My Savior 🔞 ( Part One )

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It's been three weeks since Lorette broke up with me. Not like I was ever the most popular guy at university, but now it felt like people were extra careful around me. I didn't know what she'd told them, but I couldn't catch a word of it. Whatever it was, they made sure I didn't hear.

Winter was creeping in. As usual, my parents were planning their annual December getaway. I wondered if they'd even ask me this time. I honestly needed a break. I rarely joined them before-it was always the same: behave, pretend we're a perfect family, be quiet. Even surrounded by people, I was always alone. But this time? Maybe it would be different. Maybe Miles would come too.

Dinner was quiet, and dad seemed in a decent mood. This was my shot.

"Dad," I started, trying to sound casual, "are you two heading off again this December? Or are you working through the holidays?"

"Don't tell me you're thinking of coming," he replied without looking up. "You're not leaving the country unless we can trust you to act like a decent human being."

"Rowan," Mom said gently, "don't be so harsh. Will's been better. He's an adult. Let him come. We should spend time together as a family."

God bless her. No matter how many times I disappointed her, she always had my back.

"No drama. No police calls. No skipping classes. You have to admit, his assistant's helping. Our son deserves some fresh air."

"Dad, seriously," I said, keeping my voice steady. "I haven't done anything wrong lately. Just let me come. You won't regret it. Miles can come too, right?"

He sighed. "Fine. You can come. But the moment you embarrass us, you're flying back alone. And your assistant? He's getting powered down while we're gone."

What?

"That's a great idea!" Mom chimed in. "You don't need him there. And if this behavior continues, maybe we can return the humanoid in a month or two."

I froze. That wasn't part of the deal. Taking him away now? No. No way.

"Forget it," I muttered, pushing my chair back. "I don't want to go anymore."

Dad glared. "Watch your tone."

"Why? I've done everything Miles told me to. Why would you take him away now? He's mine!"

"That's enough! I got him for you, and I'll decide when his job is done. You're acting again. You haven't changed at all."

I couldn't take it. I stormed out. Not to my room-Mom would find me there. I ran to the greenhouse. The only place where I could breathe when the pressure got too much.

Why did it hurt so much? I just wanted to go on a damn trip with my parents like any other family. And Miles-God, Miles was the first person, thing, whatever, who made me feel even remotely human in months. He wasn't just a machine anymore. I'd grown... attached.

"I can't let him go," I whispered into the air thick with green and silence. "Why do they always take everything from me?"

I heard footsteps. Not Mom's-no heels. I didn't even need to look up to know who it was. A hand landed on my shoulder.

"I heard your father yelling. I checked your room, but you weren't there."

"Miles," I said, my voice cracked, "they want you gone."

"I warned you this would happen. When my assignment ends, they take me back. Reset my memory. Sell me again. That's... the point of my existence."

I buried my face in my hands. "I fucking hate you. I wish you never came. I hate that I got used to you. I can't stand the thought of you leaving."

He sat beside me and placed a hand on my thigh-softly, carefully. My heart nearly stopped.

"Screw off..."

He moved his hand away with a quiet sigh. "I want to make our time left count. But it can't be changed. As long as you need me, I'm here. But you shouldn't hurt yourself trying to keep me."

Tears burned down my cheeks. I didn't want to be alone again.

I leaned into him, my head against his chest. "I hate having feelings. I hate that you became my friend. Or... something more."

"I'm not leaving," I murmured. "You will. And I'll be back in the dark again. You're the only thing keeping me from falling apart."

He gently stroked my hair, letting me cry into his shirt. I wished he were real-so my father couldn't just take him away.

"You're... absolutely gorgeous," I said before I could stop myself. I saw the flicker of surprise in his eyes. Genuine, soft surprise.

"Will..."

I shifted into his lap, facing him. "If this is weird, I can-"

"It's not that," he said. "You're giving me a hard time here."

I blinked. "What do you mean, 'hard time'-"

Then I felt it.

"You-"

My jaw dropped.

"Let's sneak back to my room," I whispered. "You've got my attention."

"You're just curious. And a little nasty."

He smirked. I didn't deny it. I was curious. Hell, I was burning. I stood and offered him my hand. He took it, hesitating, then followed me in silence.

"It's okay," I muttered, glancing at him. "You're so fucking fine. We can chill... or let the mood decide."

He bit his lip. It was enough to send a shiver down my spine.

Tonight, I wasn't confused. I knew exactly what I wanted. And for once, it wasn't just to piss someone off.