The Defiant

Take Back What He Stole

Roan

I grabbed Ezra's phone and checked the time, ignoring the red line connected to my heart.

5 AM.

I hadn't slept since I escaped, and the adrenaline was no longer keeping me alert. My aching head begged me to close my eyes and rest, but...

I couldn't see him again.

I would rather suffer the torment of sleepless nights than see his face.

We had stopped for the night, deciding to get a few hours of shut-eye before heading out again. Ezra was breathing evenly behind me, holding me close to him.

There was a knock on our motel door, and Ezra woke with a start.

"We need to get going," one of the guards said.

Ezra sighed and clicked on the bedside lamp.

"Did you get some sleep?" he asked.

"Mhm," I lied.

He kissed my neck and flung off the blanket, then got out of bed.

I groaned and sat up, rubbing my eyes to feign that newly awoken aura.

Ezra grabbed his bag off the floor and slung it over his back. I watched as he tied his hair up in a bun, blinking the sleep out of his eyes.

I got out of bed and slipped my shoes on, grabbing my own bag and subconsciously waving off the red line as it got in my way.

I sighed when it didn't move.

When we were at the door, Ezra grabbed my shoulder and made me face him. His expression was serious as he scanned me.

"Roan, you will have to sleep eventually," he whispered.

My eyebrows knit together, and I sighed. Of course, he caught my lie...

He leaned forward and pressed his forehead against mine.

"Please don't shut me out, baby." His voice cracked a bit, and a knot formed in my throat at the sound of him breaking.

"I- I don't know how to help you. You look so tired and tormented. I just- I just want you to know I'm here. I'll hold you while you sleep. I'll listen to whatever you need to say. I'll leave you alone if you want space. Whatever you need, tell me. I'll do it for you."

He paused and took a deep breath as a tear raced down his cheek. I reached up to grab his hand, and he continued.

"I never had anyone in my life to love before you six. I will do anything to make you feel better."

He bit his lip, and I felt his body tremble.

Seeing him like this made me start crying too. I didn't want him to be sad. I never wanted him to be sad...

"It's just us two right now, Roan... I might not be able to do everything the others can, but I'll try. So, can you just tell me what will help?"

When he stopped speaking, I took his tear-stained face in my hands and leaned in slowly for a kiss.

"Don't ever leave me," I thought, "That's all I'll ever need."

He nodded. "I won't ever leave you alone," he muttered against my lips.

"But what do you want? What will help? I can do more," he urged through his thoughts.

His words played through my head.

I looked into his glassy eyes. "Erase him," I said. "I feel disgusting."

His breath quivered, and his hands dropped down to my hips.