I considered taking her to her house as I drove, but wouldn’t that be cringe? There was nothing on her to help either way—her phone wasn’t even with her. And honestly, I was planning on stealing her new number later.
I kept driving at full speed since the road was free. My eyes darted to her face, and I felt tempted to touch her. I couldn’t resist. She looked perfect, just like always. I stroked her cheek lightly, and she mumbled sothing quietly in her sleep.
Heaven knows how badly I’ve missed her—how much I’ve wanted to hold her in my arms again.
Eventually, I ca across a motel. Not a hotel, just a shabby little motel. That would have to do.
I grabbed my shirt from the backseat and put it on, still keeping my mask on. No way was I letting anyone recognize tonight. I opened the car’s glove compartnt and grabbed so cash—I planned to leave that with her—and my credit card.
After shutting the door, I walked to the passenger side. I opened the door, unfastened her seatbelt, and carefully carried her out. Once she was secure in my arms, I made sure the car was locked before heading toward the entrance.
The mont I stepped inside, all eyes were on . I an, I was wearing a mask and carrying a drunk, masked girl in my arms—what else would they do?
"The best room you have," I instructed the receptionist.
"How many days?" she asked, her tone dry.
"Just one night," I replied, already impatient.
This was ridiculous. I wasn’t used to being asked questions like this. Normally, I’d just walk in, and my key card would be handed to .
"That’ll be $400," she said, extending her hand like I couldn’t afford such a cheap place.
I handed her my card, but for a mont, she hesitated, her expression unsure.
"What’s wrong?" I asked, confused by her hesitation.
"We don’t accept these kinds of cards," she said, almost hissing at .
"Young lady, you don’t know who the fuck I am, and I don’t give a fuck who you are! Have you even tried the card, or are you just assuming?"
Her co-worker, who had been watching the scene unfold, seed to be enjoying the drama. She leaned over with a smirk.
"Amara, just swipe the goddamn card. If it doesn’t work, throw it back in his face," she said.
The receptionist glared at before reluctantly swiping the card. It worked imdiately.
They both stared at in disbelief.
"Wait... Nathan Keith? The Keith?"
I snatched the card from her hand, my expression deadpan.
"Room 404," she stamred, her smug deanor completely gone.
I leaned in closer and whispered, "I’m going to need you to keep that to yourself if you want to keep your job."
Without waiting for a response, I walked away, heading toward the room.
When I reached room 404, I unlocked the door and stepped inside. The room was shabby—definitely not my style—but it would have to do for the night.
I gently laid Fiona down on the bed, but she clung to , refusing to let go. Her hands were wrapped tightly around my neck, and I froze for a mont, mories flooding back.
[Flashback]
"Carry ?" she had asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
I blinked, caught off guard. "Of course," I’d said.
I slid my arms under her, lifting her carefully. Her warmth pressed against , comforting and intoxicating all at once. I carried her to the bed, my only plan being to get her comfortable and leave. But as soon as I tried to pull away, she didn’t let go.
Her arms remained around my neck, holding close. Then, out of nowhere, her lips t mine. Soft and isistent.
I froze for a second, completely caught off guard by the force of it. Her kiss wasn’t long, but it said everything—pleading, affection, and desire.
I leaned into her, responding without hesitation.
"You..." I whispered against her lips, my hands lingering at her waist, "are impossible."
She smiled, her breath warm on my skin, her fingers threading through my hair.
"Am I?"
"Yes," I murmured, leaning back just slightly, though I let my forehead rest against hers. "And I love it."
[End of Flashback]
What changed, Fiona? Did you stop believing in ? Did you think I couldn’t protect you?
I failed you once, and I’ll never forgive myself for that. But that doesn’t an I can’t protect you now.
"Who are you?"
Her voice snapped out of my thoughts. I freed my hands from her grip, and she landed on the bed with a soft thud.
I wasn’t expecting her to wake up so suddenly. Would she recognize ?
"Heyyy! Why’d you drop like that?" she groaned, rubbing her eyes. She still wasn’t completely sober, that much was obvious.
"Who are you?" she repeated, her tone suspicious.
I stayed silent. If I spoke, she’d recognize my voice in an instant.
She held her head, wincing slightly. "You... you spiked my drink! You... you like ?" she stamred, her words slurring.
I just stared at her. I wasn’t making fun of her state—well, maybe just a little—but she was kind of funny like this.
"You kiss well... Nathan is the best kisser," she mumbled, her voice trailing off.
I stood still for a sec. She rembered ? Even in her drunk state?
She suddenly lunged forward, her hands grabbing my shirt. Before I could pull away, her lips crashed against mine. I tasted the faint bitterness of whatever she’d been drinking mixed with her natural sweetness, and for a split second, my body reacted on it’s own instinct—my mouth opened to her tongue kissing her like it was the first ti ever.
She pulled back just enough to laugh, drunken giggle that amused . It’s been long since I’ve heard that laughter.
"You taste good," she slurred, her eyes half-lidded and hazy, licking her lips as if savoring the mont.
"Like... like sothing familiar, have we t before? Definitely not." She asked and answered herself.
Her hands slid up to my neck, pulling closer again, clearly intent on diving back in for more. She wanted to make out, her body was pressing against mine with that familiar heat I rembered all too well. But I couldn’t let this happen—not like this, not when she was this fucked up and wouldn’t rember it tomorrow. I grabbed her wrists gently but firmly, prying them away and stepping back.
"No," I said, my voice low and rough, masking the strain it took to refuse her. "Not tonight."
Her face crumpled into a pout, confusion flickering in her eyes.
"Why not? If I’m not attractive enough..."
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