The Boy with Bad Habits

Chapter 26

After carrying Willow's sleeping form, I'd finally reached a gas station. Darkness lingered in the sky, along with stars scattered everywhere. Eventually, houses did pass us by. Despite that, I couldn't risk mine or more importantly her safety.

She slept peacefully, more peaceful than I had ever saw before. Without constant worry staring back at me whenever I locked eyes with her.

Still holding on, I kept my head down as the gas station did look suspicious and dimly light. Willow's head moved to the side revealing pale exposed skin.

Although there were bruises here and there. A tempting part of my mind wanted to leave chaste kisses everywhere on her neck to make them all go away.

She stirred until each rich chocolate colored eye stared blankly at where we were.

A light voice met my ears, "Thank you Ace," she gestured to be put down.

"Are you sure?" I didn't want her to think she had to.

Looking up at me with a pleasing smile, "Yeah, I'm fine now."

Gently putting each leg at a time on the gravel ground, my heart pounded in fear of seeing Willow hurt again. She carefully limped by me while I eyed her with caution.

"Where are we?"

"At a gas station. But since I have no cash on me, we're going to have to resort to asking the clerk for a call home."

Willow's face dropped almost reluctant to move any closer. We were still on the side of the road and had already crossed over. My gaze payed attention to her in wonder.

Touching her shoulder, she flinched slightly most likely out of habit, I asked "What's wrong? Do you not want to-"

I cut myself off realizing the meaning behind her reaction as the sun was slowly shying away from us.

She looked in my direction, "If I'm not home by sun down, Lydia will..."

Her head dropped with welled up tears, tilting it back up to cast them away she exhaled loudly while sharing her thoughts aloud.

"No Willow, you're not going to cry in front of someone you barely know again. No matter how much of a gentleman he is." She smiled sadly at me, chuckling at her own words.

I glanced at her in awe, "Considering everything, I don't think we 'barely' know each other at this point."

Willow responded immediately, "Doesn't matter, I refuse to look more weak than you think I already am in front of you."

Her words took me back, she sounded much stronger than before. Like the vulnerability washed away.

"I don't view you as puny. I'm not sure where you got that from because quite frankly I've never treated you otherwise." I refrained from seething the words since her statement kind of agitated me. Why did she decide to start acting all defensive?

Her words came out regretful, "I'm.....sorry Ace. Force of habit, I didn't mean for that to offend you."

She still held her head high but with more emotions. I didn't want to dwell on the fact of how lustful it made me hearing my name from her.