a little taken aback by her response, low chuckle emitting his chest at the sudden excitement in her tone. there's a part of him that feels bad now, feels like she might have been waiting for a moment like this her whole life. ❛good, glad you said yes— ah you know, a date where we do date-like stuff.❜ nudges madison playfully, smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. ❛you have been on a date before, haven't you?❜

she faltered, the idea of "date-like things" feeling distant and unfamiliar. she hadn't been on a date, ever. the question hung in the air, and she knew she couldn't fake it. the effort to lie would be too obvious, too clumsy. ❛I haven't,❜ she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. ❛I... I'm not very experienced with this sort of thing.❜ she looked up, her expression vulnerable. ❛but I'd like to be.❜

long fingers tightened around the steering wheel. she was right, complacency wasn't an option. not with the stakes this high. steely blues cast a quick glance at her, gaze softening just slightly at the sight of her hand resting on his leg. even in the disarray, even with danger nipping at their heels, all that mattered was that they were together. " you're right, he agrees with a nod. " we can't assume we'll be safe for long. once we get there, we'll go over every possible scenario. " the engine rumbles back to life and he reaches for her hand for a second, giving it a firm seconds before shifting gears and pulling onto the road. " i also need to tell you something, " he murmurs, figuring the there was no better time than the present. " i haven't been completely honest with you, i — i've been undercover this whole time. "

the revelation crashes into her, sudden and jarring, the moment he confesses he'd been undercover all along. her head snaps towards him, eyes narrowing as she searches his face and her hand, once resting gently against him, slips away and her brows knit together in a tangle of confusion and betrayal. in an instant, her mind spirals, replaying every moment they'd shared— every late night conversation, every brush of closeness, every time she'd let her guard down. now it is tainted by the realisation that it might have been nothing more than a means to an end for him. ❛wait ..❜ her voice trembles, sharp with accusation as she shakes her head. ❛you've been lying to me... this whole time?❜ the words hang heavy between them. she wonders what, if anything, had been real— or was cosying up to the boss’s girl just another calculated step? ❛who have you been working for?❜

the female's irration flared at his smug satisfaction, amber hues narrowing slightly as she forced a smile onto her petéals. " you really love the sound of your own voice, don't you ? " she points out with a soft sigh. she leaned back in her seat, the sight of the text still lingered in her mind. disappointment tugged at her heart, but she refused to let him see it. last thing she needed was for him to take advantage of her vulnerability. " it's fine, it's jsut one less headache i have to deal with. " his laughter grated on her nerves, and delicate fingers reach for her drink, taking one last, generous sip before speaking once more. " you know what ? fine, " she finally tells him with a shrug of her shoulders. it wasn't like she had anything better to do anyway, and the night was still young. " what did you have in mind ? "

his face ignited with delight the moment she agreed to join him, and he fought to keep a smug grin from overtaking his features— after all, convincing her had been far easier than he expected. he could bask in the ego boost, but truth be told, this was a golden opportunity to share a few hours together without plotting each other's demise. just the two of them, revelling in each other's company. with a playful clap of his hands, he leaned forward in his chair, edging closer to where she sat across from him. ❛it's a proper spot ... top notch drinks, and if the mood strikes we could dance 'til dawn. I'm dying to see if you've got rhythm or two left feet.❜ a smirk danced on his lips, a little teasing too tempting to resist. he rose to his feet, eyebrows arching. ❛come on— you're privileged tonight, stepping out with the one and only sebastian vitsin.❜

it's almost saddening how easy it is to make the femme blush, though now that he's up close and personal with madison she doesn't look all that bad in his eyes. ❛well y'know me, i am still just a big dumb jock at heart.❜ low chuckle erupts his chest, gaze meeting her own. ❛would you maybe wanna do somethin' after i finish work tonight? no pressure if you don't, just thought i'd chance my luck and ask.❜

her pulse fluttered when he asked if she'd care to join him for something after work, and she had to pinch herself to confirm his words weren't a figment of her imagination. don't overthink it, she chided herself silently, then summoned a timid smile that bloomed with genuine warmth, lighting up her eyes. with a small nod, she tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. ❛I would love that!... I mean, yeah, that would be nice. what did you have in mind?❜

                             her     heart     beats     with     immense     speed     against     her     chest     ,     hammering     away     at     its     walls     so     harshly     she     can     feel     the     throbbing     in     her     throat     .     an     almost     nauseating     sensation     violently     washes     over     her     ,     brought     on     by     the     tension     that     follows     his     question     .     how     could     she     even     begin     to     explain     ;     to     make     the     attempt     to     unravel     the     past     year     and     the     life     -     altering     chaos     left     in     the     wake     of     his     absence     .     it     felt     like     an     impossible     task     ,     but     it     was     even     more     unthinkable     to     withhold     the     truth     from     him     in     that     moment     .     “ i     tried     to     tell     you     . . .     ,     ”     voice     has     softened     as     she     speaks     again     ,     reduced     to     something     directly     above     a     whisper     .     “     that's     why     i     kept     calling     .     not     just     you     ,     i     tried     reaching     your     manager     . .     the     other     guys     . .     i     never     heard     back     from     anyone     .     i     really     tried     ,     okay     ?     ”     wants     to     make     it     abundantly     clear     she     never     wanted     to     it     to     be     this     way     ;     that     her     intentions     were     never     to     keep     it     ,     her     ,     away     from     him     ,     had     she     not     been     cut     off     from     all     aspects     of     his     life     so     abruptly     and     without     explanation     .     “     thomas     ,     i     . . .     —     ,     ”     the     silence     created     as     she's     forced     to     pause     is     deafening     ,     words     stuck     in     her     throat     along     with     the     lump     that's     forming     ⎯⎯⎯     the     last     missing     piece     of     the     puzzle     that     would     turn     his     life     upside     down     ,     “     —     . . .     i     found     out     i     was     pregnant     right     after     you     left     . . .     ”

he felt a dread colder than any winter storm settle over him, and he knew with a sickening certainty that the world was about to tilt on its axis, and then she finally said it and the blood drained from his face. pregnant. and he'd systematically severed every single thread connecting them, he'd instructed everyone – everyone – to ignore her calls, her messages, her pleas. he'd forced them to become complicit in his callousness, and he didn't even know the truth behind her calls. he remembered the icy resolve he'd felt then, the self righteous justification for cutting her out of his life. it all crumbled to dust now, leaving behind only the jagged edges of his guilt. his head began to shake franticly .. no, it couldn't be. this had be some cruel trick. he stumbled back, his eyes fixed on her face, searching for any flicker of deception, but there was nothing. only the stark, undeniable truth reflected in her gaze. ❛you were pregnant? ... natalia, but— how? we were so careful.❜ he felt it in his chest, a tightening, constricting sensation that stole his breath. panic began to coil in his gut, every instinct screamed at him to flee, to disappear into the comforting darkness of denial. running, hiding, avoiding - it was his default, the cowardly reflex that landed him in this situation. ❛I ... I can't believe it. you're saying I— we have a child together?❜ he hesitates, his gaze drifting beyond her to linger on the closed door, a subtle tension flickering in his eyes as he draws in a deep, steadying breath. ❛a girl or boy? .. are they in there right now?❜

                             the     answer     is     so     obvious     to     him     ⎯⎯⎯     “     because     i     know     you     ,     that's     why     .     i     know     you     well     enough     to     notice     when     something's     not     right     and     as     your     friend     i     don't     know     if     i     could     live     with     not     saying     anything     .     ”     gradually     he'd     picked     up     on     the     little     things     that     felt     off     between     the     pair     in     question     ;     how     she     would     smile     ,     but     then     the     way     said     action     never     seemed     to     trail     all     the     way     to     ignite     her     eyes     ,     or     how     her     laugh     ,     though     always     a     melody     -     like     sound     ,     tended     to     ring     hollow     and     forced     whenever     in     his     presence     .     it     became     impossible     to     ignore     .     “     why     would     i     ever     want     to     humiliate     you     ?     ”     although     his     actions     that     night     were     not     purely     void     of     any     selfish     motivations     ,     his     own     feelings     playing     an     important     though     unspoken     role     up     until     now     ,     they     were     clearly     still     wildly     misunderstood     ,     with     leila     being     the     literal     last     person     he     wished     to     inflict     pain     upon     .     “     i'm     simply     looking     out     for     you     .     just     trying     to     make     sure     you're     not     making     the     biggest     mistake     of     your     life     by     marrying     this     guy     .     it's     like     . .     —     ”     he's     searching     for     the     right     words     ⎯⎯⎯     marcus     had     never     been     particularly     good     with     them     ,     his     talents     laying     on     the     football     court     and     not     in     his     poetic     abilities     ,     “     —     it's     like     he's     dimming     your     light     ,     leila     .     you're     not     you     when     you're     with     him  .  ”

in the stillness of such an unguarded moment, she found herself resenting the uncanny precision with which he could decipher her innermost truths— piercing through the crafted façade she presented to the world. to any other soul, she was certain it would have worked. yet, with him, her most elaborate masks dissolved, rendered futile against the clarity of his gaze, which seemed to unravel her with an almost tender ruthlessness. a tumult of thoughts churned within her, a cascade of words she might have spoken, yet she stood adrift. perhaps she had entered this entanglement- this impending union- clinging to the fragile hope that it might erase the lingering echo of marcus from her heart. ❛I'm sorry ... I don't mean to accuse you of anything it's just,❜ say something, her inner voice urges, yet giving it breath means she cannot go back. ❛it's just that I'm worried if I stop and think about your words, that maybe you're right and I've just been kidding myself. but ... we're at the rehearsal dinner, everything is set. I—❜ her voice trembles with uncertainty, and in this rare moment, she lays bare her vulnerable side. if there exists one with whom she might do so, of course it would be him. ❛I'm scared, marcus. maybe there's something wrong with me, I should want nothing more than to go out there and marry him. but I'm still standing here, and that says something, doesn't it?❜

nerve  wracking  allowing  herself  to  freely  let  her  feelings  out  ,  no  longer  hiding  behind  a  shield  .  always  finding  it  so  difficult  to  get  a  good  read  on  him  --  terrified  that  he  wouldn't  ever  see  her  in  that  light  .  .  .  that  she'd  had  to  remain  keeping  those  feelings  hidden  from  him  ,  very  much  willing  to  take  it  to  the  grave  with  her  .  but  this  ?  an  unexpected  outcome  ,  yet  it  makes  her  heart  skip  a  bit.  "  and  why  did  it  take  so  long  if  you  don't  mind  me  asking  .  .  .  all  these  foolish  activities  you've  been  provoking  would've  had  any  other  person  dropped  instantly,  but  you?  i  can  never  get  over  you.  "

when she pressed him on why, it struck him that he should have anticipated her question. he'd been utterly reckless, and she, at the very least, deserved a truthful answer. yet, to offer one would require him to unravel his own tangled mess of doubts and fears— secrets he’d buried deep, never once daring to breathe them into words. ❛and I am glad that you did not give up on me, I truly mean that.❜ he takes a deep breath. ❛it's difficult to explain, but I had my reasons. things which kept me holding back, trying to pretend. it hasn't been easy, giving my affections to another, when I have only ever seen it as a negative. but then you came along.❜

" a hit on me ? " the words tasted like ash in her mouth, and she shook her head, a bitter laugh escaping her petals. she'd made enemies throughout the years, her past as a con artist had a way of catching up with her when she least expected it, but the idea that someone had gone so far as to put a hit on her was something she couldn't wrap her mind around. of course there was one person, someone from her past that wouldn't hesitate to make that call. " so someone wants me dead, " she murmured, pearly whites biting the inside of her cheek. " so why ? why didn't you do it ? " honeyed hues flicker up to meet his familiar gaze. she needed to hear him say it, to voice the words they both had danced around for so long. " you had the chance, you could've ended it, made it easy. why didn't you ? "

unburdening himself felt like shedding a crushing load, as if all the turmoil he'd been wrestling with no longer had to fester in silence. yet he knew this confession didn't erase his betrayal, and he wouldn't fault her if she never placed her trust in him again. this whole thing had been a reckless gamble— he was never meant to let emotions creep in, fully aware of the danger they posed. when she pressed him, asking why he hadn't gone through with it, he faltered and grappled with the weight of the moment. now was the time to lay it bare. ❛I couldn't do it because I fell for you, and I couldn't physically do it. I've never felt anything like this before. I've always kept my walls up, avoided any real connection, but you... somehow, you broke through and found a place in my heart.❜

he  had  to  know  that  she  dislike  the  way  he  got  himself  in  trouble  ,  it  always  seems  like  one  step  forward  and  three  steps  back  when  he  promises  to  never  do  it  again  ,  yet  shows  up  time  after  time  with  a  new  bruise  .  couldn't  resist  the  concern  written  over  porcelain  features  ,  thumb  lightly  brushing  him  ,  shaking  her  head  .  "  don't  say  that  ,  you  deserve  so  much  .  "

he couldn’t meet her gaze as she spoke of his worth, her words clashing against the disbelief rooted deep within him. he’d always had a knack for stumbling into trouble, unravelling whatever good he’d built— a cycle he couldn’t seem to escape. how many times had he vowed to change, only to find himself back at the starting line, defeated? her faith in him stirred echoes of the voices from his youth, the ones that sneered he’d never rise to much. ❛I really don’t…❜ he muttered, his voice fraying at the edges, ❛I don’t even get why you stick around for me.❜

soon  as  she  came  invading  his  space  ,  his  arms  instinctively  rounds  around  her  waist  ,  tugging  her  even  closer  .  it  was  like  a  magnetic  pull  that  he  couldn't  deny  ,  alcohol  fueling  his  system  which  didn't  hide  the  way  blue  hues  darts  across  plumped  lips  .  enjoying  the  sudden  boldness  coming  from  the  blonde  ,  "  oh  ?  well  ,  what's  stopping  you  from  actually  going  for  it  and  kissing  me  ?  "

as he drew her nearer, her body instinctively melded to his, her arms slipping effortlessly around his neck. she savoured the warmth of their proximity, her brows arching in playful bemusement as she feigned contemplation of his question. ❛oh, well, if I mull it over … hm, nothing, I suppose,❜ she said with a soft laugh, her eyes dipping briefly to linger on his lips. her pulse quickened, a subtle thrill stirring within her, and she leaned in to close the space to kiss him with quiet, certain intent.

tired  of  endless  nights  laying  in  bed  yearning  to  hold  her  body  close  ,  to  hear  her  laughter  fill  his  ear  drums  before  sleep  takes  over  her  body  .  .  .  he  wanted  it  all  ,  yet  he  has  to  face  the  harsh  realities  that  in  this  town  they  won't  be  able  to  be  together  .  not  in  the  way  he  wishes  ,  craves  ,  and  needs  .  hues  scans  her  features  ,  heavy  breath  escapes  --  swallowing  the  lump  down  his  throat  .  "  i  wouldn't  he  here  if  i  wasn't  willing  to  risk  it  all  for  you  ,  "  a  slight  desperation  laces  in  his  tone  ,  melting  to  her  touch  .  "  then  what  do  you  say  we  get  out  of  this  town  ?  "

it’s a monumental leap, one that demands absolute trust in him, knowing they’ll depend entirely on each other from this moment forward. yet, woven into the gravity of it all is a thread of exhilaration. this life with him— was everything she’d ever craved. she was done living for the expectations of others, certain deep in her bones that he was her true desire. no trace of doubt lingers as a grin spreads across her face, her nod coming swift and sure. ❛yes, let’s leave this place. never look back, just the two of us. that’s all I care about.❜ a heavy breath shudders out of her as the words finally break free, a weight lifting with them. her hand drifts to his, capturing it with quiet intent, and she squeezes it hard— anchoring herself in the moment, in him. ❛it won’t be easy, but it’ll be worth it.❜

"and  you  think  i'd  listen  to  her  if  she  doesn't  want  me  to  hang  out  with  you?"  disbelief  look  scatters  across  features  ,  a  sour  expression  at  the  thought  of  her  thinking  so  low  of  him.  trying  his  best  not  to  reflect  any  sort  of  hurt  emotions,  yet  his  eyes  were  telling.  “you  mean  a  lot  to  me  too,  j.  nothing's  ever  going  to  come  between  our  friendship,  you'll  always  have  a  place  in  my  heart.”  words  meant  a  lot  more  than  he  was  willing  to  admit. 

she sees his pain, and it evokes within her a feeling of guilt. it was never her intention to wound him with her words, but here they were. it is evident he fails to grasp the origins of her sentiment— a miscommunication for which she bears the blame. ❛I'm sorry, that was mean of me to say. I know you care about me enough to never let anyone get between us.❜ she turned with a delicate hesitation, her fingers cautiously encircling his hand as she offered a gentle squeeze, a smile gracing her lips— though its warmth faltered. ❛I'm glad to have a place in your heart, that means a lot. because you have a place in mine too.❜

catches  the  glint  in  his  eyes  --  the  way  it  sparkles,  challenging  her  in  a  way  that  makes  her  insane.  .  .  maybe  he  was  placed  on  this  earth  to  drive  her  insane,  to  test  her  beyond  her  limits.  arms  crossed  over  her  chest,  "why  would  i  come  back?  if  anything  you'll  be  running  back  to  me  when  you  realize  these  sluts  are  made  out  for  you."

❛you have such a charming way with words, it's what I always loved about you.❜ it was a familiar dance, this verbal sparring, each poised on the edge of withdrawal and capable of simply turning and walking away. and yet, they remained locked and drawn together by an unseen force. it was always this way with them, this unspoken need to engage, even when the air crackled with tension. ❛I bet you'd love to see me running back, hm? would it give you an ego boost?❜

" always, " leonard murmured, steely blues locked onto hers; memorizing every detail. he wasn't sure when it had happened, when she had become the one thing he couldn't bear to lose, but there was no denying it now. he reached for her hand, his grip firm and reassuring. he wouldn't let go. not now. not ever. the urgency in her voice hadn't gone unnoticed, and neither had the weight of her trust. it was a rare thing in this world, and he'd be damned if he failed her now. " let's go, " the male whispered, pressing a kiss to the back of his hand before he lead the way outside and towards his car, parked just a few feet away. the cool night air bit at his skin, but he hardly noticed it, too focused on the woman at his side. opening the passager door for her, he flashed her a soft smile before rounding to the driver's side and sliding in. " my father owned a cabin just outside the city, i doubt anyone will look for urs there. "

she followed him outside, the weight of their shared secret pressing down on her shoulders. leaving her familiar life behind felt like stepping off a precipice ... there was no going back now. this decision, she knew, was a chasm she'd just leapt across. fear gnawed at her, a cold sharp thing, but beneath it burned a fierce trust. he would protect her and she would protect him. they were bound together now, two halves of a whole in a world that suddenly felt hostile. he was the anchor in her storm, the only soul she'd willingly entrust with her life. as she settled into the passenger seat, she reached out and her hand found his leg. the simple touch, the physical connection, was a lifeline in the turbulent sea of uncertainty. ❛that will do for the moment, but we can't afford complacency. we must remain one step ahead, in case that location becomes compromised. we need to make several plans once we get there.❜

ada can't help but scoff, rolling her honeyed hues so hard it was a wonder they didn't get stuck in the back of her head. " your abilities ? and what abilities are we talking about here ? " she took another sip of her drink, letting the burn settle in her throat before meeting his gaze once more. " for the record, if i had been stood up, i'd still rather sit here alone than entertain whatever ego driven fantasy you're spinning in that head of yours. " her delicate fingers drummed against the glass, a clear sign of her impatience. he was infuriating, truly. that smug expression on his face, the way he leaned in just enough to get under her skin, god, she hated him. " tell me, do women actually fall for this ? or do you just keep trying until one is drunk enough to pretend you're interesting ? " a smile curved at crimson petals then, one that faltered slightly at the sight of the text flashing on her phone, a faint crease forming between her brows as she registered the message. ' sorry, something came up. can’t make it tonight.' no explanation. no attempt at rescheduling. just a curt dismissal, as if she were nothing more than an inconvinience.

❛I've never had a problem with it before. I know, shocking, right? just because you can't stand me doesn't mean everyone else shares your opinion.❜ a quiet satisfaction settled over him. her reaction was precisely as he'd anticipated, his subtle prodding had clearly found its mark. intriguing. he couldn't quite explain the compulsion that drew him back, the invisible thread that tethered him to her presence. any rational individual would have severed ties long ago, dismissed her entirely. but perhaps he was simply a glutton for the sport, and it was undeniably stimulating. his amusement deepened as he observed her glance down at her phone, her brow furrowing slightly. he could venture a guess as to the nature of the message. her date, perhaps? the opportunity was too tempting to resist. ❛is that your date? wait, don't tell me, he's stood you up?❜ he offered a low, almost silent chuckle, accompanied by a subtle shake of his head. ❛my offer still stands, you know.❜