Please Don't Set Me Free

Chapter 3

"Can we please talk?" Four words were all it took for my heart to shatter. I could hear how upset he was and I wanted to bring him in and hug him and never let him go. I missed him desperately. I couldn't let him see how broken I was because of him so I put on my best poker face.

"Come in." I said it as coldly as I could. He came through the doorway and stood in the foyer. I walked into the living room and sat on a chair. He followed and sat across from me.

"You have to let me explain. I'm so sorry Malia. But really, it will all make sense once I explain." I felt a lump in my throat so I just nodded instead of answering.

"Okay, so I know you're mad that I cheated, and by all means I deserve for you to be mad. You should hate me forever. I regret it so much and I've been beating myself over it since the day happened. In fact, I even had Luke beat up. Anyway, this morning you saw me going to eat with some girl. But it's not what it looks like. She's my cousin from out of town. She came in this morning because she goes to college nearby. My parents made me take her. I needed you to know I hadn't moved on. I still love you. I promise that I love you." A few tears were rolling down his face and that's when I lost it. I couldn't stand this anymore. I broke down. I started shaking uncontrollably as I sobbed. Calum came by me and moved me over so he could sit by me and hold me. He stroked my hair and calmed me down. Having him hold me again made it worse and caused me to shake more. He rocked my back and forth holding me tighter.

"I miss you so much and I'm so sorry for fucking up. I promise if you gave me a second chance, it would never happen again." He whispered into my ear. I looked up to him, and I could see how hurt he looked.

"I'm sorry Cal, I don't think I'm ready for that yet. I can't trust you. You broke me."

Before he could utter another word a pair of large hands took him by the shoulders and shoved him to the floor. I was astonished and saw Michael standing there, infuriated.

"Get the fuck out of here." He growled. Calum got up quickly and ran out the door, apologizing the entire way. Michael turned back to me and his features were softer. He took Cal's place and held me through the night, comforting me. I knew the next morning I would have to explain everything to him, but honestly I'm glad he got there when he did because I knew if Calum kept talking I would've gotten back with him, and I wasn't ready for that yet.

The next morning, Michael asked about everything as I predicted. I told him everything in detail. Just like in the car ride, his fingers were drumming on his knee the entire time. He was furious with Calum.

"Remind me to call Hemmings and thank him for beating that piece of shit up." I rolled my eyes and told him okay. The rest of the day Michael did everything in his power to keep my thoughts off Calum.

He got a call from Ashton at around 6. He disappeared into the kitchen and when he came back he had a huge grin on his face.

"Tonight we're going to a party. Be ready."