Kisses Of A Criminal

Hoping For That Chance

Here's the next chapter- I'm going away for a while to the mountains, a place with GASP no wifi! So I decided to update while I can. The next chapter will most likely be up by next week. Spring break is ending -_-

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"Okay, stand right next to me the entire time. Hear me?"

"Yeah, I got it. For the fifth time."

"I'm serious. Do I need to hold your hand, or are you capable?"

"River!"

"For real, though. Earlier today proves my point, we need to be careful. Especially now. But....if you want to hold hands- Ow! Don't get violent, you primitive!"

"God, River. I've never been stuck with anyone so damn unprofessional. This is why I was solo in the agency."

"Um. Excuse me. How many times have I saved your ass?"

We had been going back and forth like this for a little longer than necessary. We were in the car, parked in front of a gas station. River had already re-filled the tank, but we needed to go into the convenience store. If we're being followed, it's bad news for us because we're a perfect target. So of course, River was anxious. He's refusing to leave me in the car alone, and instead, he's having me go into the store with him, and I'm to stay glued to his side the entire time.

We weren't arguing because I don't want to do that; I'm fine with his little plan. I don't blame him for wanting to keep me in his sight, especially after we were ambushed at the motel. It was clear he was shaken up by me being away from him when they showed up- which, honestly, makes me want to hug him. It's hard to get used to this whole thing of someone caring about my safety. That wasn't how it was in the agency.

Now, I gave River a flat look. "Please. I've saved you too. Now, can we just go in? The faster the better."

River nodded, looking out of the window to the store. It was still daylight, thankfully, so we had a clearer view around us. There were no sketchy black cars in sight, just several in the parking lot in front of the small store.

"Alright. Come on." River opened his door and walked around to my side. I jump out of the car, and he slams the door shut behind me. As if he's my escort to a damn Miss Gas Station dance, he leads me slightly in front of him, holding my elbow, and briskly walks us both to the store.

Once inside, I pull my elbow away. "I think it's fine now that we're in the store." I wanted to speed it up by getting a few things while he gets the rest. When he gave me a look, I shook my head. "Seriously, this store is thirty feet wide. I won't be far. I'll get water and some sandwiches."

He sighs. "Alright. I'll get us some snacks for later. Do you need anything else?"

 "Actually, I ran out of deodorant this morning."

He blinked. "Okay. What kind do you want?"

"What do you mean?" I asked.

He fought a smile. "You know. Fresh? Vanilla? Flowery?"

I rubbed a hand over my face. "Never mind. I'll get it. You get the stupid water bottles."

After we separated, I browsed the section with women's deodorant. Hmm. He had a point. Flowery or fruity?

After picking some (rose scented, in case you're wondering) I headed back to the snack section, where River was looking. We quickly picked some snacks together, paid, and went outside.

Instead of steering me by the elbow, he put a gentle hand on my waist and led us towards the waiting car. From an outside point of view, we must look like a couple. The thought made me need to fight a blush, ridiculously enough. In reality, River was just keeping me close, for safety. But if someone was to see us now, would they think we look good as a pair?