LAST FOREVER( Complete ✅️)

Chapter 9: COMPLICATED

The gym was a battleground of emotions as I stepped inside, the scent of sweat and determination filling the air. My gaze scanned the room, searching for Haden, but he was nowhere in sight. It had been days since our conversation, and he had continued to avoid me with a determination that mirrored his resistance to letting me in.

As I wrapped my hands, my frustration mingled with a sense of helplessness. I was determined to understand, to be there for him, but his avoidance had left me at a loss. The sound of the punching bags being pounded filled the space, a rhythmic reminder of the battles we all fought in our own ways.

Hours passed, and the gym gradually emptied as people finished their workouts and headed home. I lingered, my determination outweighing my exhaustion. But as the clock ticked on, it became clear that Haden had no intention of showing up.

With a heavy sigh, I gathered my belongings and headed towards the exit. The streets were dark and quiet, the city's energy subdued under the cover of night. I walked briskly, my footsteps echoing in the silence as I navigated the familiar path home.

A sense of unease settled over me, a gut feeling that something was off. I quickened my pace, my heart racing as the feeling of being watched sent shivers down my spine. I cast a glance over my shoulder, my eyes widening as I spotted a shadowy figure following me.

My steps quickened to a run, my pulse racing as panic gripped me. I could feel his presence behind me, a sinister force that seemed to grow closer with each passing moment. I reached for my phone, my trembling fingers struggling to dial the numbers for help.

And then, just as the fear threatened to consume me, Haden appeared out of nowhere, his presence like a lifeline in the darkness. He moved with a speed and intensity that was both familiar and surprising, intercepting the stranger before he could reach me.

"Get away from her!" Haden's voice was a growl, his fists clenched at his sides.

The stranger hesitated, his gaze locked on Haden with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty. And then, with a swift movement, he turned and disappeared into the night, leaving nothing but the echo of his footsteps.

I stood there, my heart racing and my breath coming in ragged gasps. Haden turned towards me, his expression a mix of concern and something else I couldn't quite place.

"Are you okay?" His voice was gentle, a stark contrast to the intensity I had just witnessed.

I nodded, unable to find the words to express the rush of emotions that coursed through me. He reached out, his fingers brushing against my arm, a touch that sent a shiver down my spine.

"You shouldn't have followed me," I said, my voice shaky.

Haden's gaze held mine, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I couldn't just let you walk into danger."

I felt a mixture of gratitude and confusion, a whirlwind of emotions that left me dizzy. "Haden, I don't understand. Why do you keep pushing me away and then... this?"

He looked away, his expression conflicted. "I'm trying to protect you, Sierra. You don't belong in this world."

I took a step closer, my voice steady despite the turmoil within me. "I don't care about the world. I care about you."

His gaze met mine, vulnerability and conflict warring within his eyes. And then, in a move that was both surprising and intoxicating, he leaned in, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that sent shockwaves through my entire being.

The world around us faded into the background, leaving only the intensity of that moment. And as we pulled away, the weight of unspoken words lingered in the air, a promise of understanding and connection that was both terrifying and exhilarating.