Barrel

16

Eva stirred, and she rolled over. The moonlight bounced off her face, reminding him once more of just how different they were.

Eva was a teacher. She was as innocent as they came. She was pulled into this mess, but that didn't mean she had to stay in it. She could go back to her normal life and enjoy that world.

Even if he liked Eva, there couldn't ever be anything between them. There were too many odds against them for it to work.

She wouldn't understand everything in his past, and even if she did, what was she going to do about it? There was nothing that could be changed. Not only that, but her aunt was another story.

Her aunt was someone that used people as if they were weapons. She threw them away and moved on, leaving a trail of hurt and injured people behind her. Barrel couldn't join a family like that. He hated the idea.

No, starting a family would only be a goal if he were a better man. The kind that was still the good guy at the end of the day. Barrel wasn't. So, Eva was off-limits.

He turned onto his back in the bed, staring at the ceiling. The fan spun, giving him something to watch. The time seemed to tick by as he just laid there, tired. Sleep eluded him.

Eva shifted, and her arm pressed against his. Barrel looked at her, watching her sleep peacefully. He wished he was a better man. He wished he could have a regular life because then he would have a chance with her. He'd have a shot.

He moved a strand of her free hair, liking the softness of her skin. He liked how her lips felt against his and how she'd tasted.

He rolled over and forced his eyes shut. He could at least try to sleep. Trying was better than staring around the room or watching Eva sleep.

Barrel woke at a knock on the door. It was a light tap like a child was doing it. He sat up and rubbed his eyes, having finally fallen asleep. It must not have been long because the moon was still up.

There was another gentle tap on the door, and Barrel pushed himself up. He walked across the room and looked outside the peephole. It was Russ, the owner of the hotel.

He unlocked the door and pulled it open.

He was wearing a worried expression, and it made Barrel's stomach tense. "What's wrong?"

"You need to pack up and get moving now."

Barrel didn't like the rushed tone and the way Russ's eyes darted down the hallway. He frowned. "Why?"

"There are some men asking about you downstairs, and one of them looked like Sergie's guy, and he looked pissed. Barrel, you needed to get moving five minutes ago. Go now."

Barrel processed the words. "Where downstairs?"

"By the check-in, if you take the hallway out the backdoor, you can miss him. But you need to leave now. I can only stall them for so long."

Barrel was grateful that Russ was helping him. Maybe he was still the same guy as he had been before. He hadn't been completely ruined after everything that went down. Barrel shut the door and locked it.

He turned around, ready to wake Eva but found her already out of bed, shoving things back into the bag. Barrel was impressed. He honestly thought it was going to be a hassle to get her up and moving. Eva was already fully awake, her eyes looking at him for directions. Once more, proving she could handle whatever was being thrown at her.

"We've gotta go," Barrel said, slipping his shoes back on. "We need to get moving before they catch up to us."

Eva didn't ask questions. She slipped her shoes and jacket on before she turned, ready to leave within minutes of being warned. Barrel slipped his backpack back on and unlocked the door. He peered out into the hallway taking in the empty, quiet space. It wouldn't stay that way for long.

"Follow close behind me," Barrel said as he pulled the door open, fully stepping into the hallway. He guided her down the aisle and took a right turn. Ahead were the double doors. They were almost out, and then they could make a break for the car. They pushed past the exit, and both ran for the car. Suddenly, they heard the back doors open behind them. Barrel looked back, seeing three guys making a break for them.

"Run!" Barrel yelled, and they ran faster. Eva jumped into the passenger's side, and Barrel got in the driver's side. He started the car as gunshots filled the air.

"Drive!" Eva screamed, and Barrel put the car into drive, jerking the car forward. They flew out of the parking lot as bullets continued to ricochet off the vehicle.

They hit the road, and he slammed on the gas, eager to gain some distance. It was just what they needed as Eva slid heavily next to him. They made it out for now, and that's what mattered.

EVA

Eva had a nice dream, finally back in her classroom and away from everything that was going on. She was surrounded by her kids and listening to them talk about their summer vacations. She was taking in all of their smiling faces, happy to be back. It was just what she had wanted.

The dream only lasted a short while before she could hear Barrel talking to someone, forcing her awake. She sat up, taking in the hotel room. Her mind was foggy, but once she heard Barrel speak in a tense tone, she knew the relaxation time was up. They needed to get moving again.

She crawled out of bed, grabbed her clothes, shoving them into her bag. She grabbed his items and tossed them into his bag before turning to find Barrel looking at her with a surprised expression.

She swallowed, forcing herself to keep a strong facial appearance. She didn't want him to know she was terrified. She wanted to appear like she had some part of this situation under control.

She hadn't expected them to be found. She wasn't expecting them to run for their lives out of the hotel room. She certainly hadn't expected gunfire to erupt around them as they jumped into the car.

"Drive!" Eva screamed at Barrel, no longer able to keep herself calm.