Hidden Gem: Jake x Reader

Chapter 11

After paying for the room, I took the key and went inside. When the door closed behind me, I just leaned on it. What was I going to do now? Jake was probably already captured, if he wasn't suffocating down there. I should have gone, I shouldn't have let him do it. If he would have just listened to me... they would both be here. Jake wouldn't have been in danger... I would have been able to talk Richy down.

I ended up seated against the door, my knees to my chest. Tears fell from my eyes, so I buried my eyes on my pants leg. Why did I let him get close enough to hurt me like this? I should have kept my distance, should have closed my emotions off to him. I shouldn't have answered that text.

No, I shouldn't say that. If it hadn't been for Jake... or even that initial text from Thomas I wouldn't be here. I let a heavy sigh pass my lips before moving to stand. For now, all I can do is try and get some sleep. Tomorrow I need to speak with Alan... but then what? Taking my phone, I looked at the messages. Opening Jakes I sent two things.

Me : My Only Tell Earns Life

Room 5 Top 2

If he managed to avoid his pursuers then he would know where to go. Plus he likes puzzles so it was only fair. With that sent, I placed the phone on the bedside table before getting into the bed and pulling the covers up to my waist. After a moment's contemplation, I took my phone again and turned the light off. In the dark I scrolled Youtube for a song to put me to sleep. Pulling up one of my favorite artists I hit the play button.

Setting it back on the table, I closed my eyes. I need to try and get a few hours before going to find something to eat in the morning. When the sun came through my window, I let my eyes open. Having fought to sleep the entire time and didn't manage it. With nothing else to do, I stood and went to shower. It wasn't until I got out of the shower that my phone buzzed.

Nymos : "The ending is nearer than you think, and it is already written. All that we have left to choose is the correct moment to begin."

Nymos? Did Jake send this through the bot? Before I could get too far into that thought, there was a knock at my door. My brows knitted together as I walked closer to it. Looking through the peephole, I could only see a man standing with dark hair poking out of a hood. His face was obscured by the hood and dark. "Who are you?"

It was the only thing I could think to ask at the moment. "Who? Who is but the form following the function of what and what I am is a man in a mask." My brow knitted further into my own confusion. "But on this most auspicious of nights, permit me then, in lieu of the more commonplace sobriquet, to suggest the character of this dramatis persona." He was quoting V from V for Vendetta. "Jake."

My eyes widened as I pulled the door open. Just as quickly I stepped to the side, letting him come in. "Is it really you?" I asked when he was far enough in for me to shut the door. He gave me a nod, and we both stood there. Neither of us moving, nor speaking a word. I couldn't believe he was actually here.

I still couldn't see his face, I hesitated, reaching up to his hood. My fingers hardly touched it before he took my wrist stopping me. "You should know, before you take this off... You might be angry with me, because you are going to recognize me." My confusion grew as his hand fell away. He was going to let me see him.

Gently, I pulled the hood back, my hands falling as I took a step back. It was Jace, was that why he reminded me of Jake? "Jace?" The word fell from my lips before I could stop it. I felt myself step back, my eyes locked on his. "You... lied to me about your name? Why... How did... you let me believe you knew nothing. Then you left... you left me alone in that place."

He looked hurt. "I know, I'm sorry. I thought if I left before you had a chance to get ahold of Alan. I didn't want you to worry, and I couldn't tell you until this was over." I was angry he lied to me, but I was so happy he was alive. He knew who I was, pretended he didn't know anything, lied to my face.