𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐬 | Tyler Hernandez x Reader

| Ep 87 |

The elevator doors screech to a loud halt, alerting every guard in the garage of our arrival. I hear Tyler curse something in Spanish under his breath. He is hesitant to take my hand in his. He's probably not even sure if I wanted him near me. But, oh, there was nothing more I needed than him right now.

I wrap my hand around his and we follow our friends out. We break into a quick sprint and run along the dark walls of the garage, rounding a corner before we could get spotted.

I hear radio static followed by a guard alerting the channel of our whereabouts.

"Shit! Guys, they're calling for backup!" I warn.

Aiden scoffs with a shake of his head, "No shit, Sherlock!"

"Watch it, dumbass." Tyler's voice flattens from in front of me.

Ashlyn frantically glances at every parking slot number until we come across the one Alex told us the getaway car was occupying.

B05

The rest of us were going to run right past it if Ashlyn hadn't noticed it. She yanked Ben by the back of his shirt to stop him from going ahead, urging us all to hop into the black van.

On instinct, I reach for the driver's side door. But I feel myself freeze when a flashback attacks my memory, reminding me of the last time I was trusted behind the wheel.

Your life before mine, okay?

"Tyler!!"

"Let go!! We have to turn around!"

My hand involuntarily shakes around the handle. I tighten my grip until my knuckles turn white, mustering all of my courage that is still left.

"Y/N." Ashlyn calls to me, gently placing a hand over the one holding the silver handle, "Let me."

"But you can't drive—"

"I have more experience than any of the others." She assures me, though it doesn't stop me from questioning what she considers experience. But she then leans forward, discreetly lowering her voice for me, "You don't have to do this, okay? Let me take the weight off your shoulders for you."

I let out an unsteady sigh and back away from the door. Aiden takes my arm and slides me into the backseat with him, with Tyler following right behind.

We slam the doors shut with urgency and Ashlyn is quick to start the engine and drive out of the parking spot. I watch as Logan fumbles around before pulling out his gun. He has a spare and he looks to me in a heartbeat.

"Are you good to shoot?" He asks, already in the process of switching off the safety.

"Yeah, let me see it—"

"But your chest." Taylor says over her shoulder from the front passenger seat, "It's not fully healed."

"It isn't like I'm shooting my bow anymore, so I won't move too much. I can handle a gun."

I was not being persistent because I wanted to be useful—though that is still a factor—but I needed an excuse to blow off this pent-up grief and anger weighing me down. I've been itching to fire or shoot something ever since my encounter with my dad.

Though, I would prefer using my bow since I'm much more comfortable with it. The group accidentally left it somewhere while I was healing from my injuries. I'll have to apologize to Aiden later for losing the best gift I've ever received.

A hand sits atop my knee, holding it there firmly. I glance over to find Tyler giving me a concerned gaze. Though, only I know him well enough to catch the hint of understanding hidden behind his hard expression.