Take a chance on me

Chapter 19

Fayes POV

As we marched off, I started to realize Nick had a point. I haven't known Zane very long. I've known him for the 4 days currently, and the 2 days before that. So, it's a whole week. But I couldn't explain why it felt so right being with Zane. And I knew now I couldn't go back because Shawn, for the last 2 years, has known my life secret. Anger and betrayal rose in me. How could he know and not tell me? How could he use that to leverage me? He was so disgusting to try and control me! The emotions brought more tears to my eyes because I've lived there and worked for that man. I've been loyal to this man, making sure I worked hard and cleaned and never asked for more than I should. I've always chosen Shawn's side. I always asked if he needed anything else than my chores. I've helped him when he was ill. I really thought he was my savior, but he knew what Stone Reed is and does. And he was willing to throw me back to the monster. I hear Zane clear his throat behind me, and I realize we've been walking, but I hadn't known where we've been going. I've just been in my head. I stop. Zane proceeds to speak to me. "Hey, it's definitely dark out and cold. Do you want to come to my hotel room?" That's right. The summer season season is ending. I hardly noticed from my inner rage, making my skin feel hot. I felt hesitant because of 2 things first, I don't think I can handle being in an enclosed area with all these emotions flying through me, and 2nd being alone with Zane in a small area sent goosebumps up and down my arms, wonder what would happen between us. Am I expecting something to happen? Should we do something? Am I overthinking? "Uh, well, it looks like you still need to walk off these emotions. Hey! I know a place for a walk." Zane calmly walked over and grabbed my left hand and lightly tugged me to follow him. I followed because it's not like I have anything else to do. He led me through an alleyway between a pizza shop and a gas station. Our town is pretty humble, and we don't really have any 'thugs' unless their outsiders who are coming through our small town. Still, they have left stained old graffiti on the side of the old bricked pizza shop called 'Pizza lovers' stop!' I remember their commercial a couple of years ago.'Hey hey hey, it's John Ranger, the wholesome chef at Pizza Lovers Stop! where you don't need a spoon or fork to enjoy delicious food! fresh ingredients, warm and ready to anyway you may like! Any size and free delivery! Give us a call at 1877-653-3999! That's Pizza Lovers Stop!' Zanes' strong, warm calloused hand was firmly but not too tight around my hand, sent a tingly feeling up my arm. The gas station men were outside with their bright yellow vests having a smoke and bored waiting for customers. As we passed the alley, he took he through a hidden entrance into the woods. I felt alarm bells go off. I stiffened. And that's where Zane turned around to me and gave a small laugh "Hey it's not like I'm planning to murder you. I promise you. There's a jaw-dropping veiw I want you to show you."

I decided to listen and started moving my feet forward. I've been awfully quiet with him. But I don't feel like I should confide in with him yet. I look around the dark, mysterious forest. The trees made creepy shadows, and the crows would creek. The only light we had was from the moon, and it loomed into opening spots the tree branches gave. I could hear small wildlife like ticking noises. Zanes has strong footsteps and small twigs under my feet breaking. As we walked further into the dark, quiet woods, I heard distant owls hooting.

I tripped over a rock I didn't see from the dark, and Zane helped me up his hand on my hip and another on between my shoulders blade our faces inches apart. "Are you okay?" His voice was smooth and deep. I felt his body heat seeping into mine, and I realized I was feeling less angry because I was so focused on the woods around me. Feeling nervous. I'm not scared of the dark. I'm scared of what's in the dark. There's a difference. I nod, and just barely I see a smile. Why are we hiking this late into the woods? He grabs my hand and leads the way. I'm squinting to see the path. How is he so easily able to walk this uneven dipped like path? after another 5 minutes, this is a 15-minute hike I hear water rushing. "We're getting close." I hear him say. I squeeze his hand for my reply of 'okay'.

When we walk more, the path gets easier. I'm not using Zanes' hand to help me balance and to keep me upright when I trip over these rocks that are upright. I looked over, and I swear this was the most beautiful peaceful waterfall I've ever seen. It literally looked like it was glowing and had these night flowers bloomed all over. And the water was glistening. Breath taking, I gasped. So beautiful. Zane sits down on a big Boulder and looks around the scenery with me. Then, after a couple minutes, he pats by where he is sitting gesturing for me to sit by him. So I do and ask, "What is this magical place?" He chuckles." I'll tell you a secret this magical place only turns 'alive' at night. All the flowers and glowing and glimmery. Even the fish become more playful." I smile he went on. "In fact, if you are pure, they even say the waters will show by making you glisten too if you dip your hand in. If you don't glisten, you aren't pure." I scrunch my nose "Yeah okay" He laughed."What you don't believe in legends?" I shook my head. He leaned back. His voice went deep and monotone "Hey I've been meaning to ask when you're not so angry, but I can't keep my curiosity at bay. Who is Stone Reed, and why is Shawn threatening to tell him your location?" I swallow the feelings of anger, scared and betrayal and confusion all coming back to me. Tears swell. I hated crying. And I hated crying in front of Zane the most. I wasn't ready to share this side yet. Blinking at the ground, I stutter. "I don't know if I can share this information yet."

Zane shifts in his position. He then says, "I think I have some rights to know as your boyfriend." Oh yeah, I said that. Guilt rushing to me "Zane I don't think we can stay together. If Stone truly finds out where I am, I- I can't stay." He scoffed "Nonsense I told you that you can stay with me for free also." Tears dropped from my eyes. "No, Zane, I wouldn't put my burdens on you like this." I wasn't thinking rational at the time. Zane makes my hormones go crazy when I'm near him. And when Shawn threatened to take Zane away, all I felt was protect. And I couldn't tell you why. I barely even knew him. Zane scooter closer to me. "You're never a burden." Our knees touching, making my legs tingle. "I don't want you to get trouble because of Stone hunting me." The blue dim light reflecting onto our faces from the water I could see his eye brows raise with concern. "Hunting you?" His voice full of curiosity, and then his lips turned into a thin line, his eyebrows knitted together. His eyes showed his anger. I cringed. Why did I tell him that? "So you've been running and hiding. That's why you've been -" I interrupted because of frustration of the fight earlier, with Shawn and the situation now and how hurt I feel. "Listen, Zane, I gotta go. We won't work out. I have a very complicated life, and I won't make a good partner. it's better to leave me alone." My throat felt like it was closing in. My heart felt heavier, and my legs felt like jello. Zane grabbed my arm from my slow-moving body. He said in a stern voice, "You don't get to be the judge of everything, Faye. I don't care what you say, I'm going to stand and support you through this and who ever this Stone Reed man I will make sure he goes through the 7 floors of hell before he even reaches you." I wanted to believe him. But he doesn't understand how powerful my father is. He doesn't deserve a life of running. He deserves a stable, functioning life. I shake my head. For a long time, I wished for love, but for me, it just wasn't possible. "Zane, Stone Reed is a rich and well-respected man. He just has to snap his fingers, and they'll be after you for life." He came closer and said,"Stone doesn't know me and my pack. We aren't scared of anyone." Pack? What does he mean by that? I c****d my head. "Pack?" His eyes widened, and he quickly changed the subject. "How did you get caught up with Stone anyways?" I wondered if I should tell him. But he gave a vibe he wouldn't let this go if I didn't tell him. "He's my father." I said. "That bastard I'll definitely make him pay."He said through gritted teeth. I scoffed. "How so?" He leaned back."I'm a body guard. I am not new to saving damsels in destress and protecting important people. It's my life duty." He said proudly. I replied "Ah so that's why you like me. Just another project." The expression on his face was hurt. Like I didn't understand. "Faye, you're not another job or project. You're special." I leaned into him. His chest is full of muscle, and his breathing quickened to me and earthy wood scent sent me over. "Zane, can we really be together without me being a burden? I'll put you and your family in danger." He stroked my hair and laid his head on mine "Yes Faye. we can be together, and things might be rocky, but we can put this to an end." I liked hearing this. Would I be an i***t to accept? Or would I be an i***t to reject? "Faye, please take a chance on me, I'll make you happy." I smiled and said,"Okay, you win me over." He moved and grabbed me where I was straddling his lap. This was unexpected. This made me also blush like a high school girl. My heart was racing, and it pulsed throughout my body. He brought me into a hug and squeezed me. "Thank you, Faye. I'll do anything to make you happy." I kiss his cheek and get off him before I might do something inappropriate. "Let's go to the hotel." And I held out my hand for him. Smiling as we left this magical waterfall.