Born To Die

The sun flirts with me

One night, as we sat together in the dark, the sound of the camp's usual nighttime bustle far behind us, Luke casually mentioned something that made my heart tighten in my chest.

"You know," he started, eyes focused on the fire as he absentmindedly ran his fingers along the hilt of Backbiter, "Alison's been... flirting with me."

My breath caught, and before I could stop myself, my voice shot out, sharp and possessive. "Flirting? With you?" The words tasted bitter on my tongue. "What kind of flirting? What did she say?"

Luke chuckled dryly, clearly noticing the sudden change in my demeanor. "Relax, Isla. It wasn't anything serious. She's just... being her. It's really not a big deal."

But to me, it was. I could feel a sickening knot tightening in my stomach, something dark and possessive swirling deep within me. The thought of another girl flirting with Luke—of him being interested in anyone else, even just a little—drove me crazy. The jealousy flared, and before I knew it, I was pacing in front of him, my hands shaking as I tried to keep my composure.

"You don't understand, Luke," I spat, trying to control my breathing, but it was hard. "I don't like it. You're mine, and she has no right to—"

"Isla." His voice was calm, cutting through my ramblings like a gentle command. He reached out to grab my wrist, pulling me back toward him, and the touch of his hand immediately grounded me. "I'm not interested in her. I'm not interested in anyone but you, alright? I've only ever wanted you."

I looked up at him, my chest rising and falling with each breath, but there was something in his eyes—something that softened the sharp edges of my jealousy. He didn't seem angry or frustrated with me. If anything, he looked... concerned. Like he could sense how out of control I felt.

"I love you, Isla," he continued, his voice steady but with that intensity that always got to me. "Only you. And I want to be with you. I don't care about anyone else. No one else could ever compare to you."

I felt a wave of warmth wash over me, chasing away the cold, bitter jealousy that had taken over. But I still couldn't shake the feeling of insecurity, the fear that maybe, just maybe, someone else would get what I had with him. The thought made my stomach churn again, and I bit my lip, looking down at the ground.

"You really mean that?" I whispered, the doubt creeping into my voice, even though I knew better. "You really only want me?"

Luke's hand gently cupped my face, lifting my chin so that I had to meet his gaze. "I swear it, Isla. You're the only one I want. Don't ever doubt that. There's no one else for me but you."

I swallowed hard, the weight of his words settling in. Slowly, the jealousy started to recede, replaced by that familiar warmth—the comfort that only he could give me. But I had to admit, that feeling of possessiveness, of wanting him all to myself, was something I wasn't used to. It made me feel crazy, and I hated it, but I couldn't help it. I needed him more than anything.

"I just... I don't want to lose you," I murmured, my voice small and vulnerable now.

"You're not going to lose me," Luke said, his voice soft but firm, his thumb brushing across my cheek. "I promise."

In that moment, I realized how much I had changed. How deep my feelings for him went, how willing I was to go to any lengths to keep him close. The thought of losing him—of him being taken away, even by someone like Alison—was enough to make my world crumble.

But as I stared into Luke's eyes, I knew I didn't have to worry. He was mine. And I was his. And nothing else mattered.

I kissed him then, fiercely and without hesitation, like it was the only thing that made sense in the world. And for that brief moment, everything felt right.
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