The Way We Love

Love Till Dawn

(Paul Pov)

The drops sounded heavy like the strumming of a pencil tapping against wood. I took a breath and realized that was the sound of my thumping heart, like a rabbit's foot beating against the desert terrain.

Fear engulfed me and I froze, praying for the best.

"Where the hell is he?" he screamed. I noticed a glimpse of panic on his hardened face as his eyes darted quickly across the room in confusion.

I swallowed the sand on my tongue. I just needed to distract the bodyguard long enough for Figs, and Feather to safely get away. I hoped that he wouldn't look out the window because all they needed was a few moments more.

"He crawled to the bathroom" I lied, my voice squeaked its deceit.

To my surprise, the bodyguard was more of a mess than me, as he paced around anxious and desperate. The lean of the structure of his back perspired under the thick material of his black uniform. He bit his lips, cursing under his breath as he assessed the situation.

"The Mayor will kill me and all because I was stupid enough to get some water!" he groaned looking at me fearfully.

The glass was shaking in his trembling hands and it dawned on me that perhaps he was a victim too. The Mayor was manipulative and used his power to break those who were already weak. Perhaps I could appeal to him, long enough to save my friends.

I stood up slowly, there was only one way to find out, and at this point, everything was a risk.

"Hey, let me go, please...I don't know what the Mayor did to you but I can tell that you're a good man..this isn't the life for you." I pleaded. I reached out my hand making a non-threatening gesture, hoping he could sympathize with me.

The bodyguard blinked looking at me with loathing sharp eyes. They were an off silver color and added rich texture to his fading whim.

"Shut, up!" he snarled pointing his gun at me, "I have to think... If the boss comes back and finds out that I let one of you guys slip, my family will be dead." he shivered.

I rested my aching back against the cold bloody floor, "You know who I am, you know that my father can protect you and your family, but if you choose to break the law we can't protect your soul" I reasoned.

"Let me go, and I promise the first thing I'll do is make sure your family is safe. Think about it, my friend and I are in this mess because we knew too much. What do you think will happen to you when it's all over? The Mayor will never keep his promise, you are disposable too" I whispered.

My eyes drifted softly over his without judgment. I saw a man before me that was just as much a prisoner as I was...

He turned his back, agony twisting on his face as he thought deep and long about the outcomes.

"My name is Liam Godlings" he sighed pulling out his knife.

I backed away from slowly, uncertain of what he was going to do next.

"Stab me, make it look convincing...I can give you a head start Paul, that's all. Please keep your promise and make sure my family is okay" he said quickly scribbling down his information on a paper.

I held the knife in my hand, a nauseating feeling took over me as he took a step forward, "it's the only way, The Mayor will never believe you both got away unless I was seriously hurt" he mumbled closing his eyes.

I hugged him, to say thank you.

"Wait, do you have a car and is he lying about Ed?" I asked.

Liam nodded, "When you leave, go around back take the main path. You will find my car parked out there, and keys are in the third flowerpot with the blue stripes you won't miss it" he promised, "and as for your friend Ed, he's safe but not for long..." he hinted vaguely.