Runaways: A Romeo & Juliet Story

Chapter 15

"All I needed was the love you gave

All I needed for another day

And all I ever knew"

- Only You by Yazoo

ROMEO

After a week of recovery I'm finally feeling better. That fall really messed things up. But what's been great is that it's given Hammer time to get this place fully secured. We also got new wheels– something bulletproof. I know it seems insane but protecting Juliet is my only concern and it's never enough when it comes to her life.

Lying in bed for days really gave me time to think. I know Juliet thinks it would be great to go home but we all know that's never going to happen. I need to move forward and figure out our future. I need to get us on track to make more money. We need to find ways to use our famous names for our benefit. Unfortunately that might mean giving some people access to us– for the right price.

Hammer and I walk the perimeter and he shows me all the areas we need to consider as weaknesses.

He takes me down to the basement where he's rebuilt the staircase.

"Some of this is your lady's handiwork." He says as he walks down the stairs.

"Juliet?"

"She's quite good with the hammer and nail."

"Really?"

"A natural at home repairs. She's been helping me get the house in better shape while you were–"

"Laid out?" I laugh, shaking my head at this amazing new staircase. When we reach the bottom, Hammer leads me to the very back where a locked storeroom sits.

"Do you happen to have the key?"

"I saw a bunch of keys upstairs somewhere. I'll try to find out which one it is." I say.

"What's in there?"

"Family heirlooms I think. Things my parents didn't want to stare at everyday in Verona."

"Well it's the only room we haven't gone through."

♡♡♡♡

Later that afternoon I leave Hammer at his post at the front of the property and head upstairs to search for the key. Hammer's keeping tabs on Iago too but apparently he's gone quiet and doesn't seem intent on punishing Juliet for escaping and making them look like fools.

Juliet is busy in the kitchen doing inventory to see what else we need for the next delivery.

I bring a ring of keys down to the basement with me and try four or five before one finally works. I run my hand along the wall for a light. Nothing. Then I see a chain hanging down. I pull it and it illuminates a closet full of Montague family artifacts. Artwork from generations ago. Priceless sculptures. Early works of famous artists. And gowns. My mother's gowns and my grandmother's gowns. Maybe even some from hundreds of years ago. I see an old fashioned tuxedo. I pull it out and dust it off. It's very cool.

I have an idea.

♡♡♡♡

I sit on the bed as Juliet finishes her shower. She comes out in a towel and stares at me.

"What's happening?"

I hold a beautiful ball gown up for her.

"What is this?" she asks.

"We never got a wedding reception. I know we don't have any guests but would you celebrate with just me?"

She walks up to me and kisses me on the cheek.