drag me down | grayson dolan

【thirty one】

My eyes stare up at my ceiling, watching the fan go round and round. I part my lips with a sigh as my mind races with thoughts. I keep seeing Bodhi's smirking face, mocking me. I don't think I'll ever be able to get that image out of my head. It's almost one thirty in the morning and I have no intention of falling asleep anytime soon.

The gentle knock coming from my door slightly startles me. At this point, I never want to open it again.

"Babe, it's me." Grayson's husky voice calls out.

Hearing his voice through the door is already sending chills down my spine. I throw the blankets off my body and rise to my feet. Once I walk to the door, I unlock it with ease.

Seeing him standing in front of me already takes my breath away. His soft brown hair is swooped over his forehead, just like it always is. The intense stare of his hazel eyes burn through mine as he looks at me. He's wearing a grey t-shirt that is covered by a denim jacket. Washed out jeans cover his legs to complete his look. He always looks so good no matter what time of day it is.

"Hi." He whispers with a tiny grin.

"Come to bed." I nod while stepping to the side.

He walks into my apartment and I instantly shut and lock the door.

"How's Duke?" His voice is quiet.

"He's doing better." I let out a breath. "I'm picking him up tomorrow, I'm probably going to stay with him for a few days until he gets back on his feet."

"Yeah, you should." Grayson agrees with me.

I continue to stare at the noticeably quite man in front of me. There's something off about him. He isn't acting like his bubbly self, the color is completely drained from his face.

"Grayson, what's wrong?" I whisper while crossing my arms over my chest. "Is this about Ethan?"

"Yes and no." He shrugs his shoulders while looking down at my floor. "It's about everything."

"We can talk about it, if you want." I step closer to him and take his hand into mine.

He continues to stay silent, a hurt look is on his face. "I just can't believe he left me."

"I know." I gulp.

"He would rather be Bodhi's little toy than be my twin brother." His voice cracks with pain.

"He's going to regret it one day." I slowly point out. "Bodhi will screw him over, it's what he does. He uses people and then just throws them away."

"I hate myself." Grayson suddenly whispers, causing my heart to crack.

"Don't say that." I look up at him.

"I do, Savannah. The only good thing about me is you." He places his large hand on my cheek.

"You're an amazing man, Grayson. I love you so much." I give him the reassurance that he needs right now.

"I love you too, but that doesn't change the horrible things that I've done." He looks back down with a sigh.

"Everybody makes mistakes, major mistakes that they have no control over. Bodhi threatened to kill your parents, you were being the protective human being that you've always been." I whisper while keeping my eyes on him.

"You're right. I am protective." He repeats with a slow nod. "That's why I'm doing something that you're going to hate."

His words send a sharp pain through my body as my facial expression drops. "What do you mean?"