Dangerously Close (Aris x Reader)

37) Worse Than Lust

I was tired. Not because the day itself was taxing. I was just adjusting to the realization that this is my life for real this time. I think that's understandably pretty rough.

At least it's over.

Unzipping the tent, I crouched inside before closing it. Sighing, I took a spot on my sleeping bag before looking over at Aris.

“Hey,”I greeted, managing a smile.

“Hi. How’d today go?”

“Alright. I’m in the clinic now so that's somethin’,”I shrugged.

“That’s not bad. It should be pretty peaceful too.”

“Yeah. It seems pretty slow so far. I dunno if it’ll stay that way.”

“It probably will. I mean I don't think the chances of someone always being hurt or ill all the time is that likely.”

Nodding in agreement, I pulled my knife out of my hair, still wincing at the pain in my arm but thankful I was capable of using it again. I gripped it between my fingers before quickly pulling the rubber band out, slipping it on my wrist.

“They find a place for ya’?”

“Yeah. They made me an extra.”

“An extra?”I repeated.

“Yeah. It’s what it sounds like. I just do all the extra things that don't have their own job.”

“How’d they land on that?”

“Lack of experience with basic jobs since my Maze time was short and no need for me to hit anything with a bat.”

“I’m sure a situation for it’ll pop up.”

“I’d rather it didn't.”

“So what’d they have ya’ doin’ today then?”

“Check the perimeters of this place. Make sure it was secure and didn't look like someone was there.”

“Did it look like someone was somewhere?”

“Yes, and no. Do you remember the thing you said was probably just a pest?”

My mouth instantly went dry at his words, my movements stopping completely. A flash of fear crept up my veins, the possibilities of what could have happened racing through my mind. Did Cain talk to him? Do anything he wasn't supposed to? Is there a chance it wasn't even him?

“Yeah,”I shrugged, not daring to let my fear show.

“I saw it again. Thomas did too so I’m not going crazy. It disappeared just as quickly as last time too.”

So my warning went in one ear and out the other.

He doesn't want to take me seriously? Fine.

“I forgot. I have to check something in the clinic. I’ll be right back,”I lied, calmly standing up.

“Alright. I’ll be here,”He said simply.

I didn't respond as I unzipped the tent before closing it. With my knife in my pocket, I was ready to give Cain a message he couldn't possibly ignore. If he wants to misread my others, I don't mind giving him one that will stick.

He wants me to come to him.

He’ll never even want a glimpse of me by the time I’m done.

I made my way to usual edge of the Safe Haven. As expected, he was there, leaning against the wall and everything, stomping out a cigarette before going to light another. When he glanced up, meeting my eyes, he slipped the lighter and pack back in his jacket.