N0 B0DY, N0 CRIM3 | Bang Chan

You're an angel, i'm a dog

Kiera managed to sleep through the remaining evening and well into the hours of the early morning. Chan stayed up all night keeping an eye on her. After talking to Felix after everyone went to their rooms, Felix informed him Kiera had never been drunk before. He was sure she'd be okay, but he wanted to make sure. Every few moments, he kept glancing over to the side making sure she was still breathing. 

The lack of sleep didn't bother him, he was used to it. Usually, he slept during the day when he could. With his job, he was always available. They never knew when they were going to get new information about a target or uncover someone else they needed to take down. 

As the darkness filled his bedroom and with the quiet lull of Kiera's soft breathing, he found himself comfortable. At least, he did until his brain shifted into overdrive. Anxiety crept up behind him and began whispering what-ifs into his ear. The longer he stared at Kiera, the guiltier he felt. 

What was he doing? Pulling her away from her life at the white house and keeping her with him. Sure his gang was better than Kiera's psychotic father, but was she really safer? Nobody here was going to harm her, but Chan couldn't promise she'd be okay. The gang was always traveling and doing different tasks. 

Eventually, they'd either have to start taking her along with them or leave her behind in Chicago. How were they supposed to keep her safe? One option led her access to a front seat row to the criminal life. The other option risked her being attacked. 

What if they left her in their house in the suburbs and one of her father's supporters found out she was here? Would they attack her? Harm her? Kidnap her? Assault her? Chan squeezed his eyes shut, slid a hand out, and gently intertwined his fingers around Kiera's limp hand. A wave of tranquility washed over him immediately. 

There was no right answer. Every option weighed a risk. It's not like he could send her to go somewhere else. He didn't trust anyone as much as he trusted his gang. He was starting to wonder if falling for Kiera Campbell was a blessing or a curse. On one hand, she brought comfort, but on the other, she brought his dread and fear to the surface. 

What would happen if he died? He was stronger than most, fit as a fiddle. In hazardous situations, every member was equipped with a gun and a bulletproof vest, but nothing protected their heads. One head shot and any of them could be dead. 

Chan's hand tightened around Kiera's. Did she know how broken he was? Did she realize the monster she had fallen in love with? What would happen if she found out what he did to Felix's parents? A shaky breath fell from Chan's lips. He didn't want to think about it, but the images of the past fluttered through his brain again. 

The next time Chan tightened his grip on Kiera's hand, her eyes opened. She blinked a few times trying to figure out what happened. Her mouth was dry and a dull headache hung behind her eyes. Her voice was hoarse as she spoke Chan's name.

The bright tendrils of sun peeked through Chan's drawn blinds and sheer curtains. Kiera squinted and glanced up to find Chan staring straight ahead and pulling his lip piercing into his mouth with his front teeth. Feeling the familiar weight of his hand in her's, she pushed herself up to a sitting position and called his name a little louder. 

He glanced over at her.

"Are you okay?" 

"I'm fine. Does your head hurt? Are you thirsty? I'll be back." 

Before she could respond, he dropped her hand and left. She reached up and rubbed her eyes wondering what he had been thinking about so intently. When he came back a few minutes later, he dropped two small white pills into one hand and a glass of cold water into her other. 

"Take those for your head and drink up." 

Kiera nodded and did as she was told. Chan pulled his eyes away and sat down at the edge of the bed. "How do you feel?" 

"Like shit." Kiera thought the words would make Chan laugh, but he stayed silent. 

"It's a hangover, you'll be okay in a few hours. Just stay here and try to get some more rest." He stood up and headed towards the door. As much as he wanted to kiss Kiera, he couldn't. Not when his brain was acting like this and doubting everything. He didn't want to do something he'd regret. 

"Wait," Kiera called out. 

He paused, "yes?"

"Did you get a chance to see that video my father made yesterday." 

"I did." 

"Can we make another video today? I think it's time I finally set the record straight. I'm done playing his pathetic game." 

"That's a good idea. I'll go get I.N and he can do your makeup. Just stay there and try not to move around too much. You don't want to make your head hurt worse than what it already does." 

Without another word, he left the room and left Kiera wondering if she did something wrong.