The Devil Doesn't Bargain

Chapter 10

I thought we'd like to know a tiny bit of what also goes on in Bryan's head as well so here you go pookies

Tracy awoke the next morning to a pounding headache and a profound sense of dread. The events of the previous night weighed heavily on her, making her feel as though she was sinking under the burden of her own thoughts. She lay still, reluctant to open her eyes, fearing the reality of what she might find. What had happened? What had she allowed to happen? After a moment of mental preparation, she forced herself to face the day, bracing for the awkward conversation she would need to have with Bryan.

When she finally opened her eyes, she was met with the soft, intense blue of Bryan's gaze. He was lying beside her, gently stroking her hair, a gesture that was both comforting and disorienting. For a moment, Tracy couldn't believe her eyes. She had steeled herself for his absence, convinced that he would have left her to confront her regrets alone. But there he was, his presence a soothing balm against her fears, his smile tender and reassuring, yet tinged with an unspoken concern.

"Good morning," Bryan's voice was low and heavy with sleep, yet it carried a weight that deepened the ache in her heart. As tears began to well up in her eyes, Bryan's face shifted from warmth to deep concern. "Are you okay? Are you hurt? Did I do something wrong?" His voice trembled with an anxiety that mirrored her own, revealing the vulnerability beneath his confident exterior.

Tracy shook her head, her emotions raw as she clung to him. "I didn't expect you to be here. I thought you'd have left me," she whispered, her voice cracking with the weight of her fears. The panic that had gripped her since she opened her eyes melted slightly under the warmth of his gaze.

Bryan's arms tightened around her, his embrace a lifeline in the storm of her emotions. "Oh no, sweetheart, how could you think that after everything we shared last night? I would never leave you," he said, his words imbued with deep sincerity. His breath warmed her forehead as he pressed a gentle kiss there, grounding her in the moment. Tracy looked up at him, her tears mingling with a tentative smile, finding solace in his devotion.

"I'm so sorry I was rough with you last night. I'm deeply sorry for taking advantage of you when you were drunk. I had no idea it was your first time," Bryan said, his voice filled with regret and guilt. The remorse etched into his features made her heart ache. "Why didn't you tell me? I would have been more considerate, more gentle. A person's first experience should always be something beautiful and memorable."

Tracy felt a deep flush of embarrassment as she recalled the night's events, the mix of confusion and longing swirling within her. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you. It was too difficult to admit," she admitted, her voice small. The vulnerability she felt under his gaze was overwhelming, but Bryan's unwavering presence reassured her.

Bryan's eyes softened with understanding. "You should never be ashamed of your virginity. It's a precious and beautiful part of who you are," he said, his words tender as he leaned in to kiss her deeply, conveying both his apology and his affection. Tracy felt herself melting into him, the warmth of his lips sparking something she had yet to fully understand.

The morning was a blur of gentle care as Bryan helped her clean up, his every movement a mixture of tenderness and trepidation. He offered her a spare set of clothes he had found, and when she realized they were in Noah's room, Tracy's face flushed with embarrassment. She knew she wouldn't be able to face Noah for a while. Bryan's light-hearted chuckle when she mentioned her discomfort was a small comfort amidst her anxiety, a reminder that even in her vulnerability, he could bring her joy.

Once they were both dressed and had tidied the room, Bryan drove her to Jenna's house. As they reached their destination, he pulled her close for a passionate kiss, his emotions evident in the way he held her—firm yet hesitant, as if he feared she might slip away. The kiss lingered, filled with a mix of longing and uncertainty, leaving her feeling disoriented and emotional.

"Take care of yourself," Bryan said softly as she stepped out of the car. Tracy nodded, gathering her belongings, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched his car disappear down the street. The weight of her regrets and the fear of facing the consequences settled heavily in her stomach, each thought a reminder of the night's turmoil.

Tracy approached Jenna's front door, her steps slow and hesitant. Before she could knock, the door swung open. Jenna stood there, her expression a mix of worry and disapproval.

"Your mom called, Tracy. I had to lie and say you were with me. When she asked to speak with you, I told her you were already asleep. Where have you been? You left home without a word, and now you're coming back in Bryan's car?" Jenna's voice was sharp, her concern evident.

Tracy opened her mouth, but no words came out. She felt a rush of shame and frustration bubble within her. "Save it for later," Jenna said firmly, cutting off her attempt at explanation. "We're going inside. We'll make some hot chocolate, and then you're going to tell me everything. My parents are out, so we have the place to ourselves."

As Jenna ushered her inside, Tracy's mind raced, grappling with how to convey the complex emotions and events of the night. She knew the conversation ahead would be long and difficult, but it was a necessary step toward understanding the tangled web of her feelings and experiences.

Meanwhile, as Bryan drove away, he felt a heavy weight on his chest, a knot of anxiety twisting tighter with every passing moment. The sight of Tracy's tear-streaked face haunted him, her vulnerability and trust laying bare the responsibility he now bore. How could he have let things spiral so far? The thrill of the night had been intoxicating, yet the realization that he had crossed a line weighed heavily on him. He replayed the night in his mind, the moments where he should have paused, should have checked in with her, but he had been too caught up in the thrill.

He could still feel the warmth of her body pressed against his, the way she had surrendered to him. That was supposed to be beautiful. But instead, it felt tainted. Bryan slammed his palm against the steering wheel, frustration boiling over. He didn't want to be the guy who took advantage of someone's trust, yet here he was, living with the consequences of his actions.

In that moment, he realized he had to confront his own demons. He needed to talk to her, to make sure she understood how much she meant to him. He resolved to take responsibility for what had happened and to ensure Tracy knew that she deserved better.

As he pulled into his driveway, he took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation that awaited him. He had to do right by her, even if it meant confronting the pain and confusion that lay ahead.