New York

Chapter 8

I watched out the window as the trees and land flew by. The music playing softly in my ear as Tyler's hand rests in mine on the middle console.

"I thought Toby was coming today?" I curiously ask Tyler as the city of Brooklyn fades behind us.

"I texted him before we left, and told him to meet us at our destination." Tyler grins as he continues to watch out the window. I pucker my lips when he mentions destination instead of revealing where we are going.

"Can you please tell me where we are going?" I turn in my seat so I'm facing him and grip onto his sleeve. I pout and widen my eyes. Tyler glances at me and narrows his eyes.

"No."

I groan loudly and slump back into my seat. "This is not far and you know it. I wouldn't have packed so much if I just knew where we are going." I give him a sideways glance and catch his grin.

"It would not be a surprise if I were to tell you where we were going sweet thang." He flashes his smile and within a couple seconds later we are pulling across the California state line.

The sadness and anger boils within my body as I watch us pass the California sign. I grit my teeth and grip the seats tightly making fists. I stare out the side window and refuse to make eye contact with Tyler until he squeezes my hand. The rage shines through my eyes as I shoot daggers into his.

"Luka? What's wrong?" Tyler's eyebrows are knit into confusion and worry as he stares at me.

"This is a bad place, Tyler. This is a very bad place." I feel my body shake with anger and the car pulls into a gas station parking lot soon after. I don't move as Tyler cuts off the engine and climbs out of the vehicle. Soon enough, my door flings open and strong arms wrap around my shaking frame. I feel his hands snake through my hair and his hot breathe on my ear as he whispers soothing words. The rage begins to melt but is quickly replaced with fear. I slowly push Tyler away and look up at him with saucer sized eyes. "They were murdered here."

Tyler' point of view

I watched as Luka's entire composure fell apart as the sign for California flew past us. Her body began to tremble and her small fragile hands gripped the leather seats and her fingernails punctured into them. The worry pulls at my heart and I ask her what's wrong, the only response is California is a bad place. I search for a local business and soon enough a gas station comes into view. I swerve into the parking lot and hurriedly get out and rush to the passenger side door. I fling the door open and pull her shivering body into mine. I bring my mouth to her ear and try to sooth her. Luka's body stops shaking and I feel her pushing me away. I back away from her even though everything in my body tells me not too. I watch her beautiful blue eyes widen and her voice comes out in a whisper, "They were murdered here."

I stared at her for a long time before realizing she was talking about her parents. I pulled her back into my chest and held her tightly. I wanted to tell her it was okay over and over again. I wanted to assure her everything was going to be fine, but deep down I knew it was never going to be okay. I knew she was always going to have that hidden pain. I knew she was always going to be scared of places that reminded her of them. I knew she was going to push me away before I got too close. The worst part of this all? My gang was the one responsible for her parent's murder and that is something I can never go back and change.

I sigh and release my grip on her. I push her back to arm's length and examine her face for any more tears. I give him a small smile and gently kiss her forehead, "Are you going to be okay love?"

Luka nods slowly and pushes the hair back from her eyes before placing one small, weak kiss on my cheek in a silent thank you. I smile one last time before making my way back to the driver's side and starting the vehicle back up to continue to the hotel.

I carried her into the hotel room as her head rested on my chest and she softly snored in my ear. She had fallen right asleep after we pulled away from the gas station and back onto the highway. I guess all the crying and memories flooding her head were too exhausting for her. I checked in without a word and took Luka to our room. I gently opened the door, not wanting to wake her, and set her down on the bed. As her head hit the plush pillow, she snuggled into the white comforter. I watched her silently and sat on the edge of the bed. I placed my head in my hands and let the guilt consume me. I felt the tears run down my cheeks as I thought about all the pain I have caused her and am about to cause her. I shook my head slightly. I felt the bed move and waiting for her touch. I felt her arms wrap around my shoulders and her face rest on my bicep.

"Tyler... what's wrong?" Her voice was soft and fragile as if she was afraid to break me.

I lifted my head to look at her. I see the hurt and pain shining in her eyes. I see the worry etched onto her face as she looked over my face, tears and all. "Luka... I have to tell you something."