Chaos steps forward until he is leaning back against the counter, his arms crossed over his broad chest, and I avoid eye contact as he tries to look at me.
“You did whatever came fucking natural to you, Lil Chaos.”
I eventually lift my gaze to him as he continues.
“He deserved every fucking second of it and I couldn’t have thought of a better way of him dying.”
I give him a small smile as he tucks my sticky hair behind my ear and Reign’s deep voice behind me makes me look at him in the mirror.
“We are proud of you, Char. You showed your strength in that moment.”
His words hit me like a wave, a sadness settling deep within my chest and the realization dawns on me that my departure is near. It is a bittersweet feeling to know that the healing I wanted has finally come, yet with it comes my final goodbye to both Chaos and Reign.
I always knew that killing Maddox would be the ultimate step in my healing journey. It was something I needed to do in order to move on, but it’s important that I make it clear to them that there can’t be any misunderstandings or false hopes lingering between us that I might stay, because I’m not. I turn around with a heavy sigh, leaning against the counter beside Chaos and I look between them.
“I can’t thank you both enough.”
Chaos gives me a small smile, but Reign just stares at me as if he is waiting for me to say the words he clearly hates to hear.
“If you allow it, I would like to spend some time with you both separately over the next few days...”
I look down at my bloody hands as I continue.
“Before I leave.”
Their silence speaks volumes and tears gather at the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill over as the weight of my decision weighs down on me. My presence is not welcomed in this city; no matter what I do, it will always be hostile because of who I am. I cannot choose between these guys and my trauma still hangs heavily in the air of our memories together.
“Of course we’ll spend time with you.”
A soft smile graces my lips as soon as Chaos speaks beside me. Although his words are full of reluctance, he is still trying. When I lift my tear-filled eyes to Reign, he remains mute, his silence telling me everything I need to know about how he is feeling in this moment. I tilt my head to the side, my brows furrowing in a silent plea, hoping he will not make this any more difficult than it already is. His jaw clenches with disapproval, but then, with a small nod, he glances away.
Asme and Char walk into a small diner on the outskirts of the city, I keep a tight hold on her hand while we navigate through it. I pull her to the far back, away from all the eyes and take a seat opposite her as I remove my sunglasses.
Her green eyes gaze at me, and mine twinkle with amusement because I know we might be seen at any moment, which only makes me feel on edge. I keep my hood up to stay concealed and reach over, taking her hands in mine.
“How you feeling, Lil Chaos? Have you found somewhere to go?”
I chew on my gum, waiting for her answers, but she only gives me a small, wordless nod while clutching my hands tighter.
“You’re not going to give me any fucking details, are you?”
She smirks as she responds.
“What so you can stalk me again?”
I chuckle with a headshake before my dark eyes reach hers once more and I search them, my face falling serious because I am desperate not to let her go.
“What if I tell you I am going on tour next week.”
Her brows pinch and I glance around cautiously before leaning in, continuing more quietly.
“I am doing my first worldwide tour.”
Her eyes expand before she smiles widely, bringing her palm to my face.
“I am so proud of you, I always knew you would do big things, Chaos. Your talent is incredible.”
My smile fades, which makes hers as well and I chew on my gum again, pondering before raising my chin.
