Embrace Three (spin of from Acceptance and third in Embrace)

Chapter Forty three: I can't lose you!

Arrow's POV

One thing is on my mind. One thing only, and yet I have plenty of other things to worry about now.

I need to know Ezra and Pheonix are okay. It's truly my only worry. Not the fact that I'm basically being beaten to death.. if death can even take me.

It has failed every time up to this point. In fact, this man in front of me has made a very big point. How am I still alive.

I know why deep down. I'm here to help and protect. It's one of the true reasons why I even exist.

I have a guardian angel for a reason, and it's not because I deserve to be alive.

I can feel my body weakening, but the pain isn't new to me. I can barely grasp it as it's not my main concern.

Nothing ever seems to go well. In some shape or form, even when finally, after so long, I felt in control, everything quickly shifted back to being totally out of control again.

"Arrow... you are a very interesting man. Most men by this point would be screaming for me to stop. Most men would be in true agonising pain but not you. You are barely flinching. Lost in thought even. Does it really not hurt? Or is it the fact that you have been through so much this isn't even scratching the surface of the pain you can bear?"

"In all honesty, it just feels numb almost. I find a way to barely notice it, especially when I have other things on my mind. It's almost my coping mechanism, I think. Of course, it hurts, I feel myself weakening, but it's not something I can't take. I'm just not sure you're up to the task of breaking me. Many men and women have tried and failed. I don't think this will be anything different. Do you get it now? Regardless if you are right or not. I think it's quite apparent that I am different. I have a strong pain threshold by this point, but that's from going through so much pain. I do have some sort of protector. Do I deserve it, maybe not... but I don't think anyone else would put their life on the line like I have to give someone a better life or away out of there shitty situation. I'm just not sure what you want to prove here?"

He looks at me blankly for some time, pondering on my words, I guess, before he laughs.

"I told you. I know you have some sort of protection, but how much? Do I have to get you to death's door before they step in? No one has of yet...?"

"It's rather pointless."

"I don't think it's pointless at all. Why do you think it's pointless?"

"It's all a bit annoying, actually. That I'm going to have to teach you a lesson for taking me away from my brother," I whisper but loud enough for him to hear me.

"Excuse me? How do you expect to do that? You're tied up... you already pretty beat up. Regardless if you think you're some sort of god or what... your only human, and I'm only getting started," he laughs.

"Yet you look more tired than I do," I smirk right at him.

"You being serious right now? I'll watch your mouth!"

"Someone's working themselves up. As you said, I'm the one that's tied up."

"You're trying to mess with me. That's probably how you get out alive every time. It's not luck you just worm your way in talking. I see right through you, Arrow Sharp...this time I won't be holding back you asked for!"

"I wouldn't say he worms his way in. It's more like he actually talks sense. But you take it as you wish. You okay?"

I look up at the person standing in the doorway.

"Took you long enough," I smirk in his direction.

"Hey its really not my fault you just seem to have a nact to get yourself into some really annoying and dangerous situations...but I'll let you off as your half brother it's the least I can do," Paul smiles at me.

"Do you know if Ezra is okay?"

"You would know if he wasn't. So relax. Let me teach this fool a lesson."

"Be careful," I tell him.

"How the fuck you find us so quick?"

"Let's just say even when I leave Arrow to do what he thinks is best. When he tells me to go and protect his family. I will go without hesitation, but once they are safe... of course, I'll come and save his ass!" Paul smiles.

"Maybe this is the reason why you are alive. You have others come save you?"

"Not quite. He has friends and family. It does make all the difference but he is also very special on his own. I've always known Arrow to be different and that's nothing to do with his sexuality. He has never quite been like most men I've come to know. I'm just super lucky to be his half brother. You chose the wrong man to mess with!" Paul says loudly.

"Really? What makes you think you will win here?"

"Enough with this endless talking. Are you going to put up a fight because I'm here to save Arrow, not have an endless conversation with you!"

He looks at Paul before back to me with a quite aggressive look on his face.

"I'm going to teach you a lesson before I finish up here with Arrow. So say your farewell because I won't let either one of you leave here alive!"

"If you say so," Paul says as he pulls a knife as he winks at me.

Please be careful Paul...I can't lose you!