RUN AWAY || H.S

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏𝟐

Alana's POV.

*2 ½ Years Ago*

We moved swiftly toward the window. Before I knew it, Ash pulled me into one searing, passionate kiss. In one fluid motion, he leaped toward the large oak outside, gripping the tree trunk as if it were his lifeline. From the window, I could see him positioned perfectly, arms outstretched in a silent promise: "I'll catch you." And despite every instinct telling me to be afraid, I trusted him.

I clutched the window sill, my heart pounding like a drum in my ears, and then began my own descent. I'd spent my childhood climbing trees, so the task—though nerve-wracking in the present moment—was familiar enough. With careful, measured steps, I inched my way down toward him, each branch and gap underfoot stirring memories of simpler times.

When I finally reached him, Ash wasted no time. He pulled me forcefully against the rough bark of the tree and kissed me—hard, as if to imprint this moment into both of us forever. 

His tongue traced along my lips, searching for entry as I hesitantly opened my mouth. In that fierce, intimate melding, I felt his desire surge; one hand anchored me firmly at my waist, while the other cradled the nape of my neck. I could feel his thumb softly grazing my cheek, and soon that hand slid lower, trailing down the gentle curve of my breasts, across my waist, and even to my hip, gripping me roughly. I felt him harden against my thigh, and despite the whirlwind of emotions, a small, secret thrill blossomed inside me. I couldn't help but think—God, I love this side of him.

"Hmm... I love you so much, Al. This is our beginning," he whispered once we broke apart, both of us gasping for breath, our chests rising and falling in a shared rhythm of hope and vulnerability.

"This is our beginning," I echoed, a smile spreading across my face as I searched his eyes for reassurance. "What was that for?"

He grinned, his eyes alight with mischief and longing. "What? I've been waiting to kiss you like that since—since forever."

For a moment, time seemed to slow. I remembered every secret corner of this mansion, every hidden exit I'd memorized. I knew exactly how to slip out unnoticed. Together, Ash and I hurriedly made our way out of the mansion. Outside, in the cool dusk, Ash scooped up a duffel bag that had been left near the back door.

"What's that?" I asked, eyeing the bag curiously.

"I've got some hoodies in there, so we can cover our faces," he explained, his voice steady as he removed one of the hoodies and handed it to me. I quickly pulled it over my head, drawing the hood tightly around my face in a futile attempt to hide my anxiety—and maybe even my identity—from those who might be searching for me. Ash did the same, and as he turned toward me with a soft smile, I felt a surge of bittersweet determination.

"Let's go," he said firmly.

"Where are we heading first?" I asked, my voice barely audible over the sound of our hurried footsteps on the cool pavement.

"To the bus station," Ash replied. "We need to get the hell out of the city first."

"Okay," I murmured.

The journey to the bus station was long and grueling—an hour and a half of walking under a burning sky. We trudged along crowded sidewalks, sweat glistening on our skin like a constant reminder of the risk we were taking. I couldn't help but think that by now, someone at the mansion had noticed my absence. Every step I took made me more anxious about the inevitable fallout.

When we finally reached the bus station, the fluorescent lights overhead flickered against the tired faces of waiting passengers. Ash checked his watch. "We're here. The next bus is supposed to be in 30 minutes. Take a breather, baby," he said kindly, gently wiping the beads of sweat from my forehead with his hoodie.

I slumped onto a worn plastic chair, my mind racing with doubts. "Ash, everyone back at the mansion must have noticed that I'm gone. They're bound to have told him by now. He must be furious—he knows there's no way I'd be with my parents when I was supposed to be here," I whispered, voice trembling with fear.

"The bus will be here in 20 to 25 minutes," Ash assured me, his tone calm, though his eyes flashed with a mix of anger and protectiveness.

"But everyone knows who I am. They know what I am—to him," I started, my words catching in my throat.

Before I could finish, Ash's voice cut through my worry, sharp and almost enraged. "You are his nothing! You are mine, Alana. Not his," he shouted.

I tried to protest, "But legally I'm his..." but he interrupted, now yelling in a voice that was raw with emotion.

"I know! I know what you are to him—legally, I get it. But he doesn't care. The second he realizes you're gone and never coming back, he'll replace you in a heartbeat," Ash said, his voice cracking as he struggled to convince both me and perhaps himself.

"What if this doesn't work out? What then—go to the police?" I pleaded, my voice trembling. "You and I both know that last time we tried that, you ended up in a hospital bed. I'm not replaceable, Ash!"

He fell silent for a long moment before his tone turned cold and numb. "You're not a person to him—you're just an arm candy. Someone he can use whenever he wants," he spat, words that sliced through me like a shard of glass.

I trembled with fear and anger. I was scared—beyond scared. I knew he was probably on his phone, sending out calls for a search party. If we got caught... if they caught us—God, if they caught me, they would kill me.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed this chapter. xo