Remembering October: Falling for You Series

Chapter Twelve: Helpless

Chapter Twelve: Helpless

My heart pounding, my breath coming in short gasps, the wind running over my face, this is the most energy I've had in a long time. My hand is gripped in Lina's, and though I thought she'd have asked me to stop already, she's stayed at my side, running right behind me.

I come to a stop at a corner and turn my head to see the group of guys still chasing after us. I turn the corner quickly, Lina with me, and then we duck behind a large tree. I grab her by her waist and pull her to where she has her back pressing against my front.

I lean my head over her shoulder and whisper a soft, "Shh," and squeeze her mid-section. With my other hand, I place my finger over my lips softly. Her breath catches as we both hear footsteps turning the corner.

They all come to a stop with a shout from one of the guys. "Where'd they go?" he asks the others. They all stayed silent and I hear a grunt. "Oh well, I'm out of here. Ethan won't even remember this tomorrow," he says and the others make agreeing noises.

I here the footsteps retreat, but I don't move until I'm sure they're gone, listening to my heartbeat though my ears. Lina doesn't let out the breath she'd been holding until I loosen my grip around her waist.

But suddenly, she spins around, her face set into an angry glare. Without a second thought, her hand whips back and then comes forward, successfully colliding her palm with my cheek. My head slides to the side and my eyes are wide.

The sting from the slap is painful and I'm sure I'll have a good sized bruise there tomorrow along with the other hits to my face that I got tonight. I place my hand on my cheek and then work my jaw around. "You're welcome," I grumble and turn my eyes to her face again.

"How dare you do that. What? Did you not think I was capable of defending myself that you had to step in and save me? Not to mention the fact that you made a whole big scene the other night, practically begging me to leave you alone, and then you pull this crap? Make up your mind, Jonah. Either you want me out of your life or you don't. I refuse to just be tugged around every time you have a mood swing."

She finishes her rant by placing her hands on her hips and letting out a frustrated breath. I shake my head, "You done?"

Lina narrows her eyes at me. "Don't be smart with me."

I smirk, "Yes, ma'am."

She rolls her eyes and turns away, "You're impossible."

I sigh and tighten my lips together, "I'm sorry," I mumble to her. She looks at me, her face softer and her brown eyes on me. "I know I told you to stay away from me. And I meant it. I'm no good for you, Lina. You're better off without me around . . ." I clench my fists together, hoping I can get the right words out. "But when I saw him try to hit you . . . it was almost as if I'd forgotten I ever told you that, and all I knew was that I had to stop him, Lee."

Her mouth is slightly parted and the wind blows her hair out of her face, making my heart pound, and not from running.

The nickname had slipped out of my mouth. I didn't mean to call her that, but I did. And I can't take it back.

She walks forward until she's in front of my face. Unconsciously, I think, her hand moves and her fingers lightly trail across my hand. Her eyes dart between mine and I swear I'm going to have a heart attack, right then and there.

"What do you want from me, Joe?" she whispers, nearly killing me.

My eyes close shut and my jaw clenches. I just want you. The words almost come out of my mouth, but I bite the inside of my cheek to keep them from slipping. I don't know where this feeling has come from, but it's there, and it's begging to be let out.