Someone Like Hugh -Draft Complete And EDITING-

Chapter Twenty Two

Hugh's POV:

"I'm not important. What happens to me at this point doesn't really matter," she replied. She didn't sound suicidal or as if she would hurt herself. She sounded tired and resigned. Like she was simply ready to let go and stop fighting.

"You are important," I said rolling onto my side and staring down at her.

"I am a human punching bag who's purpose will be obsolete in a few short months," she replied, hed eyes still closed as she basked in the moonlight.

She shifted slightly and I could tell she was in immense pain. "Did she come after you today because I made you rest?" I asked her sadly I stroked her hair and suppressed the urge to pull her into my arms.

"If it wasn't that, she would have found another reason to come after me. Her hatred of me runs deep. If it wouldn't have drawn unwanted attention, she would have killed me years ago, Hugh. I am just a tool in her belt, and I always will be, at least until I can get the boys somewhere safe," she spoke softly.

"You're not just a tool to me," I mumbled pulling her into my arms and ignoring the soft groan that fell from her lips. I kissed the top of her head. "You don't have to be strong with me, let me take care of you."

"I can't," she spoke softly into my chest. I could feel her shaking. I wasn't sure if it was from the cold, the fever, or the pain. It took me a moment to realize she was sobbing silently into my chest.

I held her against me, careful not to touch her back. "Why not?" I asked her.

"You'll be leaving soon, Hugh. You keep doing all these sweet, kind things. It reminds me of the world out there, that not all people hurt eachother. It reminds me that there are good kinds of touches, that don't bring pain. Each kind gesture is like healing a small part of me. But soon, you'll leave. I won't have these little bursts of kindness and tenderness anymore. How can I bring myself to be open to this, to bask in this, knowing it isn't real? In a few short days you'll be gone, and I'll be here on my own, just like always," she explained.

I hadn't really thought of it that way. I had been wanting to protect her and keep her close. But what was my plan? She was right. In a few days I'd be leaving. She would be alone again. I didn't know what to do at this point. We sat silently for a few moments as I thought.

"I'm not sure what will happen in the next few days, but I do know what I feel. I'm drawn to you, and not just because you need protection. When I look at you, when I feel you close like this, I want nothing more than to whisk you away and make you mine," I mumbled into her hair. "I think I'm starting to fall in love with you, and I'm not sure what to do."

I looked down to see her breathing deeply. She had fallen asleep on my chest, dried tears streaking down her cheeks. My heart swelled in my chest. I loved her, I just wasn't sure how to tell her without scaring her off.

I dipped my head down and kissed her cheek. "Come on," I whispered, waking her up. "Let's get you in bed."

We carefully climbed back in through the window. Thankfully James had locked the door again when he left. "I need to apologize to James," she whispered groggily.

"In the morning," I told her. "Go get in bed."

"I can't sleep yet," she said quietly.

"Why not?" I asked her.

"I have to wait until three," she replied softly.

"I'll wait with you."

"You need sleep, I don't want to keep you."

"I want to wait with you."

That's how we found ourselves cuddled in her bed, watching movies on my phone. Things never felt more right to me. I felt determined not to lose this, or her.