The Only One | Negan

28. Despair

Ezekiel made sure to prepare everything we needed - a car with the tank almost full, guns, ammo, knives, torches, backpacks with necessities like water and food. Although the drive from the Kingdom to the Sanctuary wasn't long at all, we all felt like it was a precautionary measure. Negan talked to Simon and told him when to expect us at the Sanctuary, and in case anything goes wrong and we are late, to alert Alexandria and the rest of the communities.

We said our goodbyes and by 9 AM we were on the road. I needed to pick up my things from my room in the Sanctuary before Negan drove me back to Alexandria and also sort out some documentation with Simon. Of course, those two things weren't that important, but I wanted to spend more time with Negan, so that was the perfect excuse. We acted normal in front of Ezekiel and the rest but I was sure Maria knew something by the way she was peeking at us with curiosity. I figured she saw that Negan's room was untouched and the bed hadn't been slept in.

"Ugh, I miss my GMC." Negan complained, scrunching his nose. "This garbage runs like shit."

"Be thankful that they landed us a car in the first place." I said, resting my head on my fist. "Could've given us horses."

"Oh, but you don't know how sexy I am as a cowboy." He winked at me. "You'd be drooling the moment I sit on that horse."

"I'm sure." I replied sarcastically. He laughed shortly and stroked my knee with his hand. That gesture made my fingers tingle with unease. "Boss? What's the act in front of Simon and the rest? As of now, I mean?"

"Well, as sad as I am to say this - we have to act like nothing happened. Normal. I don't want anyone to know about us for now. Okay? I have my reasons."

"Yeah, okay. Just wanted to make sure we're on the same page." I agreed.

"I know it sucks, sweetheart, but hey! It's definitely gonna be exciting." He smirked at me. "You know, hiding to steal a little kiss or two. Things like that."

I knew he was trying to make me feel better about it, but in all honesty, I realized it was more reasonable to keep our relationship, or whatever it was, a secret for the time being. Otherwise, it'd be an open door for intruders. Weak spot. Easily targeted.

"The forbidden is always sweeter." I said, leaning back on the seat with a sigh.

We chatted for random and irrelevant things and then the car fell silent. That was until Negan's booming voice didn't rip the air.

"Fuck!" He exclaimed and jumped on the brakes of the car. I followed his eyes which were glued onto something ahead on the road. My heart started pumping faster in my chest because although I couldn't make out what the danger was, just by the sudden change in Negan's posture and the way all color drained from his face, I knew there was something really, really wrong. I squinted my eyes and then I saw it - the glistening of a spike strip stretched to either side of the deserted road. Then I noticed the two white vans, hidden in the tree line. And the couple of trucks. And the white armors.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck!" Negan yelled as he put the car in reverse. But that escape plan went to shit when two more vans pulled up on the road behind us. I could feel the dreadful feeling of pure fear spread across my body. I got out my gun and took the safety off. Negan turned to me with the most deadly serious expression. "Alright, listen to me, Blackburn. I'll stall them for enough time so you can sneak out and run."

"No..." I started, shaking my head.

"You run, as fast as you fucking can, and don't look back." He continued, trying to speak over me. "Run to the Sanctuary. It's a straight line east from here. Okay?"

I heard distant yelling and doors being slammed.

"No, I'm not leaving you!" I protested harshly.

"You fucking are. They want me, okay? Not you." He argued in a rushed voice. "Get out, run, warn the others."