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Part IV

Part IV:

I awakened alone in bed. I arose from my sleeping position before stretching, looking to my left.

There, on the nightstand, was a bouquet of red roses. There was a small note in the midst of one of the red petals of a rose.

“The first step to redemption is admitting you’re wrong, and baby… I was wrong. I broke your heart along with my promise, and I’m so so sorry. I went out to make my rounds at “work”, but I’ll be back early. I love you. -Christopher.” it read.

I nonchalantly put the card onto the nightstand before making my way toward the kitchen. I made myself breakfast before getting dressed. I began to put on my shoes, but my doorbell rang before I could get both of them on.

I sighed before making my way toward the front door.

There stood Christopher. He looked at my attire.

“Where are you about to go?” he asked.
“I’m going to get a job,” I replied.
“Oh no, you’re not,” he shook his head while letting himself into my home.
“Why not?” I inquired while closing the door behind him.
“I don’t need people being given opportunities to take something that’s important to me,” he replied.
“And, just how would that happ--.”

“Let’s say you’re at the office or whatever. You have a so called “client” that’s called in. Next thing you know, a crew of dudes in all black barge in and kidnap you because of some shit I did,” he said.
“Chris… I’ve been sheltered all my life, and as soon as I take a stand and go for the bad boy, I’m back to being sheltered. You can’t take care of me forever,” I told him.
“Who says I can’t?” he inquired, coming closer to me.
“I-I--.”
“Who says I can’t?” he repeated, looking down at me with a cold, hard expression on his face.

I watched his jaw clench and his nostrils flare slowly. I watched his chest flow up and down and his eyes become a darker shade.

“Chris, I--.”
“Don’t speak,” he simply told me.
I looked up at him, feeling his body heat radiate as he came closer toward me.
“I’m sheltering you for your safety, Hazel. I wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t in your best interest,” he wrapped one of his arms around me.
“I just thought--.”
“Don’t think. Just trust me and go along with it, okay?” he spoke. I nodded before he pecked my lips. “I love you,” he spoke softly. “I love you too,” I whispered.

He gazed into my eyes for a bit longer before finally backing away from me. He went into the bedroom, and after a while of just standing there like an idiot, I followed him.

He lied on the bed with his shirt off. He was on his phone. I stood in the doorway before taking off the jacket I had on. I placed the jacket back where it belonged before slowly approaching Christopher. I sat on the bed, facing him. My hands were in my lap as I sat on my heels. I twiddled my fingers as I looked down.

Butterflies fluttered in my stomach as I thought about being close to him. I haven’t been this nervous around him since last week…

Yeah, I’ve known Chris for forever, but I still get that feeling that I’m just that dorky little kid and he’s Mr. Popularity, the looks and brains included.

I felt him getting off the bed before my nerves were finally at ease. I released a slow, quiet sigh and closed my eyes.

Next thing I know, I feel my pinned up hair being taken down. The butterflies returned quickly as I felt a pair of soft lips against my neck. I tensed up slightly before a pair of arms snaked around my waist from behind. I then watched my blouse being unbuttoned.