Fade Into You

Chapter 25

Faye's POV

They say that giving your heart a break helps you heal over time. 

That was all the motivation I needed as I started packing my suitcase early Saturday morning, tears silently streaming down my cheeks. Confusion and anger swirled inside me, making it hard to breathe.

Why hadn't I realized this sooner?

If I had known that all I needed was time away from constantly being around Jonathan, I would've been long gone by now—far from him, far from everything that reminded me of him.

I haven't told my parents about this plan. They're in Russia on a business trip, and besides, it's not like they'd understand. I'm heading to the one place I know will help me pull myself together. 

Yeah, I'll be missing school, but honestly? I don't care. School's the last thing on my mind right now. There are only a few weeks left until the semester ends anyway. 

For me, this is just an early start to summer vacation—one I desperately need.

Once everything's packed, I head over to Jake's room to tell him what I'm about to do. I knock gently, and to my surprise, the door is opened by Maddy—his girlfriend.

I blink, taken aback to see her here this early in the morning. Before I can say anything, my eyes automatically drift to her outfit.

 A grin forms on my face as I notice she's wearing one of Jake's oversized hoodies, the sleeves practically swallowing her hands.

"Before you say anything—I can explain!" she blurts out, holding up her hands.

"You slept over last night?" I ask, smirking.

"Yeah... but! We didn't do anything, so get your pretty little head out of the gutter."

I raise my hands in mock surrender. 

"Hey, I wasn't thinking anything like that. But just curious—when do you plan on sending his dick pics to everyone at school? You know, to prove it's not as big as his ego?"

Her jaw drops. "Faye!"

I shrug casually. 

"What? It's not like I've seen it, which would be disgusting, by the way. I just know that only a dumbass like Jake would go around bragging about it."

Just then, the door opens wider and Jake appears behind her, glaring.

"Are you two talking about me?"

We both shake our heads a little too quickly.

"No," we say in unison, then glance at each other and burst out laughing.

Jake raises a brow. 

"What do you want, Faye? And why are you dressed like that so early? Are you going somewhere?"

His question yanks me back to reality, and the smile slips from my face. Maddy and Jake both notice the shift in my expression.

"Yeah. I need to talk to you. Alone. If that's okay with you, Maddy?"

She nods and steps out. 

"Yeah, sure. I'll be downstairs."

We watch her leave until she disappears down the staircase. Jake steps aside and lets me into his room, closing the door behind us. I sit on the edge of his bed. He follows and sits next to me.

"What's going on, sis?"

I take a breath. "Did you know Sara's back?"

He nods. 

"Yeah. I talked to her yesterday. We're good now. But I think Ryder's trying to win her back." He pauses, watching me closely. "But that's not what this is about, is it? Did something happen during the mission?"

I nod slowly. "Yeah."

Then I tell him everything—how Michael arrived and waited for his clients, only to find out they were the KnightRyders. I tell him about the alley and everything that happened afterward... minus the kiss with Jonathan.

Jake listens without interrupting. When I glance at him, his brows are furrowed and he's staring hard at the floor, his jaw clenched.

"That's when it hit me," I say quietly. "I need a break. From all of this. I need to get away from him, from the mess, from everything. I need time to clear my head and figure things out."

He looks at me and gives a small, understanding smile. 

"I get it, Faye. I really do. So... where are you going?"

"You'll figure it out," I say, looking away. "If something comes up, I'm sure the genius in you will think of the one place I'd run to."

He frowns. "And what if I don't?"

"You will. I believe in you, big brother." I nudge him gently.

He chuckles and wraps an arm around my shoulders. 

"What do I tell Mom and Dad when they come back?"

"Tell them I'm dealing with some boy drama and needed time to get my shit together. Please don't let them find out where I am. Just... try to help them understand that this is what I need right now. Space. Time."

He sighs and nods. 

"I will. I promise. But you know they'll eventually figure it out. Just... try not to make them worry too much."

I laugh softly. 

"Knowing Mom and Dad, they'll probably track me down in a day."

We stand, and he pulls me in for one last hug.

"Don't take too long with your heartbreak vacation, alright? Take care of yourself."

"I will. Love you, Jake."

"Love you too,"

I leave his room, wiping my cheeks with the back of my hand. Back in my room, I grab my suitcase and head out. After loading everything into the trunk, I wave at Jake and Maddy, who are standing on the driveway watching me leave.

It's strange—knowing I'll be gone for only a short while, yet already missing them like crazy.

I slide into the driver's seat, start the engine, and drive off. Heading to the one place that always brings me peace. The one place where my heart feels safe.

OoO

I pull in through the iron gates after identifying myself to the security guard. My car rolls up the wide driveway and I park in front of the house. Stepping out, I glance around. Guards are scattered across the grounds, armed and alert. 

This place might be a fortress to some—but to me, it's a sanctuary.

This is the only place I ever run to when I need to disappear for a while.

I walk up the steps and push open the front door. Inside, maids are rushing around and a few guards pass through the hallway. But there's no sign of the two people I came here for.

"Faye, is that you, dear?"

I turn and instantly smile.

"Hi, Nana."