As Slavvy drove, his eyes kept darting towards me, his gaze filled with a mixture of concern and intensity.
"Where are we going?" I asked, trying to break the silence.
Slavvy's jaw clenched. "Somewhere safe."
I raised an eyebrow. "And where's that?"
He didn't answer, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.
We drove for what felt like hours, the silence between us growing thicker with each passing minute.
Finally, Slavvy turned off the main road, driving down a dirt path that led to a secluded mansion.
The mansion loomed before us, its windows dark and foreboding.
Slavvy got out of the car, opening my door and pulling me out.
"Welcome to your new home," he said, his voice low and husky.
I looked up at him, my heart racing. "What do you mean?"
Slavvy's eyes locked on mine. "You're not safe, Testimony. Not as long as those guys are after you."
I swallowed hard. "And why should I trust you?"
Slavvy's gaze didn't waver. "Because I'm the only one who can keep you alive."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as Slavvy's words hung in the air.
"I want to go home!" I argued.
"Stop being stubborn for once!" Slavvy yelled, his teeth clenched in anger.
"You slept with my sister after telling me you hated her!" I shouted back, my anger boiling over.
"Oh, and what about you? You kissed my best friend!" Slavvy retaliated, his voice venomous.
I felt a pang of hurt and betrayal. "So it's true... you slept with her!" I spat, tears welling up in my eyes.
Slavvy's face twisted in anger, but I didn't care. I got out of the car and stormed into the woods, leaving Slavvy behind.
"Testimony, Testimony!" Slavvy yelled after me, but I ignored him.
"Will you listen to me?" he shouted again, but I kept walking.
I didn't want to cry, at least not in front of him. But Slavvy caught up to me, grabbing my arms and spinning me around.
"You don't walk away from me, Missy," he growled, his teeth clenched.
"Oh, really? Watch me," I shot back, sarcasm dripping from my voice.
Slavvy's eyes flashed with anger, and he pulled me close again. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.
"You make me seem like the villain of this story when you kissed Haze," Slavvy said, his voice cracking with emotion.
I felt a pang of guilt, and my heart softened.
"I was gone the whole day to prepare a special place to take you out, so you could have fun and enjoy. And when I saw you kiss him, it just reminded me that I'll always be everyone's second option," Slavvy confessed, tears welling up in his eyes.
My heart went out to him, and I felt a surge of empathy.
"At least you could have said something - texted me, called me, anything - to stop me from overthinking everything. I waited for you the whole day and gave in when Haze told me you were with other girls, liar!" I shouted, my emotions raw and exposed.
Slavvy's face contorted in pain, and he crashed his lips against mine, pulling me close and tight. I tried to push him away, not wanting to kiss him, but he held me firm.
I managed to push him away, and tears flooded his eyes.
"I'm angry that you stood me up, but I'm angrier that you slept with Ashly," I said, trying to hold back my tears.
Slavvy's face crumpled in regret. "I'm sorry, I was really angry."
"And sleeping with her was an option to ease the anger?" I asked, incredulous.
Slavvy shook his head. "No, but I'm trying, Tess. I'm trying desperately to change. Please," he begged, his eyes pleading with me.
I wanted to believe him, but I was afraid. This wasn't how I expected to spend my last days.
"Well, I don't know, Slavvy. My heart hurts because of you. I hate you!" I yelled, but instantly felt unwell and dizzy.
Slavvy's eyes widened in concern. "You don't mean that."
I didn't, but I wanted to. I wanted to hurt him the way he hurt me.
I looked at him, struggling to breathe. "Are you okay?" Slavvy asked, stepping closer, but I stepped away from him.
"Leave me alone," I whispered, trying to catch my breath, but it was getting harder.
My breaths were heavy, and my vision began to blur.
Slavvy's face contorted in worry. "Tess, please..."
I felt myself swaying, and Slavvy rushed to catch me. "Tess, no, no, no," he whispered, his voice panicked.
I tried to push him away, but my arms felt like lead. "Leave me alone," I slurred, my vision blurring.
Slavvy scooped me up in his arms, cradling me like a child. "I'm not leaving you alone, Tess. I'm taking you to get help."
I tried to struggle, but my body felt weak and limp. Slavvy's face was etched with worry as he rushed me through the woods.
We finally reached the car, and Slavvy gently placed me in the passenger seat. He buckled my seatbelt, his hands shaking slightly.
As he drove, I felt my consciousness slipping away. I tried to fight it, but it was no use.
The last thing I remembered was Slavvy's panicked voice, calling out my name.
When I came to, I was lying in a hospital bed, surrounded by beeping machines and sterile white walls.
Slavvy sat beside me, his eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep. He held my hand, his grip tight.
"Tess, thank God you're awake," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.
I tried to sit up, but a wave of pain washed over me. Slavvy gently pushed me back down.
"Don't move, Tess. You need to rest."
I looked up at him, my eyes narrowing. "What happened?"
Slavvy's face contorted in guilt. "I'm so sorry, Tess. I should have taken care of you better."
I tried to remember, but my memories were hazy. "What do you mean?"
Slavvy took a deep breath. "You passed out in the woods. I brought you here to get help."
I felt a surge of anger. "You should have left me alone."
Slavvy's eyes pleaded with me. "I couldn't leave you, Tess. I love you."
I looked away, my heart heavy with emotion. How can I fall for someone who brings out the worst in me every time I try