The Lilly Within the Ashes

Ch 20

Jason

I awoke hours before Lilly usually started her mornings. I slid her body off of my chest, instantly loosing her warmth. Having her delicate frame form into mine, keeping me warm and relaxed, made me want to forget what I planned to do. But knowing her safety was more important than my wants, I walked away from the bed and into our closet. 

I grabbed as many warm clothes I could since it was the start of fall. I don't know how many articles of clothing I grabbed, but once two suitcases were filled, I started going through her shoes. 

Before I was able to bend down to grab a pair of knee high boots, two gentle arms wrapped around my waist. They caused me to pause my packing spree and my muscles partially relaxed. "Jason are you alright? I think maybe it's best I don't go." Her gentle whisper soothed my worries until I fully processed what she was considering. I turn around in her arms, now facing the frizzy bedhead of a beauty in front of me. I cupped her cheeks and forced the feeling of sadness down. "Baby you know you can't stay. I need  you to be safe and the only way is for you to go to the cabin while I fix things here." I gave her a quick peck on her forehead, showing her there was no room for arguing, and turned right back around to finish packing her things. 

When I finished her shoes, I got up to head to the bathroom to grab other necessities, but I bumped into a body. I see my Angel with a look that crushed my heart. Tears welled up into her now dull hazel eyes, and her bottom lip pouted with a tremble. "I'm going to be okay Jason. I have you to keep me safe and I trust all of your decisions to make sure that happens. You just have to promise me you will keep yourself safe as well."

 Her words made me start to sweat, and the pressure on my shoulders grew heavier. She was asking me to keep a promise I knew I couldn't. In fact I didn't even know sending her to the cabin would keep her safe. That alone scared the shit out of me, but it was my only option and I was going to take it. 

I instantly had the need to feel my woman next to me. My arms shot out and I grabbed her into a hug, placing my head on top of her frizzy blonde locks. I kissed the top of her head, but I wanted, NO, needed her lips on mine. I slightly pulled away so I could see her face, and without hesitating, I kissed her. 

Once our lips touched, my hunger for her only grew. I felt kissing her wasn't enough and I only wanted more of her, but I had to stop before I couldn't. Once our lips unlocked, the room was silent except for our heavy breathing. Suddenly she started to laugh. "I feel we confessed our feelings for each other at such a terrible time." She smiled right at me, causing the once sad atmosphere to disappear. I pushed a stray hair behind her ear and pecked her forehead. "Lilly if I didn't confess yesterday, I would have done something very stupid and probably would have confessed at a time worse than this." A blush blossomed onto her cheeks, making my ego fly through the roof. 

We both finished her packing and realized we took too long and would have to skip breakfast together. Before I knew it, I was gripping onto Lilly's hand while watching the driver load her suitcases into the trunk. On the outside I looked like my normal, stone cold self, but the inside I was about to drag the woman I was holding onto for dear life back inside, and never letting her go. The only thing that was keeping me put was her gripping my hand just as hard while she swiped her thumb back and forth on the back of my hand. 

"Are you ready madam?" The driver opened the car door, revealing Maria already in the car. Lilly nodded and smiled at the driver, trying to let go of my hand to get into the car. But for some reason I couldn't let her go. "Jason?" I looked right into her eyes, hoping she would tell me this was all a dream and I will be waking up with her in my arms. But she did the second best thing instead. She placed her hand on my cheek, and gave me a kiss. The kiss told me she was going to be alright. "I have to go now, so stop worrying about me." She gave me a smile, but it didn't make her eyes crease, letting me know it was forced. 

I hesitantly lead her to the car door. Once she sat and I heard the click of her seat belt, I kissed the side of her head and stepped back. The driver shut the door, but even with the tinted windows, I could still see my flower look at me through the window. I felt Anthony stand next to me and give a wave to Lilly. She rolled down the window while the car started driving off. "You two keep each other safe!" 

I stood in the same place, even when the car was no longer visible on the road. I knew Anthony was still standing next to me for he asked me if I was going to be okay. I gave him the only response I could think of, 

"Let's end this fucker so I can have my Angel in my arms again."

With that, I marched into my house, preparing myself for a possible war.