Protected By All, Protecter Of One

Part 6 - Protection from the Cold

"Just stop." I muttered to myself. My knees are hugged to my chest as I sit on the roof. It's been days since I've seen Cash. I don't need to be anywhere near him seeing as his siblings can protect him now. The tears disobeyed my orders and kept flowing down my cheeks. I sobbed in response. I pulled my blanket closer to my body, trying to escape the cold air. I'm watching Cash do a Tik Tok live stream from clear across the street. He seems so happy. "What did I do wrong?" I asked the air. The wind picked up, blowing on my cheek. The icy air burned my skin, but I didn't care. I watched as the snow began to fall. A snowflake landed on my nose. It melted away instantly. I need to go inside or my tears will freeze to my face, but I can't find it in me to move. I'd rather freeze to this roof than have this antagonizing pain in my chest. Even when my teeth began to chatter or my body continuously shook, I refused to move. I looked back to Cash's room to see that he isn't there.

"Are you insane?" A voice asked, startling me. I slipped and started falling. My hands instantly grabbed onto the roof. I hung on for dear life as my body dangled. My still injured arm burned, the cuts probably split open. "Just drop, Raine, I got you." I let go. I was met with warm arms surrounding me. The presence is familiar, but I'm too scared to look. I got set on the ground. I slowly turned around then looked up to see Cash Baker. He's holding a serious expression on his face. "Do you have a death wish?" The words had me taken aback, but a smile appeared on my face. It is small and barely noticable, but it's there. He still cares.

"No..." I whispered. My teeth are chattering uncontrollably. Cash pulled me into his arms then lifted me up bridal style. "Wh-What are you doing?"

"Taking you inside. You're freezing cold." He carried me inside my own house and up to my room. Everyone else is asleep. I gave Cash quiet directions up the stairs and to my bedroom door. He took me inside, gently laying me on my bed. I noticed that he'd picked up my blanket at some point. He took the blanket and threw it to the laundry basket. "Why were you up there in the freezing cold weather?" Cash softly asked me.

"I-I... w-was thin-thinking." I stuttered uncontrollably. Cash walked to my vent and opened it, letting the air from the heater pool into the room.

"I am going to get you something warm to drink. I will be right back." I softly nodded. Cash walked out of my room. I lied under my covers, constantly shivering until he returned. He helped me sit up then handed me a cup of hot cocoa. "I'm going to run you a hot bath, okay?" I could barely nod my head. I took a sip of the hot drink, my throat relishing in the warmth. Cash disappeared into my bathroom. I heard the bath water run. Cash returned to me moments later.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked. My voice is still quiet, but he can hear me anyway.

"Doing what?" He asked in return. It seemed as if he's pretending to be clueless.

"Taking care of me."

"You know why, Raine." He said almost bitterly. He took a seat beside me. "Were you crying out there?" I shook my head. "Then why is there ice on your face?"

"Because I was crying." I muttered.

"Damn, Raine, even your lips are frosty. Come on." He forced the drink out of my hand then pulled me to the bathroom. "Take a bath, okay?"

"What are you going to do?"

"I'll just wait. I'm not leaving until I know you're safe. Even if it's from yourself." I blushed lightly, heat filling my cheeks. "Raine?"

"Hmm?" I hummed. Cash cupped my cheek then turned my head to face him.

"Can I kiss you?"

"Why are you asking?"

"Because I'm afraid."

"Of?"

"You." My blood ran cold. I averted my eyes, tears threatening to fill them. "Not of what you can physically do to me. I know you can beat the fuck out of me and I'm okay with that. I'm scared of what you'll do if I fuck up. I don't want to fuck it up, I don't want to lose you. I'm asking because I was told that you refused to be with me. That's why I was such a jackass after you came to save me. They told me that you didn't want to be around me." A tear left my eyes. "I need to know if it was a lie." I walked over to the bathtub and turned off the water. The heat radiating from it touched my skin, instantly warming it. I walked back to Cash, regret filling my entire body.

"It wasn't nessicarily a lie." I whispered. Hurt flashed in Cash's eyes. "I do want to be with you, but I don't know if I can. I've never wanted anything along the lines of love. I've always lived believing that everyone I meet will immediately be put in danger. It's not that I don't want it, I just don't know if I'm allowing to have it. I spent that day after the kiss when I was talking to my friends, trying to convince not only them but myself as well that I can't be with you. Then you disappeared and I even pretended to be a bitchy and upset girlfriend just so I could ping your phone and find you. I can't... I was on the roof because was blaming myself for you getting kidnapped. And I thought you were mad at me because of it. I couldn't think straight, I couldn't sleep. I-" My words were cut short by Cash grabbing my chin and forcing our lips together. The kiss didn't last much longer, ending as quick as it began.

"It's okay, Raine." Cash whispered. "Just calm down, alright?" I softly nodded my head. "Why don't you take a bath and then we can lie down and cuddle. Does that sound good?" I nodded again. Cash gave me a quick kiss on the lips then left my bathroom.

~

As promised, Cash and I cuddled in bed. I clung to him and his warmth like I'm still freezing. "Raine?" Cash whispered in my ear. He adjusted himself, draping his leg over both of mine and pulling me closee with his arm. I'm not sure if we can get any closer, but here we are.

"Hmm?" I hummed sleepily.

"How's your arm?"

"It's okay." I replied.

"Raine, I need to go home. I left my phone at my house and my siblings kind of have me on lock down." Cash went to get up, but grabbed him my his arm. Cash let out a small noise of complaint.

"You can't leave." I whispered weakly, violently shaking my head.

"Raine-"

"I'll call Maverick or Lani. Just, please, don't leave me." I whimpered. Cash relaxed, lying back down. I reached over and grabbed my phone from my nightstand. I unlocked it then searched for Maverick's contact. I gave the phone to Cash. Cash let me lie my head on his arm as he texted his brother. I buried my head into his chest, slowly falling asleep.

That's part six! I hope you enjoyed it!

Peace.
Love.
Out.