Deadly Alliances

Chapter 13: Progress

Song: Valentine - Laufey

Juliette's POV

The past few days have been hard.

On the bright side, I think I'd finally found a family more fucked up than mine. Within weeks, Flynn lost his mother, killed his uncle, and got into an argument with his dad. I'd say his family was definitely more fucked up than mine.

This was the first day in recent memory where I actually felt decent about myself. I took a shower and slipped into some comfortable leggings and a hoodie that Flynn left in my room.

I realized that I'd never actually seem him in his room ever. He used my room more than his own.

I hummed to myself as I made one of my mothers old recipes. I hadn't been able to make her food in so long; my dad never let me.

My dad was part of the reason that I was upset. Ever since I moved away, dad didn't want anything to do with me, saying that I didn't deserve to work with him anymore. He called and told me yesterday.

As I was finishing the dish, Flynn walked in, looking impressed. "It smells good in here."

I smiled lightly and hoped it looked real. "Thanks. Do you want some?"

When I turned around, he was standing closer than I expected and knocked me off balance. He wrapped his arm around my back and caught me.

"Of course I do," Flynn said, his voice implying something completely different.

Damn those kissable lips.

Once he put me back on my feet, I put the pasta in bowls for us. We silently moved throughout the kitchen. We sat next to each other on the couch and ate with only the TV playing.

I started thinking about what my dad told me.

You're a Collins now.

You're no longer under my protection.

You don't deserve to work for me. Not anymore.

I'm terminating you from your position as a private captain.

You're replaceable.

Without realizing it, tears started rolling down my face. Untamed anger burned through me. I thought I'd be fine without working for my dad. But I fucking need that job to survive.

A hand rubbed familiar circles on my back. Fuck. And I was having a good day.

"What's wrong?" Flynn hummed into my ear.

"M-my dad," I started. The circles on my back paused before resuming when Flynn tensed. "He fired me."

I let out minor sobs and barely registered Flynn getting up. He returned with tissues and gently wiped the tears off my face.

"Stop this," he said. "I don't like seeing you like this. I'm going over there."

"No!" I begged, grabbing his hand. "Please, don't go over there. You'll make it even worse."

I could tell that he was frustrated when he said, "Then what do you want me to do? Just watch you be miserable all the time?"

"I just want you to sit down with me. Don't do anything," I said.

Flynn squeezed my hand that he hadn't let go of yet. He looked like he was contemplating not do anything. That is until he pulled me up by my hand saying "fuck it" under his breath.

I let out a small squeal from being pulled up before he dragged me to the car outside, picking up my shoes on the way out.

"Where are we going?" I giggled, wiping the rest of my tears off.