I Hardly Needed Saving

The Bond Awakens

I wake to the smell of breakfast and the softest feeling—Seth's lips on my cheek.

My stomach growls. Butterflies flutter wildly.

I open my eyes and smile at him.

He's so cute. And damn sexy, I swear.

"You hungry? Grandma made breakfast for everyone."

I leap out of bed. "Last one down's a rotten egg!"

He laughs. "That's not fair!"

I race down the stairs, fast. At the bottom, I wait with a grin.

"Beat you."

Seth smirks, eyes glinting with mischief. Suddenly, he picks me up, arms tight around me.

I wrap my arms around his neck and look into his eyes—so happy, so bright.

My chest purrs—literally—and I feel peaceful in his arms.

He sets me down gently. I walk to the table and sit where I did yesterday. Everyone's eating—except Dasha.

"Where's Dasha?" I ask.

Everyone glances at her empty seat.

"Moving out," Deena says simply.

"What? Aren't you scared she'll tell people?"

"No," Seth smirks. "I pretended to care. She's leaving. Thank God."

Everyone laughs.

I know it's my fault, but I can't help what Seth and I feel.

And honestly? She deserved that punch.

⸻

After breakfast, I realize—I have no clothes.

As if reading my mind, Seth tosses me basketball shorts and a muscle shirt.

I walk out of the bathroom looking like a boy. He's all dressed up, and I look like... eh.

"Let's go shopping," he says, grabbing my hand.

We drive to a beautiful little villa town. Inside a boutique, everything is gorgeous.

"Get whatever you want. Doesn't matter the price."

I pile the counter high—dresses, shoes, heels, everything. Seth goofs off, trying on bras to make me laugh. This guy is too perfect.

By the end of the day, I'm exhausted.

My stomach growls.

Seth grins. "Hungry?"

I nod.

He loads the car, and we head to a twinkling Italian restaurant, fairy lights covering the ceiling.

"Do you like Italian?" he asks.

"I love it."

He smiles wide and takes my hand.

But... we're getting too close.

I pull away.

And instantly, that bliss shatters. My chest aches.

Seth's smile drops.

I can't do this.

I suddenly don't even want to eat. I feel sick.

Before we can order, I stand and walk out. Head straight for the car.

I want to cry and scream. Myra is hurting. I feel it.

Seth comes out, unlocks the car silently.

The ride home is quiet. Painful.

When we get there, I run inside, up the stairs to his room, collapse on the bed—and sob.