Page 8

Not a great plan, but it will do.

As quietly as I can I flick the bathroom light off once more. Easing the door open, I peek my head out.

“Coffee?”

I scream at the top of my lungs, my hands flying to my face as I jump. I jerk my body back, my body slamming against the bathroom door. Naturally being myself, and a clumsy mess, I fall back onto the tiled bathroom floor.

“Shit, shit, shit.” The thud of his boots comes closer. “Fuck, shhh you’re safe.” His voice above me causes me to flinch. “Shit, it’s just me, Zion.”

“Why are you awake?” I ask, narrowing my eyes at him, deflecting that he just scared me, and I didn’t just flinch because he is standing above me. Jumping to my feet, I grip my hips, trying to calm my rapid beating heart down. “You’re lucky I didn’t bring out my Kung-Fu moves on you.”Not that I know any, but he doesn’t need to know that.

Zion tilts his head, and though I can’t see his face, I imagine he’s frowning at me.Especially since I just jumped like a little girl and fell into the bathroom, all because he asked if I wanted coffee.

“What?”

Why does he always look at me like I’m speaking another language? I’ve always wanted to learn but never got the chance or had the tools to learn.

“Are you always awake this early?” I ask again, sidestepping him and heading to the table that held his bag and a few water bottles. I probably shouldn’t make myself at home, but I feel the need to keep my distance from him. “You think I could take a few waters for my trip?” I ask.

“Your trip?”

What is with him always repeating my words?

“Yes, my trip. You know, you said you’d take me to the bus station. You’re still uh taking me to the bus station, right? You’re not like taking that back, are you?” I spare a glance over at him.

“No.”

“No, like no you’re not taking it back? Or no you’re not taking me to the bus station?” My voice shakes slightly as I try to calm myself down, because there is no way I could take him. Zion is huge, well over a foot taller than me. I feel like a damn cat next to a lion. But I could possibly outrun him. There’s no way he could run faster.

“I’ll take you,” he mutters.

“Awesome.” I sigh in relief. “So, water? Can I take a few water bottles with me?”

“Yeah.”

“Thanks. Well, on that note, let’s go.” I smile. “Oh, wait, do you have like socks, something I could wear since I don't have any? Oh and the coffee?” My eyes drop to the cup of coffee. Realizing he must have left to get this. Grinding my molars, I’m irritated with myself, knowing that he snuck out while I was asleep ad I could have easily made a run for it.

I could feel Zion staring at me like I’m crazy. He doesn’t say anything as he turns and digs into his duffle bag once more.

Extending his hand, I take the slippers from him. Slipping them on, I laugh out loud.

“Few things, what are you doing just carrying around a pair of slippers?” I laugh because seriously what kind of dude just has a pair of slippers? “And dude, what is your shoe size?” I continue laughing. I can’t help it; I mean my feet are engulfed by his slippers. “Oh, you know what they say about big feet,” I try joking.

Zion doesn’t say anything, not that he ever does. Instead, he hands me the coffee, being careful to not touch my hand. Snatching his bag up and he opens the hotel room door leaving me behind. Taking a sip of the coffee, I nearly choke at the bitter taste.

“Gross.” I mutter under my breath, snatching up the jar of peanut butter he left on the table, I rush to follow him. Don’t need to be left behind.

3

Zion

Iamfucked.

Completely and totally fucked. Once she fell asleep, I was able to rush to Killian’s, an hour away to tell him that she was safe. The whole time my eyes laid on the camera I placed in the room. Willing her not to wake up while I drove there and back. While the whole time thinking I could get over whatever the fuck I was feeling. But apparently not. I didn’t sleep my eyes drawn to the camera, watching her toss and turn. But I had to make sure she was still in bed, still here.

But it will be fine. I am taking her to the bus station, and she will go on with her life while I go on with mine.I had Alex, someone I worked with countless times before, pick my bike up and drop off my F-150. That way when I drop her off she won’t have to touch me.

Because that’s what I am doing, dropping her off and walking away. I can’t have her touching me.