“Because we’re scared of real shit.” That sounded better in my head, but it was the truth.

Deep down, I knew Davia wasn’t good for me. I knew she wouldn’t ever give me the things I needed, but for some reason, that felt safe. It was like if I kept my expectations low, then it wouldn’t hurt as bad when it ended. That was total bullshit that I fed myself because I was pretty sure it had hurt worse because if someone I didn’t count on for anything still didn’t want me, then who would?

“I’m not anymore. Scared, I mean.” Her words didn’t quite make sense, but I was glad she felt better.

“Good. You shouldn’t be, because I won’t let anyone hurt you.” I was good at being a protector, and I wanted to be hers.

“You won’t hurt me.” She opened her eyes and stared into mine.

I shook my head.

“I know, and that’s why I’m not afraid. Because you are in my life to keep me safe.”

Her heart began pounding against my chest, causing mine to quicken, matching hers. She licked her lips, and she was so close I could almost feel the moisture against mine.

I gently placed my hand on her cheek, captivated by the intoxicating aroma that surrounded her. Her presence was like a breath of fresh air, revitalizing my soul. I moved slower than usual, but the second our lips touched, a surge of energy coursed through me. When I tasted her, it was like savoring nature's candy, a delightful sensation that filled my senses.

Her tongue brushed against mine, causing my head to swim. I held on tighter, hoping she would keep me from floating away. I had been waiting for this moment for what seemed like forever. Kissing Shiloh was more than a physical desire—it was pure intimacy where our minds and bodies intertwined. Being with her reaffirmed the notion that it wasn’t the duration of the connection that mattered but the way the person influenced your emotions.

Shiloh brought something into my life that I never knew existed—euphoria. She always filled the room with warm and inviting energy. And her gentle touch soothed my worries and had the power to transform my bad days into good ones. She was like a happy pill that intoxicated my senses, and I couldn’t get enough of it.

Chapter 28Shiloh

Ididn’t know how I hadn’t seen this before. Caz was the epitome of the perfect person. Underneath her quick wit and sassiness, she was a kind and understanding human who seemed to bring out the best in me. Not to mention, she, by far, had the best lips I’d ever kissed. It was easy to get lost in her until the mayhem became unavoidable.

“Police!” The loud voice ruined the moment, causing me to pull away and nearly topple out of her bed.

“I got you,” Caz whispered, tightening her grip around me. “I promise never to let you fall.” The gentle touch of her breath on my skin sent waves of goosebumps down my body.

“I don’t know if you’d say that if you knew how clumsy I was.” I laughed, but she stared at me with such intensity.

“I’m ready for the job.” After gently kissing my forehead, she quickly sat up as the sound of approaching footsteps filled the air.

“I’m looking for the owner of this place.” The cop's scolding tone sent a wave of anxiety coursing through me, so I cautiously slipped out of bed to allow him to speak with Caz alone.

I hobbled toward the rest of the gang, but that still didn’t give them much privacy. “Where’s Davia and her accomplice?”

“Devon and me had them pinned to the ground, but then the po-po came and cuffed them before hauling them away. We were badasses.” Sonya puffed up her chest like an alpha.

“Do we know everything that happened?” I looked at Matrix, hoping he would answer because he seemed to be the most sensible.

“Not really. The cops said they would search their vehicles for any stolen goods, but they would need to take Caz to the hospital for tests and then see if she wanted to press charges.” Matrix didn’t take his attention off Caz as she spoke to the officer.

We couldn’t hear what they were saying, but I hated the idea of her having to continue to deal with this situation. Being drugged was bad enough, but having to relive it was probably worse, especially if she had to do it alone.

Just then, she and the policeman joined the rest of us, and I rushed to her as fast as my injured foot would allow me.

“Are you okay?” I questioned, with pain in my eyes.

“If I’m honest, I think I’m doing better than you.” She nodded toward my foot, and I sighed.

“I don’t care about me. I’m worried about you.” And that was the truth. I was hurting physically, but I’d get over it. But what if this event emotionally scarred her? Would she ever be the same?

“I promise you, Shy. There is nothing to worry about. Davia will get what’s coming to her, and I will start living my best life with you next to me.” My heart raced like a hummingbird fluttering against my ribs as she wrapped her arm around me.

“We need to get her to the hospital and collect statements from all of you.” The cop pointed to Caz and the rest of the group.

“She’s coming, too.” Caz squeezed me tighter as she spoke. “She’s injured, and I want her to get checked out,” she demanded, and my cheeks heated with embarrassment because I didn’t need a doctor, but I didn’t want to leave Caz’s side.

“Fine. She can ride in the ambulance. The rest of you should make your way downstairs and provide your account of what happened.” The officer ushered us to the elevator, and Caz slid her hand into mine, holding me tightly.

Was it possible for someone to evoke both a sense of nervousness and a feeling of complete security? That was how I felt with Caz near me. It was somewhat unsettling, yet comforting, how natural our connection was.

Caz and I loaded into the back of the ambulance while Sonya, Devon, and Matrix stayed behind.

“So, do you know what happened?” I asked her, but she shrugged.

“Not really. I mean, Davia drugged me, but I’m not sure what she did while I was out. Something about pictures and stuff to sell, but the cops said they would confiscate her phone and check her car. But what happened to you?” She squeezed my hand, and I rested my head against her shoulder.

“It’s really nothing. My foot got caught in the door of Java Jive, and I might have broken my toe.”

She turned her ocean gaze on me. “Please say this was because you tripped running from Ember?” There was a lightness in her voice, and I buried my face in her neck.

“I wish I had been that smart.” I shook my head, and her fingers gently combed through my hair.

“Aww, you’re just a learn-the-hard-way kind of person. At least you won’t have to go through that lesson again because now you have me, and I’m obviously who you were looking for.” Her laughter was contagious, and I couldn't help but join in.

“That is true, but was I who you were looking for?” I pulled back to stare at her as I waited for her response.

Her fingers gently cupped my cheeks, sending a warm sensation through my skin. “Shy, you might speak softly, but you leave a lasting impression. From that first conversation, I already sensed a spark between us, and I didn't want that connection to end. I thought I was helping you, but I had it all wrong—you were the unexpected answer to a question I didn't even know existed within me.”

She was so damn perfect. Was this reality, or was I on a trip? As soon as our lips connected, a surge of adrenaline coursed through my veins, and I knew I was alive.

“Oh my god, I want that.” A sing-songy voice interrupted us, reminding me we weren’t alone. When Caz and I broke apart, the EMT put her hands over her mouth. “I’m sorry. Did I ruin your fairytale?”

Caz stared at her, and I could see the wheels turning. She was about to say something sarcastic, but I put my hand on her forearm.

“No need to apologize. We got tied up in the moment.” I didn’t want her to feel bad for our indiscretion.

“That’s what she said,” Caz muttered, and I gave her a side-eye. “What?” she mouthed.

“You two are adorable. How long have you been together?” Her question caught me off guard.

Did I tell the truth and say an hour? Or did I say what it felt like, which was, since before we met? Both answers were ludicrous. Caz was someone who was meant to be in my life, and how long I knew her was irrelevant. What mattered were our interactions and how she made me feel.

Caz never made me question who I was or who I was supposed to be. She encouraged me to embrace my awkwardness. And with her near, I felt empowered to make bold choices. She wanted me to step outside my comfort zone and helped me overcome my self-doubt.

“Long enough,” Caz replied, not waiting for me to get my thoughts in order, but I was happy not to have to answer. She laced her fingers through mine, and thankfully, the ambulance stopped before we had to make any more small talk.