“No! Drive the speed limit. We will talk when you get home, young lady. You tell Noah goodnight. Do you understand me?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Text me when you’re in your Jeep.”
“I will. Bye.” I hung up.
“Fuck… damn it, I fucked up. I’m sorry, Mia.”
“It’s not your fault. We just fell asleep. I think you put us in a food coma,” I said, trying to make him laugh but failing miserably.
“They’re never gonna let me see you again.” He hurried, picking everything up to leave.
“No. Relax. It will be fine. Please don’t let this ruin today. It’s been the best day I’ve had since I woke up in that hospital. Being here with you. It meant everything.” I grabbed his arm to stop him, looking deep into his eyes. Showing him I spoke the truth.
He smiled, his worry lessening.
“Thank you, Noah. For everything. Honest.”
“Come on, let’s get you home.”
We rode in silence for most of the drive back to my house. Both of us lost in our own thoughts. I wanted to scroll through my messages to read a few in particular, but couldn’t will my thumb to swipe it open. So, I placed it on my seat next to me, staring out the window instead. Thinking about all the amazing things Noah had done for me that day. Resisting the urge to tell him to stop a few streets away from my house, because for the first time since we started hanging out.
I wanted to kiss him and tell him that…
I was falling for him.
TWENTY-THREE
*Mia*
Prom night was finally here, and I couldn’t be more excited to get dressed up to the nines and just be a normal teenage girl. Not the fragile, broken, scared one who didn’t remember who she was. My mom insisted on renting a limo and going all out for it. Saying something about it being an important night in a young girl’s life. I remember the day Noah showed up after one of my therapy sessions, holding a dozen pink roses, and a balloon that read, ‘Will you marry me?’ with a big X through the ‘marry me’ words. Replaced with ‘Go to prom with me?’ in black permanent marker in his chicken scratch handwriting.
“Oh my God! You’re too much!” I laughed, taking in the image of the tall, muscular man covered in ink. Holding a bunch of pink flowers in his arms.
“That a yes?”
“Did my momma put you up to this?”
“Don’t know what you’re talkin’ about, pretty girl, but I do need an answer?”
“Fine,” I breathed out an exaggerated breath. “I’ll go to prom with you. Only because I know you didn’t go to yours, and I feel bad for you.”
He busted out laughing.
It took a few weeks for my parents’ to get over the incident at the beach. I think it helped that Noah was adamant on coming inside with me that night. Wanting to explain and apologize for scaring the shit out of them. I could see it in my dad’s eyes when Noah was talking, he respected the hell out of him for having the balls to come in and face them. Knowing he could have lost his life.
I didn’t even want to go in and face them.
They didn’t ground me or anything, but they definitely made it clear not to ever do that to them again. I said my goodbyes to Noah and headed to bed, tossing and turning most of the night until I finally gave in. Grabbing my phone off my nightstand, I swiped over the screen and opened the text messages from the unknown number.
8:07 PM “Ma just called me! Where are you?! Answer me! Please tell me where you are!”
9:00 PM “Pippin, I ain’t fuckin’ around. Are you okay?”
9:30 PM “I know you don’t want to talk to me. Just give me a yes or no.”
10:15 PM “I just need to know you’re okay… Please, babe!”
11:00 PM “GODDAMN IT, MIA! I asked you a question. Expectin’ a fuckin’ answer!”
11:10 PM “I don’t give a fuck if you’re with Noah. Just tell me you’re alright!”
11:30 PM I need you, babe. I’ve never needed anyone like I need you. Please let me know you’re okay.”
12:10 AM Mia, please…
12:46 AM “Pippin, I’m hangin’ on by a fuckin’ thread! DON’T MAKE ME COME FIND YOU!”
1:05 AM “Baby, please… don’t do this to me. I love you. Just tell me you’re okay.”
1:20 AM “Ma let me know you’re alright. Hope you had a great day surfin’. I miss the fuck out of you. Prayin’ one day you’ll miss me, too.”
I read the last text message and before thinking twice about, I typed out, “Sometimes I feel like I already do.” And hit send.
He never replied, which brought on more unexplained heartache. More confusion. More questions and no answers. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed with his lack of response. I read each text message probably a hundred times over the last month. Memorizing each and every word. Pouring my heart out on the pages of my notebook that I’m sure Dr. Garcia would have a field day with at our next session.
“Mia Pia, you look beautiful,” Mom announced as I walked into the living room, doing a little twirl in place.
I was wearing a light-yellow strapless gown that hugged my curves perfectly, subtly flowing out down by my knees. My hair was curled and tied to the left side of my head, with a few strands of hair framing my face. Mom helped me with my makeup, going heavy on the eyes with dark black eyeliner and thick mascara. Some blush and a soft shade of nude for my lips.
“Wow, Mia… you look… Jesus… when did you grow up?” Mason asked, eyeing me up and down.
He was home for a few weeks before having to go back overseas. I hadn’t seen him much, probably too busy kissing Giselle’s ass. She hated him or at least that’s what she said the last time I asked her about him a few days ago. Mason said he came over to hang out with Bo, but I knew he was lying. I’m almost positive Dad told him to stop by so they could both scare the shit out of Noah. Poor guy probably already saw it, coming given the history we apparently all shared.
Bo was sitting on the couch playing his Xbox, glancing over at me from the television. “Look nice, Mia. Make sure to let Noah know that if he touches you, I’ll break his fuckin’ fingers.”
“Bo Savan Ryder!” Mom reprimanded, lightly backhanding him in the head. Glaring at my father who was hiding the proud look on his face from Bo’s threat. “You watch your mouth!”
Bo shrugged, turning his attention back to his game again. My mom just placed her hands on her hips and shook her head.
“Be home after the dance,” Dad ordered, bringing my attention to him.
“Dad… come on. It’s prom,” I simply stated.
“Exactly. Be home after prom. I know what happens at those things, Mia. And because of that, you should be grateful you’re even going.”
“Momma…” I eyed her.
“Lucas, give your daughter a break. Even I was allowed to stay out past curfew on my prom night. Remember you took me, but you ended up ruining that, too,” she snidely smiled.
He pushed off the wall, walking over to her. Pulling her tight against his chest. Whispering something in her ear, causing her to immediately start blushing.
“Ugh…” I spewed, locking eyes with Mason who looked just as disgusted as I did. Even after all these years and everything us kids put them through, my parents’ were still very much in love. Giving me a glimmer of hope for my future.
I was looking in the foyer mirror, reapplying my lipstick when the doorbell rang shortly after five. My dad beat me to the door with Mason and Bo in tow. They exchanged words I couldn’t hear, but the look on Noah’s face when they finally let him enter the house said it wasn’t too pretty.
He looked so handsome, wearing a tuxedo with accents that matched my gown.
“You look beautiful,” Noah praised, kissing my cheek. Handing me a white orchid corsage.
“You don’t look too bad yourself,” I boasted as he helped me with my corsage and then I helped him with his boutonniere.
After taking way too many pictures and Mom c
rying one too many times, we were able to leave. My dad and brothers never stopped warning Noah through their glares.
“Come on.” He placed his hand on the hollow of my back, spreading a warm heat throughout my entire body. Guiding me toward the limo where the driver opened the door for us. Noah helped me step in, sliding in behind me and closing the door.
We talked about nothing in particular on the drive to the restaurant. Both of us wrapped up in each other’s stares. Our eyes spoke volumes. We went to a nice Italian restaurant in town before the dance, having an intimate dinner, which was amazing. It didn’t take long until we were walking through the doors of the banquet hall that hosted my prom. Decorations were everywhere, representing the 1920’s theme we all voted on in school. They went on for miles, as did the crowd. There wasn’t a place in the room that wasn’t covered in some sort of streamer, confetti, or balloon.
We took a traditional prom picture with the photographer, but I didn’t get a chance to look at it since Noah immediately placed it in the pocket of his tuxedo jacket. He grabbed my hand, and I didn’t give it any more thought, I followed him into the ballroom. Stopping to hug a few people I knew along the way. We hung out like we always had, laughing and loving each other’s company. When the song “Broken” by Seether came blaring through the speakers, Noah grabbed my hand and led me to the dance floor.
Molding me close to his body, pulling me tighter into his strong, muscular frame. Guiding my arms up around his neck like he wanted no space between us. He wrapped his arm’s around me, proving my point. I laid my cheek on his chest, and he placed his chin on top of my head.
“I thought you didn’t dance.” I smiled, peering up into his eyes.
“I never said that. Ma was into all that romantic shit growin’ up. She used to make me dance with her all the time.”
I leaned my face into his chest again, frowning. I could have sworn he told me he didn’t dance. It was around the chorus of the song when something felt different. He felt different. The mood changed drastically between us as the lyrics of the song intensified. The conflicting emotions came tumbling down on me, crippling me in ways it never had before. There was something about this song that pained me, and I couldn’t comprehend or figure out why.
I suddenly needed some fresh air, a moment to myself. I waited until the song was over and grabbed my phone from my clutch.
“My mom’s called a few times. I’m going to step outside and call her back,” I lied, hoping he wouldn’t notice.
He nodded. “Gonna go say what’s up to the DJ. I know him. I’ll be over there.”
“Okay.” I backed away from him and left, making my way out to the terrace in the back of the hall.
The second I stepped outside I took a long, deep breath. Feeling as though I couldn’t breathe. I leaned against the railing, trying to distract myself by looking at all the city lights and the soft glow it gave everything around me. Normally this view would have me awestruck and at peace, but I couldn’t stop the emotions that were wreaking havoc on my mind.
And then just like that it unexpectedly changed again…
I felt him behind me.
“You’re there, aren’t you?” I whispered, my heart pounding against my chest.
“You wishin’ I was?” he countered in a husky, masculine tone.
Why did that simple response strike such a chord inside of me? “You shouldn’t be here.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.”
I heard the lock click over on the double doors, followed by his footsteps that brought him closer to where I stood. My breathing hitched as soon as I felt him come up behind my trembling frame. I didn’t turn around, I didn’t move, afraid if I did he’d disappear like he was just a figment of my imagination. My mind once again playing tricks on me.
I closed my eyes, waiting for I don’t know what. Feeling his heat burning into me more and more with each step that brought him closer to me. We weren’t even touching, yet I still felt him all over. His hands, his lips, his love. He leaned in just inches away, letting his breath brush against my ear. Causing shivers to course through me and my knees to buckle.
I wrapped my arms around my stomach, trying to hold in the emotions that threatened to spill, revealing my truths. I knew he noticed. There was no way he couldn’t have felt the effect he had on me. Even though I had no idea who he was.
He consumed me with his presence, so when he was gone. When he wasn’t around me. When we weren’t together.
I would miss him.
His touch.
His aura.
His love for me.
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be, than here wit’ you, Pippin.”
“There’s a warrant out for your arrest. If someone saw you—”
“Fuck ‘em.”
I swallowed hard, not knowing what to say or what to do. I should have left, but I couldn’t get my feet to move.
“You’re all that matters. Always have been and always will be.”
I licked my lips, my mouth suddenly becoming dry. My head spun in a whirlwind of feelings. Battling with my heart to move or to stay grounded. Wanting to turn and face the man who was still a mystery to me, but before I could, his actions made the decision for me. My eyes followed the movement of his strong arms as they came around my body. Skimming the sides of my ribs to place his hands on the railing out in front of me.
Caging me in against his body, his scent, his ink.
His truths…
Engulfing me in nothing but his warmth, his love, and devotion.
Comforting and tormenting me in ways I never thought possible.
It was loud.
It was maddening.
It was everything.
The closer he got to me, the more I wanted to feel him against my body. Yearning to be touched in a way that something told me only he could soothe me. I could sense he wanted to put his hands on me, needing to feel my silky skin under his calloused fingers, but he was taking it slow. Testing the fire, not wanting to get burned.
“I don’t even remember you,” I whispered, my chest firmly rising and falling with each word that escaped my lips.
“Yes, you do. My blood runs through your veins. I’ll always be inside of you. Be a part of you.”
I jerked back, confused. “What?”
“In here,” he emphasized, placing his hand on my overly active heart, causing me to jump from his sudden touch. I could feel him grinning, knowing he was the cause of the rapid rhythm beating against the palm of his hand. “My blood is runnin’ through your veins, Mia. Ya feel me?” he questioned, removing his hand and taking my heart with it. “Since I’m Type O, a universal donor, Doc took my blood weeks before the shootout. Knowin’ you were comin’ close to your due date, he wanted to be prepared just in case you went into labor and needed it. Left it in the fridge for you. It was my blood that saved your life.”
I had no words. He rendered me speechless. All I had were emotions threatening to spill out any second. The floodgates opened, letting out everything I held in so deeply. Tears began to stream down my face, falling to the ground with my heart. His hand started moving slowly up my arm, grazing my skin with only the tips of his fingers as if he was testing my boundaries. What he could and couldn’t get away with.
Holding me in his arms like I was his entire world.
I was feeling so much.
Yet not nearly enough.
He made his way toward my shoulder and then down my back. I didn’t say one word, terrified he would stop his descent. His control over me would fade.
I sucked in a breath when I felt him lower the halter on my back. His lips casually moved from my ear to where his fingers were placed. Softly, gently letting his lips linger on the scar from the bullet I took in my back.
Rasping, “I’m so fuckin’ sorry,” in a devastated tone I’d never forget.
He pulled away just enough to trail soft kisses up toward the side of my neck. It was then that I couldn’t tak
e it any longer. It was then that it became too much. His words were killing me, but his touch was destroying me.
I abruptly turned around, slightly pushing him away. His eyes told me he wanted to say so much, though nothing came out.
So I simply stated, speaking with conviction, “I’m falling for Noah. It’s always been him, Creed.”
Breaking his heart into a million pieces. Possibly next to mine.
*Creed*
“You’re full of shit, and you know it.”
Her eyes widened not expecting my reply, giving her the courage to ask, “Why did you take me?”
“To protect you.”
“From what?”
“That’s what I’m tryin’ to figure out.”
“How did you know I was here?”
“I got my ways.”
“Aren’t you worried about ending up in prison? All I have to do is scream, and this terrace will be swarming with people who would stop at nothing to turn you in. My dad made sure of that with the reward money he has for your head.”
“I’d give ‘em my fuckin’ balls to spend just a few minutes with you. You’re worth it, Pippin,” I honestly spoke, caressing her cheek with the back of my fingers. Grinning, I challenged, “Besides you were never much of a screamer, why start now?”
I immediately saw it, her eyes glazed over and her pupils dilated. Stunned by my brazen response. It wasn’t quite the reaction I wanted, but it was a step in the right direction. I leaned over again, caging her in with my arms. Resting my forehead on hers.
“There’s my girl…” I pulled her hair away from her face to stare intently into her bright blue eyes.
That did it to me every time.
There was so much emotion behind her gaze. I knew they mirrored mine, there was no need for words. Our eyes spoke for themselves as I took her face between my hands and caressed the sides of her cheeks with my thumbs.
My thoughts.
My words.
They all seemed to be fucking intertwine with one another. Pushing and pulling like a game of tug of war.