"Ohhh, I feel so awful," I groaned, clutching my tummy in discomfort. "I told you to drink my special drink, but you didn't want to," he pointed out for the thousandth time, a hint of amusement dancing in his voice.
"I'm never drinking again," I vowed, wincing at the throbbing pain.
"That's what they all say," he muttered under his breath, a sly grin spreading across his face.
"Huh?" I asked, but he just shook his head, his eyes sparkling with mirth.
"Nothing," he uttered, as he pulled over to the side of the road. "Stay here, I'll be back in two minutes."
It's not like I was planning to go anywhere. He got out of the car and walked inside the store, his broad shoulders and chiseled physique commanding attention. He looked breathtaking, even just walking. I couldn't help but feel drawn to him, not caring that I was supposed to be mad at him. Everything felt right when I was with him.
I was taking pictures on his phone when I noticed a few black cars suddenly appear in the parking lot. Six men emerged from each car, armed and heading inside the store. My heart racing, fear crippled my soul, and I lay back to avoid being seen.
They were dressed in black from head to toe, with dark shades and messy hair. Their fine bodies seemed to radiate an aura of danger. I'd read enough mafia stories to recognize the signs - they were definitely mafia members. But what were they doing here? And where was Slavvy?
Suddenly, I heard gunshots, and my hangover vanished. I was left startled, my heart pounding in my chest. Memories of my two ruthless uncles shooting my uncle dead flooded my mind. My hands shook, and my heart racing, I felt weird tingles running through my body.
No, no, not anxiety, not anxiety. My eyes witnessed Slavvy shooting two guys dead My breaths became uncontrollable as he approached the car.
" you're safe," he said breathlessly as he got inside the car and drove away. "Call Haze," he spoke to the car.
"Calling Haze," the car responded. It rang twice before Haze answered.
"What's going on with you? Where are you?" Haze shouted.
"I'm being followed by the Venoms. Track my car now," Slavvy said calmly.
"Right on it," Haze replied.
I desperately tried to control my breaths, but the more I tried, the more my chest tightened. "Slavvy," I whispered.
He looked at me with worry-filled eyes. "I can't breathe," I uttered, trying to calm down.
"Slavvy, Ace, and Zack are taking care of it. You're safe now," Haze reassured.
Slavvy stopped speeding, and I held my chest, trying to catch my breath. My hands shook, and I hated anxiety and panic attacks.
"Slavvy, I'm scared," I uttered.
He turned left onto an unfamiliar road lined with tall palm trees swaying gently in the evening breeze. The car came to a stop, and he looked at me — really looked at me — a wave of warmth rushed through me. My heart fluttered, and goosebumps spread across my skin.
I was scared, but I wanted to feel safe in that moment. Tears welled in my eyes, the memory of what had just happened flashing through my mind — the men, the gunshots, the panic. For a second, it felt like my soul had left my body.
But as his lips brushed mine again, slow and careful, my breathing steadied. I clung to his hands, needing that small anchor to stay grounded.
"It's okay now. Just breathe," he whispered softly.
His voice was calm, steady — the kind that made everything else fade away. My tears came faster. "I'm scared," I admitted, the words breaking as they left my mouth.
He lifted my chin, his eyes full of guilt and something deeper. "You're safe now. Nothing will happen to you while I'm here. I promise," he said quietly.
That broke me. I buried my face against him and sobbed. The sound of gunfire still echoed in my head, and I couldn't stop shaking.
"I thought you... you were gone," I managed to say.
He wrapped his arms around me, holding me close. "I'm here. I'm okay. You hear me? I'm right here," he whispered into my hair.
I held onto him tighter. Somehow, in his arms, the fear started to fade. It was crazy — we'd only known each other for a short while, but it already felt like he'd become my whole world.
He brushed a tear from my cheek, his thumb tracing lightly across my skin. Then, suddenly, his expression softened into a grin. "Hey, I got you your hot wings," he said, lifting the box.
I laughed, still sniffling. "You're serious?"
"Of course," he said, pretending to look offended.
I sat up, giggling as I grabbed one. "Well, guess my hangover's gone."
He chuckled and fed me a piece. "Good, because I didn't drive all this way for nothing."
I bit into it and instantly winced. "Oh my gosh, that's hot!" I fanned my mouth. "Why didn't you warn me?"
He laughed. "honey it's not that bad."
My heart skipped. "What did you just call me?" I teased, pretending to glare at him.
He looked at me innocently. "What?"
"Nothing," I said with a smile I couldn't hide.
For a moment, we just sat there — quiet, close, content. I leaned into him, and he rested his chin lightly on my head. The warmth between us felt safe, not rushed.
Soon we were back on the road. Country music played softly through the speakers, and I found myself watching the blur of trees outside the window. A peaceful calm washed over me. For the first time in a long while, I wasn't afraid. Not when he was beside me..