" Nathan asked, grinning as he stepped away from me.

Coop?

Cooper smirked, folding his arms across his chest. "Not better than you, you little punk."

Nathan laughed, walking over to pull the man into a hug. "Come here and give your uncle some love!"

I blinked, still trying to catch up. Nathan finally pulled back and turned to me, his smile wide. "Mylah, this is my uncle Cooper. Coop, this is my girlfriend, Mylah."

I gave him a small wave, still feeling a little thrown. "Hi."

Cooper grinned. "Nice to meet you, Mylah. You're not at all the bitch my sister made you out to be."

My lip twitched. "Good to know Deb talks about me."

"But I'm not here to chat about my sister," Cooper said, shaking his head.

Nathan looked surprised. "You're not?"

"Nope," Cooper said with a mischievous smile. "I'm a race car driver, and I'm inviting you, Lucas, and Mylah to check out a race track with me."

I blinked, caught off guard. "A what?"

...🏀...

The roar of engines filled the air, rumbling through the bleachers beneath me. I gazed at the race track, the blur of cars moving in tight circles, my heart racing as fast. The smell of gasoline hung heavy in the air, and the low hum of excitement buzzed through the crowd.

But none of that mattered. My eyes were fixed on Nathan.

He stood at the edge of the track, laughing with Cooper and Lucas, helmet in hand, looking like he was ready to take on the world. But I couldn't shake the weight in my chest, the nagging feeling that something was going to go wrong.

"What's wrong?" Nathan's voice cut through my thoughts as he slid his arm around my waist, pulling me closer.

"Nothing," I lied, eyes still glued to the track.

"Mylah," he pressed, his voice softer now, more insistent. He wasn't going to let it go. I finally turned to meet his gaze, those deep blue eyes that could see right through me.

I sighed, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. "Promise me you'll be safe out there."

He smiled, leaning in, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "I will. I'll stay in the middle, no risks."

I raised an eyebrow. "Nathan, I know you. If someone challenges you, you'll go for it."

He chuckled, his fingers tracing lazy circles on my waist. "Maybe. But I also made a promise to my girlfriend." He pulled me in tighter, our bodies pressed together. "You're more important than a challenge or a bet."

A warmth spread through me as he rubbed his nose against mine, his breath soft against my lips. "Can I kiss you?"

A smile tugged at my lips, and I nodded. "Yes."

Nathan kissed me, slow and sweet, and all my worries melted away for a moment. His lips moved against mine, familiar and comforting, grounding me in the here and now. I placed my hand on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my fingertips. It was like time stood still, and for once, everything was perfect.

When we pulled apart, I searched his eyes, wanting to say something, anything, but the words got stuck in my throat.

"I love you," Nathan whispered, his voice barely audible over the track's noise.

My breath caught, the shock of his words hanging between us. I blinked, my mind racing. He loves me?

"You don't have to say it back," Nathan added quickly, resting his forehead against mine. "But I wanted you to know."

I stared at him, trying to process the weight of what he just said. "Why?" The words came out before I could stop them. "I'm broken, Nathan."

He shook his head, his thumb gently brushing my cheek. "Because I love you, Mylah Evans. And I know you're not broken."

I closed my eyes, leaning into his touch, letting the comfort of his words wash over me. Before I could respond, Nathan kissed my forehead and pulled away, heading toward the track.

I watched him go, grabbing his helmet from Garrett, my emotions swirling inside me like a storm.

How did he manage to love me, even when I couldn't love myself lately?

"He cares about you," Cooper's voice came from behind me, startling me. I turned to face him, still reeling from Nathan's confession. "You're his true love," Cooper said, his hand resting on my shoulder comfortingly. "But are you his?"

I swallowed hard, my gaze shifting back to Nathan. He caught my eye from halfway into the car, sending me a playful wink. I couldn't help but smile despite the knot in my stomach.

"I'm in love with him," I blurted out, the words slipping from my lips before I could stop them. Cooper paused, turning to look at me, his expression softening. "It scares me because I thought I knew what love was...but Nathan changed all that. He changed me."

Cooper smiled. "You should tell him. After the race. He'll love to hear it."

The sharp scent of gasoline and burnt rubber filled the air, mingling with the distant hum of engines revving the track. The sun hung low, casting an amber glow over the race track. I leaned forward in the stands, my heart already racing as Nathan settled into his car. His confident grin flashed up at me before he pulled his helmet on, and I forced a small smile in return, even though my nerves were gnawing at me.

"Start your engines!" Ray's voice boomed over the speakers, breaking through the hum of the crowd.

The cars roared to life, the sound deafening as engines revved and tires squealed. I clenched my hands in my lap, my nails digging into my palms. Cooper had talked this up like a casual race—a chance for Nathan and Lucas to unwind. But now, sitting here watching the cars line up on the track, it felt anything but casual.

The green flag waved, and they were off. The cars blurred past in a frenzy of speed and noise, and I couldn't take my eyes off Nathan's bright red car as it maneuvered through the pack. Cooper and Tonya were neck and neck, their cars jockeying for position, with Nathan and Lucas trailing behind. My chest tightened as I watched, my nerves spiking every time Nathan took a turn a little too sharply.

The laps blurred together, the cars weaving and swerving, engines roaring louder with every pass. Sweat trickled down my neck as I sat frozen in place, my gaze glued to the track. It wasn't until the final lap that I let out a shaky breath, the relief fleeting as the tension started to ease.

But in a blink, everything changed.

Cooper's car nudged Nathan's, just enough to throw off his balance. My heart lurched as I watched Nathan's car spin out of control, skidding sideways before slamming into the wall with a sickening crunch. Flames burst from the hood, a fiery explosion that stole the air from my lungs.

"Nathan!" I screamed, the sound tearing from my throat without thought.

I didn't wait. My legs moved on their own, propelling me down the bleachers and toward the track. The screech of tires and frantic shouts faded into the background as my vision tunneled on the wreckage. Flames licked at the sky, smoke curling into the air like a cruel reminder of how fragile everything was.

By the time I reached the track, Lucas and Cooper were there, their arms straining as they dragged Nathan from the crumpled car. My knees buckled, and I dropped beside him, my hands shaking as I reached for him.

"Nathan," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the chaos. His head lolled to the side, his helmet partially dislodged, blood trickling from his nose. He wasn't moving.

My world spun, panic clawing at my chest as I grabbed his hand. It was limp in mine, and the chill of it sent a shiver down my spine.

"You promised," I choked out, my vision blurring with tears.

Lucas crouched beside me, his face pale but focused. "Mylah, he's breathing. He's okay. We just need to get him help."

I nodded, but the words barely registered. All I could see was Nathan, still and broken, as the weight of every fight with our families had culminated at this moment. My chest heaved as I tried to breathe, but it felt like the air wouldn't come.

Cooper's hand landed on my shoulder, grounding me just enough to keep me from spiraling. "The medics are on their way," he said, his voice steady despite the panic in his eyes.

"Nathan..." I said again, my voice trembling. I tightened my grip on his hand, as if holding onto him could tether him to me, could stop him from slipping away.

"Mylah." Lucas's voice was firm, cutting through my panic. "He's going to be okay."

I nodded again, the words an anchor, even if I couldn't bring myself to believe them yet. The medics arrived, their movements swift and efficient as they took over. I let them work, but I didn't let go of his hand, not until they loaded him onto the stretcher and began wheeling him away.

Standing in the middle of the track, surrounded by smoke and the wreckage of what could have been a disaster, I felt my knees give way. Lucas caught me before I hit the ground, his arms steady as he held me up.

"He'll be okay," Lucas repeated, his voice softer this time, almost as if he was trying to convince himself too.

I nodded again, my voice gone, my heart pounding as I watched them take Nathan away.

...🏀...

The bright, sterile lights of the hospital hallway blurred as I stumbled behind Nathan's stretcher. The steady hum of hospital equipment and frantic voices melded into one continuous buzz that barely registered in my mind. All I could focus on was Nathan—his pale face, the blood staining his shirt, and the weak rise and fall of his chest.

"You've been in an accident, son," the doctor's voice cut through the fog, his hand pressed against Nathan's chest as if it could will him back to life.

"I've got severe respiratory distress; heart rate rapidly accelerating. Tachycardiac," another voice announced from somewhere nearby, but it all felt distant.

I was walking but didn't feel my feet touching the ground. It was like I was floating outside my body, watching it all happen, too scared to let the reality sink in. Nathan was hurt—really hurt—and I didn't know if I could bear the weight of that.

Lucas was beside me, keeping pace, his eyes darting between the doctors and me. I could see the fear in his eyes, too, but he kept it hidden behind clenched jaws and quick nods. Cooper was on the other side, his normally cocky demeanor replaced by guilt, his face etched with regret.

"Nathan, you're gonna be okay," Cooper's voice cracked, as though he was trying to convince himself as much as Nathan.

"Hey, we're right here, buddy," Lucas added, his voice soft but steady, holding on to that thread of hope none of us could escape.

Nathan's eyelids fluttered, his lips parting as a shallow breath escaped. "Mylah..." he whispered, barely audible. My heart skipped, freezing in my chest.

I took Lucas's place beside Nathan, clutching his hand. "I'm here," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I'm right here."

"Sorry," he rasped, his voice weak and broken. "I broke...my promise."

Tears stung my eyes, but I forced them back. "I know," I whispered, my fingers brushing against his cold skin. "It's okay."

"I love you," he sighed, his words hanging in the air like a final confession, and then his eyes rolled back, his body going limp.

The heart monitor blared in response. "He's coding!" one of the doctors shouted.

Everything blurred again as they rushed Nathan down the hall. My legs buckled beneath me, and I grabbed Lucas's arm for support. "He'll make it," Lucas whispered, wrapping his arms around me as I collapsed into his chest. "He's strong, Mylah."

Cooper stood a few feet away, looking like a man drowning in his own guilt. "Mylah, I'm so sorry," he choked out, unable to meet my eyes.

"I don't blame you," I managed, but the words felt hollow. I hugged him anyway because I knew he needed it, even if I wasn't sure I believed my own words. "It's not your fault."

"It is," he mumbled into my shoulder. "It is."

We sat in the waiting room for what felt like hours, the clock ticking on the wall a relentless reminder of how time kept moving forward, even when it felt like my world had stopped. I pulled my knees to my chest, trying to blink away the tears that threatened to spill over. If I started crying, I wouldn't be able to stop. And I couldn't fall apart—not now.

But the fear gnawed at me, tearing me apart from the inside out.

What if Nathan didn't make it?

What if I lost him?

The thought clawed at my chest, stealing the breath from my lungs. I loved him, and I hadn't told him. I hadn't said it back.

What if he never knew?

The sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway, pulling me from my thoughts. Dan stormed into the waiting room, his face twisted with anger. "Where's Nathan?" he demanded, his voice sharp.

"Where's Nathan? How is he?" Deb's softer, worried voice followed close behind.

Cooper stood to meet them. "I'm sorry, Deb. I'm so sorry."

Before Deb could respond, a doctor appeared, rushing toward us. "Mrs. Scott," he addressed Deb, his expression serious. "Your son has sustained severe blunt trauma to his chest. The high-speed collision caused a collapsed lung, and he's losing a lot of blood. He coded, but we managed to bring him back."

My legs gave out again, but Lucas caught me before I could hit the ground, pulling me close as I let out a choked sob. "Oh my god," I whispered, my hand flying to cover my mouth.

"The antigen in his blood is rare," the doctor continued. "We're having trouble stabilizing him."

"I'm the same blood type," Deb said quickly, stepping forward. "I'll donate."

The doctor nodded and led her away.

As soon as she was gone, Dan turned on Cooper, his face red with fury. "You better pray he's okay," he growled, his eyes narrowing. Then his gaze shifted to me, cold and accusing. "What is she doing here?"

I flinched under the weight of his glare, feeling the blame that radiated from him. I knew Dan hated me, but I didn't care—not right now.

Lucas tightened his hold on me, glaring back at his father. "She's his girlfriend," he said, his voice hard.

"Not for long," Dan sneered before storming down the hall.

Tears spilled down my cheeks, and I quickly wiped them away, but it was useless. "I can't lose him, Lucas," I whispered, my voice barely holding together.

"I know," Lucas sighed, pulling me closer.

"I love him," I choked out, my voice breaking. "I didn't get to say it back."

Lucas rested his chin on my head, his arms wrapped tightly around me. "He knows, Mylah," he murmured softly. "He knows."

...🏀...

𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍'𝐒 𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌

The studio lights cast long shadows across the polished floor as I shoved my water bottle into my bag. My reflection in the mirror stared back, disheveled, flushed from the hours of practice.

"Shit," I muttered, glancing at my watch.

𝟗:𝟓𝟎

My stomach twisted.

River looked up from her stretch on the floor, an eyebrow arched. "What now?"

"I'm supposed to meet Brooke at the River Court," I said, slinging my bag over my shoulder. "Completely lost track of time."

River smirked, shaking her head. "Typical. You've got, what, twenty minutes? If you leave now, you might make it before they start yelling."

I hesitated, biting my lip. "But the spring showcase—"

"Your routine is solid," she interrupted, standing up and brushing her hands on her leggings. "Seriously, Mylah. You've nailed it. Now get out of here before Brooke stages a full-on intervention."

I couldn't help but laugh, the tension in my chest loosening slightly. "Thanks."

"Yeah, yeah," River teased, giving me a gentle shove toward the door. "Just go."

The cool night air hit me as I stepped outside, the faint hum of cicadas filling the quiet. I slid into my car, tossing my bag into the backseat. The clock on the dashboard blinked as I sped down the familiar dirt road.

𝟏𝟎:𝟏𝟎

The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting eerie patterns on the windshield.

Brooke is going to kill me.

My thoughts were cut short by a figure in the road, illuminated by my headlights. My foot slammed on the brake, the tires screeching as the car jolted to a stop. My heart raced as I stared at the muddy stranger in the middle of the road.

I threw my door open, stepping out cautiously. "Are you okay?"

The man, drenched and clearly annoyed, glared at me. "Does it look like I'm okay?"

I crossed my arms, leaning against the car door. "Are you going to kill me if I offer you a ride?"

He let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. "No. Just had a rough night."

"Get in," I said, not waiting to see if he'd listen. I slid back into the driver's seat, and a moment later, the passenger door opened. He climbed in mud and all.

"Thanks," he muttered, his voice softer now.

"No problem," I said, pulling back onto the road. "Where to?"

"River Court," he answered, leaning back against the seat.

I glanced at him, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Me too."

He raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. The silence between us was surprisingly comfortable, though I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something familiar about him. As we neared the court, the distant sound of basketballs hitting the pavement and the faint buzz of a growing crowd reached my ears.

I parked along the edge of the lot, turning to face him. "Well, here we are."

He got out and walked around to my side, extending a hand. "I didn't catch your name."

"That's because I didn't give it," I said, smirking as I shook his hand. "Mylah."

"Nathan," he replied, his grin widening.

My heart skipped a beat. Of course. Nathan Scott.

"You're playing Lucas tonight, aren't you?" I asked, trying to mask my surprise.

"That's the plan," he said, his confidence almost noticeable.

I smirked. "Do me a favor. Beat his ass. He's overdue for a reality check."

Nathan laughed, leaning in slightly. "I'll see what I can do."

Before I could process what was happening, he kissed my cheek—a quick, almost casual gesture that sent a warm rush through me.

"See you around, Mylah," he said, jogging toward the court.

"Maybe, Scott. Maybe," I called after him, watching him join Lucas on the other side of the court.

The crowd around the court had grown the energy electric as Brooke waved me over. She stood with her arms crossed, a teasing grin already forming.

"Finally!" Brooke exclaimed as I reached her. "I was starting to think you bailed."

I rolled my eyes at her. "I still might."

Brooke nudged me with her elbow. "I guess I can forgive you since you showed up with Nathan."

I rolled my eyes, ignoring the heat creeping up my neck. "Don't start, Brooke."

But as I watched Nathan warm up, his movements confident and deliberate, I couldn't help but feel like I was deeper than I'd ever intended.

...🏀...

The sterile hum of machines filled the room, each beep a cruel reminder of the fragile line Nathan balanced on. I sat curled up in the stiff hospital chair, knees pressed against my chest as my chin rested on them. The moonstone necklace around my neck felt heavier than ever, its cool surface a sharp contrast to the heat of my skin. My eyes hadn't left Nathan's face in hours.

His dark lashes were too still against his pale skin. I reached out, brushing a curl from his forehead, my fingers trembling as I touched him. Nathan was always so alive, so full of fire, and seeing him like this, vulnerable and unmoving, made my chest ache.

"Mylah." Lucas's voice broke through the quiet, soft but insistent. He stood in the doorway, his hands shoved deep into his jacket pockets. "You need to eat something."

I shook my head, not even glancing his way. "I'm not hungry."

"Mylah..." He sighed, stepping further into the room. His eyes flicked to Nathan before landing on me. "He wouldn't want you to act like this."

I finally looked at him, my face hardening. "I know, Lucas. But I can't. Not until I know he's okay."

Lucas opened his mouth to argue but closed it just as quickly, exhaling deeply instead. "Fine. I'm getting you some coffee. You don't have to drink it, but I'll leave it here." He walked out before I could respond, the door clicking shut behind him.

I leaned forward, resting my forehead against my knees, the ache in my chest growing heavier by the second.

Three days.

It had been three days since the accident, and every passing hour felt like a lifetime. I didn't know how much longer I could take this.

The faintest sound stirred the air, so soft I thought I'd imagined it. Then it came again.

"Mylah."

My head snapped up, my heart leaping into my throat as my gaze locked onto Nathan's. His dark eyes were barely open, his lips moving weakly as he struggled to speak.

"Nathan?" My voice cracked as I bolted upright, leaning over him. "Nathan, are you—" I couldn't finish the question, my breath hitching as tears blurred my vision.

"Mylah." His voice was barely above a whisper, but it was real. He was awake.

I cupped his face, my palm trembling against his cheek. "Is this real?" A tear slid down my cheek, falling onto the hospital sheet.

Nathan's lips curved into the faintest of smiles, his eyes soft as he pressed a weak kiss to the inside of my hand. "I'm here," he rasped.

Relief hit me like a tidal wave, crashing through every nerve in my body. I leaned down, pressing my lips to his in a gentle kiss, tears slipping free as I felt the warmth of him, alive and breathing. When I pulled back, Nathan's hand shakily reached up to wipe a tear from my cheek.

"I'm sorry I worried you," he said, his voice hoarse.

I rested my forehead against his, my eyes never leaving his. "I know," I whispered. "But you can't scare me like that again."

A flicker of guilt passed through his eyes before they softened again. "You stayed," he said, his words barely audible.

"Of course, I stayed," I replied, my voice thick with emotion. "I love you."

Nathan blinked, his gaze locking onto mine as if he hadn't heard me right. "You...You do?"

A small smile tugged at my lips as I nodded. "Yes, Nathan. I love you."

His eyes glistened, and he let out a shaky breath. "Say it again."

I pulled back slightly, cupping his face with both hands as I stared into the depths of his eyes. "I love you, Nathan Scott."

His lips twitched into a fuller smile, though he still looked exhausted. "I love you too," he murmured, his voice stronger this time. Slowly, he reached for my hand, his fingers weak but determined as they laced with mine. "You stuck with me."

I nodded, unable to hold back the tears anymore. "I'm okay with that."

Nathan's eyes fluttered closed briefly, his hand tightening around mine just enough to reassure me he wasn't slipping away again. "I'm not going anywhere," he promised, his voice a little firmer.

I pressed another kiss to his forehead, the weight on my chest easing for the first time in days. For now, he was here, and that was all that mattered.