40

I clenched my jaw and I feel something settle at the pit of my stomach as I drop the bottle and flick my hands to get them away. Positioning myself and breaking the door using my force, causing a loud sound and the door breaking open.

I couldn't process anything in my head as my legs took me towards a man straddling Rose. She was not someone to straddle and take advantage of.

I saw a knife and I rip him off her punching him square in his face and holding his throat just like he did to her. I saw the man and a girl running to Rose to help her as one of them call 911.

"Hey! Hey!". I heard the guy call. I stand up with this guy's throat in my head and throw him over the ground before going over to Rose. My hands clenched in a fist and unknown anger filled my body seeing her wheezing and couching in pain She winced as I grabbed her chin and lifted her face observing it. My hold was soft but she was in pain. I wanted to see where that fuckward had hurt her so I could do that same to him. She looked into my eyes making me consider my decisions. Somethings just didn't add up to me. Why was I so protective. I could just leave right now. The cops were on their way. But I didn't.

"The cops are on their way." I heard someone say as the guy held that man over the ground. " Where are you hurt?"

I asked looking at her she shook her head but I saw her wince as pain shot up her mouth throat and she brought her hand up to it. My hands still not leaving her face. It was red. She was hurt. My jaw clench and suddenly;y I felt her hand over mine, Slowly taking it off her chin.

But not completely shoving me away. "I-I didn't think he would do this, I -" her voice cracked as one of the guys brought some water which was when she let my hand go. I felt the cold air hit my hands. I stare at her red neck. My eyes unable to feel any mercy for that man but I couldn't get any more involved.

"We heard you yell and thank god this guy could break the door. It was locked" she nodded staring at me.

"I'm fine" she whispered looking at me and I looked back at the guy. "Thank you so much" She thanked the guys beside us and they nodded, just a minute later the cops came in taking that guy away before taking her and our statement. She declined the mention of medical need and said she just needed rest. At a point, it was just us to left at her apartment, "Thank you so much, Kaden. I-I" I get closer. Just enough close to not make her feel weird. "Don't, It was a coincidence" I said and she frowns, "But how did you-" I answered before she asked. "You dropped your bottle in my car, I was coming up when I heard your voice" She didn't question further but just sat back on the couch wiping her tears, I grabbed my jacket and stare at her.

"Call me if you need me," I said taking her phone and putting my number in it. "Um, Kaden" She stopped me. I looked back, my eyes staring at her vulnerable state. My hands clenched into a fist. "Um- nothing." She said, I leaned on the door putting my hands in my pocket. "You wanna eat some instant noodles?" She looked up and nodded. I made my way towards the kitchen, "The first cabinet" She said.

"Did you know he would do this" She shook her head coming near and sitting on the counter chair, "He was acting weird, Since last month? So I decided to move out but, I didn't-" I nodded and she didn't continue. "Why were you living with him?" I asked, invading her privacy. I realize it sooner and continued, "Sorry, it's none of my business" She smiled. Suddenly my anger melted. Only a little.

"It's alright, it's a valid question to ask" I continued making some food. "Um- I kinda didn't have much money and I found him on craigslist. It was affordable and he was nice and respectful till the past month. He just started coming her drunk at night and I got in my room and went through my study" I stopped and looked at her. She bites her lips." So I was going to see a new apartment for my-self tomorrow morning" I nodded.

He went through her stuff. I couldn't help feel the need to hug her. Immensely. She ate her nodded delicately as I watched her have a sip of cold water every time she chewed. "Does your neck hurt?" I asked and she paused before slowly giving me a nod.

"I should've made you something better than" She shook her head softly. "I like instant noodles. I just feel my throat go dry right now" Of course, you will. She gave me a smile before sipping on the apple juice that I pour her from her the fridge. "If you are in urgent need of an apartment Then I have a place" She looked at me, "You don't have to say yes just because I said so. Just in case you need a place to stay for a couple of days" she nodded.

[ Lily ]

I stare at myself and The grey dress that I stood in.

"Mom I don't like this dress" She frowns, Her eyes looking at me up and down and look at her "Why? It was a pretty dress, You will wear this" I frown deeper, "Mom this color isn't what I like, the pink one was better"

Although both the dresses she picked out for me were disliked by my mind and heart, The dull color grey, reminded me of the gloomy sky and my sad face.

"Can I at least try the pink one I really don't like the colour" She pursed her lips grabbing the pink dress and handing it to me. I wore it and I felt somewhat better.

"I don't like it. The grey one is better" I frown.

"But mom" She showed me her angry face. "It's not your wedding Lilyan, We are getting the grey one" I clenched my jaw as she grabbed the grey and headed to the counter as I stood there.

She paused looking at me once, "When It's your wedding, I will let you wear whatever you like" She said walking away. I closed the door and turned around looking at the mirror.

"I doubt I will have any choice in that as well mother" I whispered tearing up from my eyes. I blinked it away, shrugging as I thought I was PMSing. AS we sat for dinner that night my mother asked if I was done with packing, "No, I still am not done" She sighs.

"Well, we are leaving tomorrow evening." I snap my head towards her in confusion. " But we weren't leaving this early" I look at my father who as always didn't give me any explanation.

"Your sister will need your help prior then the wedding. And you will be able to spend some time with your cousins" I turn my hands into a fist.

"I thought you were happy to meet your family Lilyan," Father asked and I look down suddenly. "I am, I just. Am not done packing" I said, "You have time" I took a sip of water and excused myself. "I have to go, I am tired," I said walking to my room.

I was angry, I hated my family. My father knew what happened years ago. Heck, he knows what happened last time I met someone from my family. He never took my side.

No one ever did but my aunt. But she did not have a say in our matters. My parents were easily offended. I knew Alex wasn't coming today because he had work. and he must be tired.

But I couldn't help myself. I wanted to vent out my anger. And I wouldn't see him. We were leaving sooner than expected. I stare at our legs touching each other, as his hand rested over the head of my chair behind me. I could smell his cologne. It was so addicting.

I take a bite of my ice cream and scoop some for him, Holding it to his mouth. He ate it staring at me and I look away. "Stop it," I said and he sighs. "I don't want you to go" I chuckle. "Neither Do I wanna leave" I could feel his anger radiating off his body.

"Let's go" I frown and he stood and walked ahead to the door. I assumed he was angry so I ran to the car and got in as he unlocked it. "I am sorry I called you, You always come by and I -" He didn't let me finish, "Shut it Lily" I snapped my neck towards him as took the other way, away from my house.

And yet again we were at the beach. And this time. I could walk on the sand. And I didn't feel cold. "thank you" I whispered as we got out and kissed his cheek. His hand stayed over my waist. "You don't need too" My heart was beating as walked over the sand.

My hand coiled with his. Like we were a couple. Were we? I look at him and tilt my head.

"Lily" We stopped. "Can you handle him?" I gulp sucking in a deep breath and suddenly he was hugging me tightly. I could feel his chest pressed against mine, his hands tightly wrapped against my waist, and his face brushing against the skin over my neck.

"Alex" I called. I just wanted him. My legs suddenly go numb, as I feel wetness down my hand fist over his arms as I feel his wet lips over my neck and I almost feel like I would pass out. His lips didn't leave me for minutes.

"You are mine, Lilyan. Remember that" I felt a hand go tight across my waist as he pulled me impossibly closer. I moan ever so softly into it.

"I-I know" I whispered as my chin was grabbed unexpectedly. His lips landing over mine and I melt into his arms like a hot bubble. His lips were so soft compared to mine, I couldn't keep up as I couldn't feel anything anymore.

All my focus was on the kiss. I merely felt his hand at the back of my neck holding me. I pulled back too overwhelmed by what was happening.

"If, If I get attached to you" "You already are Lily, So am I," he said.