Fight With Me

Chapter 3

Josie's POV

Hope and I were packing for an overnight stay at a motel during our hunt for the flying golem when Dad walked in.

"So, you and Hope will be in room 120, and I'll be in 130," he said, looking at me with a raised eyebrow. I tried to hide my excitement at the thought of sharing a room with Hope.

"Okay, guys, load the truck. It's a two-hour drive to the motel," Dad said as he slid into the driver's seat.

I climbed into the backseat with Hope, my heart light with happiness. About thirty minutes into the drive, I popped in my earbuds and let the music lull me to sleep.

At the Motel
Hope's POV
By the time we reached the motel, Josie was practically drooling on my shoulder. She looked... cute, in a way. I gently nudged her.

"Hey, Josie, wake up. We're here."

She stirred, blinking groggily. "Sorry, was I sleeping on you?"

"Yeah, but it's fine," I replied, trying to keep my tone as casual as possible.

Josie quickly got up and hopped out of the car. "Okay, girls, grab your bags while I get our room keys," Dr. Saltzman called out as he walked off, leaving us in the dimly lit parking lot.

Josie turned to me with a smirk. "So, tribrid, do you mind sleeping in the same room as me?"

"I actually don't mind," I said, matching her teasing tone. "As long as you don't try to kill me, Jo. Thanks for asking."

"What an ass," she said, playfully rolling her eyes.

"It's a talent," I shot back, grinning as I glanced at her.

Just as Josie blushed, Dr. Saltzman returned with our keys. "Alright, here you go. And remember, no sneaking out. We're here for one night."

Josie smirked. "I don't think Hope knows what cooperation means, Dad."

"Of course, Dr. Saltzman," I said sweetly. "I'll be on my best behavior." With that, Josie and I headed toward our room.

Josie's POV

It was 2 a.m., and I was exhausted. All I wanted was sleep. We walked in silence until we reached the door. Hope slid in the key card and opened the door.

"Well, this should be interesting," she said as we stepped inside.

I stopped in my tracks, staring at the room. "You have got to be kidding me. One bed?!"

Hope smirked, clearly amused. "Don't worry, Jo. I really don't bite. Well, not unless I'm in the mood, of course."

I blushed furiously, trying to ignore her teasing. "Ugh, I'm going to change," I muttered, retreating to the bathroom.

When I emerged a few minutes later, dressed in my pajamas, I froze. Hope was standing there in just a sports bra and basketball shorts, looking way too comfortable. My eyes couldn't help but linger.

"Like what you see?" she teased, catching me staring.

"As if!" I shot back, trying to sound unaffected. "Can you just put a shirt on?"

"Fine, fine. Anything for you, Josie," she said, flashing me a grin.

I felt my heart skip at the way she said it—just for you. I shook the feeling away as Hope finally put on a shirt and lay down on the far side of the bed. I settled on the opposite edge, our backs facing each other.

Just as I was about to drift off, my phone buzzed.

Hope: Hey J ;)

Josie: Ew, how'd you get my number, stalker? 😝

Hope: I think you just answered your own question.

Hope: Turn around.

I lowered my phone and turned over, only to find Hope's face inches from mine.

"Ever heard of personal space?" I joked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"It's not really my thing," she quipped, her eyes soft but curious. "So... question. Why do you let Lizzie take charge of everything?"

I groaned. "You're so annoying."

"Thanks, that means you like me," she shot back with a grin. "Now, answer."

"I don't know," I admitted, feeling vulnerable under her gaze. "I guess I never really get the chance."

Hope's expression softened. "Well, I think that with me here, you'll definitely get the chance to shine."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?"

"Yes, really."

"Okay, well, let's wait and see, shall we?" I challenged.

"We shall," she said with a smile.

Silence hung between us for a moment before I spoke again, my voice quieter this time. "I want to apologize for Lizzie. She's not great with change."

"It's okay," Hope said softly, her gaze dropping for a second. "I'm used to people not liking me."

She turned away after that, her words lingering in the air. What did she mean by that? I wondered as I watched her drift to sleep.

And then, it hit me. I couldn't possibly have feelings for Hope Mikaelson, right? She was so different from me—so confident, bold, with her gorgeous eyes, that smirk, the way her hair—

Okay, stop! No you just met her!

But would it really be so bad if I did?