Freedom -Negan-

Chapter 31

Turns out I was in that cell for two days. Really put my time here into perspective. No more Jesse with a death wish. She needs to be the smart woman who made it this far by herself. I've been keeping my head low these last couple of weeks as best as I can since Negan has me on some sort of probation period. No leaving the Sancturary to go on runs until I can prove myself. So, that's what I'm doing.

Angel and Peter have been helping me get into a routine. With Negan's permission, I got in on some lower end jobs on the factory floor with the other workers. They aren't worth nearly as many points as going out on scavenging trips, so repaying my debts has been at a snail's pace. The workers have been tolerant of me, but I wouldn't say anyone is very friendly with me, either, as they mostly keep their distance.

The bruises covering my body have almost healed, making me feel more like myself. People still stare, but some are much more welcoming than before. I'm trying my best to be cordial with everyone, which is very hard at times. Especially with Shepherd. That brother has done his best to test my good behavior. I try to avoid him, just like with Negan. Most of my time has been spent on the factory floor where he will show his face up on the catwalk to give some speech about saving lives or some bullshit I don't listen to. I do the kneeling business to appease him and I always find him smirking my way. Mocking me for my actions.

Today was laundry duty. Not my favorite, but not terrible. My group usually chatted while I sat in silence and listened. They were all kind to me, but never included me in any of their conversations, which was fine with me. The less I had to interact with people, the less chance my smartass mouth did something we both regret.

I played with the key in my pocket as I walked the halls. My room was really out of the way for all of the places I had to go and it was always a long walk. I passed a few saviors who must have been switching shifts. They nodded my way and I returned the gesture. Negan's men and the workers had tension, but I wanted them to know that I had no issue.

I went to take a left towards the stairwell, but a hand grabbed my wrist and pulled me into a warm body. I went to throw my fist without looking, but another hand caught mine before I could even raise it. They pinned my arms by my side and held my back to their chest.

"Chill out, Jess. I already have brain damage because of you." His breath was hot against my ear. I allowed myself to breathe again and smiled at the familiar voice.

"Obviously, or else you wouldn't be sneaking up on me. I have to get to my job."

"Sucks to be you, doesn't it." He let go of my wrists and ran his palms up my thighs until they stopped at my hips.

"Didn't get enough the other night?" I turned my head and whispered. He turned my body around so that I was facing him. I had only looked at him for a moment before he brought his lips down on mine. His grip on my hips tightened and it took every ounce of will I had to put my hands on his chest and push him away.

"Matt." I sighed and gave him an apologetic look. "I need to get to my job and if I'm caught in this open hallway with you, that'll ruin my good girl streak." I gestured down the hall where anyone could walk down and see us any second.

Matt groaned. "I don't like good girl Jesse."

"She doesn't care what you like." I rolled my eyes. "Now go before someone sees us."

"I'll see you later?" His hands squeezed my hips again and I smiled at his subtleness. I pulled away from his grip and started walking back down the hall.

"Maybe." I called out, glancing back one more time to see him shaking his head at me. I ran down the stairs and hurried to the laundry room, checking my watch to see that I was just in time. I checked in and was directed to the large pile of clothes in the corner of the room. I placed my jacket one of the tables near the door and started the water in the large tub in the corner of the room.