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Without another thought, I nod. “Yes,” I say firmly. “I'll never leave you.”
Atlas smiles and looks down at me with love and admiration. “Good,” he says. “You are always free to go, but I'll never get over you if you do.”
He kisses me softly on the forehead before resuming his quick steps through the parking lot.
“So, where are you taking me?” I look around the neon-lit parking lot and see my car. We are walking away from it.
Atlas sets me down and brushes my hair away from my eyes. “Let's talk,” he says, his voice deep and hypnotic. “But not here. Somewhere private.”
The night sky is a blanket of stars. Atlas smiles, his eyes twinkling in the moonlight. His kisses feel like worship. His embrace shields me with protective love, making me feel like I’m the only one who matters.
Atlas
As I carry Celeste away from Sinful Sirens, my thoughts return to the evening’s events.
I found myself holding a stranger captive in an office, behaving in a way I had never experienced before. Rage surged through me as I wrapped my fingers around his throat. I wanted to make him pay for what he'd done, but then I heard a faint cry coming from the other side of the door.
Fear of Celeste witnessing any violence was enough to make me pause. Shame caused my anger to subside, and I released my grip on the man. He stumbled to the ground, desperately coughing and gasping for air.
The police officers racing down the corridor were only audible to my sensitive hearing.
“You're letting me go?” he asked, eyeing me suspiciously. I nodded, watching him slowly push to his feet, never taking his eyes off me.
Allowing the police to see me in my Titan form was out of the question. I used my superhuman speed to ensure the cops didn't spot me. Once I'd composed myself, I gave the police my contact info.
“Thank you for helping me tonight.” Her eyelids flutter nervously.
Although Celeste doesn't appear hurt, she could be in shock. So, I'll take her someplace warm and assess her health before returning to my place. Rather than make the long drive home and potentially return, I'd rather stay close in case the police need to contact us.
After setting her down, I lead her across the street, using my body to shield her from the chilly night air. I glance around the parking lot, searching for somewhere private. The only place I can see is a pay-by-the-hour motel across from the strip club. It could be better, but it'll have to do.
We enter the motel, where I quickly rent a room in cash. Once inside the room, I turn on a lamp to light up the small, cramped space.
Celeste breaks away from me and steps into the center of the room, nervously shifting her weight from one foot to another as she takes in her surroundings.
She bites her lip while anxiously scanning my face. The thought of her dealing with any hardship makes my heart clench. I’ll do anything to protect her, but I need to know what I’m dealing with.
“What happened back there? Who was that guy?” My voice trembles with concern, a rare show of emotion. Celeste brings out a side of me I never knew existed.
“His nickname is Chopper, but I hardly know the guy.” She lets out a tired sigh and slumps onto the bed. “It’s a long story.”
As I take a seat next to her, the chintzy bedspread crinkles, the lumpy mattress dipping under my weight. I don’t plan on staying in this flea bitten motel all night, but I’m not leaving without answers.
Taking her delicate hands in mine, I peer into her eyes, looking for answers. “I’m all ears, so why don’t you start from the beginning?”
Celeste hesitates before responding. I squeeze her fingers gently, prompting her to smile. “Remember when I told you I grew up in the circus?”
“Seriously?” I say, half disbelieving.
“It wasn't a joke,” she says with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. “It was the whole shebang--acrobats, clowns, and big top tents. We moved from place to place, never staying in one spot for too long. Despite the chaos, I loved the atmosphere. It's unconventional, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.”
I nod, wondering what this must have been like for her. “I remember going to the circus once as a child.”
“What did you love most?” she asks.
“My favorite childhood memory is eating cotton candy.”
She makes an appreciative noise. “Mine too.”
