Don't Break My Hart

Chapter 11

I stayed in the tub until the water became cold. Finally the shivering and chattering of my teeth drove me out. I wasn't ready to face reality. Instead of pondering over what Ryder said or worrying about Angel, I was numb and for once in my life, my mind was blank.

With nothing but a towel wrapped around me, I walked out into the living space. Chogan was sitting on the couch. No one else was around. I froze when he spotted me, heat creeping up my neck. He patted the spot beside him on the couch. Reluctantly, I dragged myself to him and slumped into the cushion. Chogan placed one hand gently on my knee, the other lifted my chin.

"Ryder already told me what happened. He came to find me. He apologized and stated his feelings very clearly. He also told me what you said."

A tear escaped from one eye, rolling down my face. "I'm so sorry." I whispered hoarsely. In the blink of an eye, Chogan was out of his seat and standing in front of me. Both of his hands came up to wrap around either side of my face and he drew me into a kiss.

The kiss was hot, fast, and desperate. It made me curl my toes. But just as suddenly as he started it, he stopped. It left me wanting more. I leaned my face to one side and cupped his hand with mine, not wanting him to let go.

"Atalia." My name on his lips made me shiver. "I didn't fall for you because I was lonely or because you were the only female around at the time. I fell for you because your strength continues to amaze me. No matter what problems or trials you face, you tackle them head on without fear of what might happen. Your strength is beautiful. You are beautiful."

He inhaled deeply before continuing. "Do I like the idea of you with another guy? No. In fact, if the world wasn't infested with dead people eating each other, I most likely would have given you an ultimatum." My heart sank, but he didn't let me speak. "We live in a different world now. And it's probably for the best. I can't take you out on dates. I can't give you what you deserve. Maybe one day. I can tell you that I will do my damndest to make you happy."

"Chogan." My voice cracked. "I don't deserve you. I don't want you to feel like less of a person. I care for you and don't want to lose you. I don't know why I am this way."

He sat back down and pulled me against him, tucking my head under his chin. "We've been here at this fort for longer, and while the lifestyle was shocking at first, it started becoming a little more normal. I can work on getting used to sharing your time."

"You mean sharing me." I cracked a small smile.

"No. You aren't an object to be fought over." He pressed his lips to the top of my head. Warmth spread all throughout me.

I pulled back and tilted my face up, pressing my lips gently against his before drawing away. Before I could reply, the door opened, and Rowan filled up the space.

"You aren't going to be happy about this, but we were just assigned to go on another supply run." Rowan's stormy gray eyes level at Chogan, not me.

"Who is we?" I asked. Rowan glanced my way briefly, then did a slow double take. I looked down, the towel had slipped and the tops of my cleavage was showing. I flushed and tugged the fabric up.

"Chogan, Carlos, Ryder, Kaito, Azrael, Big John, and myself. Along with a few of the soldiers." Chogan frowned at Rowan's answer.

"So basically everyone that has stood up and protected Atalia. Why?" Chogan mutters, mostly to himself.

"He probably wants the lot of you out of the way so he can finish what he started." I shivered at the idea. "Wait, Xavier wasn't on that list."