Michael leaned in even closer, his tone almost pleading now. - you don't have to be the person they want you to be. You can choose something else, choose to be free. - These words hit me and i bit my lip, fighting back the emotions that threatened to surface.
In that moment, Michael watched me with those steady, understanding eyes of his. I didn't respond right away, the silence between us heavy with unspoken thoughts. Finally, i nodded, just a small nod, but it was enough for Michael. He gave me a soft, encouraging smile. - let's get you a shower.
Michael had his hand on my lower back as i went back to my cell to gather the items. The soap, shampoo and conditioner and i turned to see him looking at me with those calm eyes.
- It's just going to be us? - i asked whispering.
- yes, I don't want you showering with a bunch of naked men. I don't trust them. - i nodded and followed him while he took my hand.
The showers in Fox River were as grim as the rest of the prison - rusted metal, broken tiles, and flickering lights. It was one of the few places where privacy did not exist.
But after the riot, i needed a moment to myself, even if it was just under the scalding water.
I walked down the corridor with Michael behind, a towel draped over my shoulder. I could feel the bruises on my neck and stitches on my arm pulled with each movement. The riot had shaken me more than i would ever admit, and now, every shadow felt like a threat.
He walked next to me, his quiet demeanour unchanged but he moved, more protective now. We had not really spoken since that kiss. But now, as we neared the entrance to the shower block, Michael stepped ahead, his eyes scanning the area. - I'll clear it out, - he said, his voice firm. I watched as he walked in, - It's all yours, - he said, stepping back toward the door, not leaving completely. He stayed leaning against the wall, his eyes soft as they met mine. - I won't look.
Turning it on, i waited till the water was scalding before dropping her towel. I stepped under the stream, the water cascading down my skin, rinsing away the sweat. In the corner of my eye i saw him. He stood there, not too close but not far either.
His eyes, not focused on me directly, flickered with something more. He watched me, his gaze intense, like he couldn't look away.
I turned her head, staring at the cracked tile in front of me, heart pounding. The memory of the kiss still burned in my mind. I couldn't help but wonder, if it meant something or not.
Then i heard movement. I knew that was Michael. He stepped into the stall next to mine. I could feel his presence on the other side of the wall.
Water dripped down his face, his hair wet and his tattoos glistened. I admired them. We simply stared at one another. The air was thick with tension, with the weight of what wasn't said.
- the kiss, - i said softly, - what was that? - he didn't look away, his eyes locked on mine. - I needed to make sure you were ok - he admitted, his voice low and rough. - I .. - he hesitated like he wasn't what to say. - I care about you, Emma. I do. - my heart skipped a beat at his words.
- what about now? - i asked, looking at him with what felt like hope in the eyes. He did not say anything, instead, he reached up, leaned in slightly, closing the distance just enough so that our faces were only inches apart.
- If you let me in, he said quietly, - I'll stay. - He
stepped into the stall with me, and before i could say anything else, his hands were on my waist, pulling me closer to his body. I smiled when he leaned in, kissing my cheek. He was much taller than i and then he leaned down again, pressing a quick delicate kiss to my lips. - hey beautiful - he mused. Michael tangled his fingers through my long brown hair.
My eyes were closed, and his hand held my waist, pulling me against his body. Opening my eyes, i saw his blue eyes, as his fingers dragged up and down my hips. - you're gorgeous - he whispered.
- you haven't even looked at me wholly - i whispered back.
- i don't need to, - he said back with a smile. - I think you're gorgeous no matter what.
- look down then, - i said with a smile.
𝙃𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣, 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙧𝙪𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙨, 𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙙𝙩𝙝 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙨...𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢.
