Niko POV:The night sky hung around me, no stars or moon to be seen. I loved nights like this. Cloudy, slightly breezy, silent, and dark. It was perfect for me. I had never been one to enjoy what most did. I didn't enjoy the sunshine or the birds chirping happily in the trees. I hated the beach and walks through the park in the evening. I hated the heat. I chuckled to myself as I thought about everything I hated. Come to think of it, I had grown to hate just about everything. Except for her.Justice.I typically hated interaction with people of any sort and avoided it as much as possible. But Justice...she was different. I didn't hate her. I can't say I absolutely liked her either, though, but I didn't hate her, and that was a first. I guess that's why I'm so interested in her. That and she's gorgeous. You can tell she's had a hard life. The way she responds, or doesn't respond, as if she is afraid of the consequences of speaking her mind. She isn't from money; that much was clear fr
The air seemed to grow thick. Too thick for me to even take in a breath. The room was too small. My heart was racing, and all I could hear was the pounding of my heart. I could have sworn I could listen to my blood as it rushed through my veins. "Baby," Niko's voice was soft as it broke through my spinning thoughts, "Look at me." I turned my face, locking eyes with the man who had somehow become my rock. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. He had really, in such a short time, become my rock. I realized he was the only reason I had been able to hold it somewhat together this far. This man, who was a complete stranger to me, had become my lifeline. Was that a bad thing? Maybe. But right now I didn't care. "Slow deep breaths with me." His hands gently rested on my shoulders as he turned me to face him more. In. Out.In.Out.The sound of my heartbeat slowly faded away until I could hear the two of us taking deep breaths. I stood there taking deep breaths for a few more min
I was a little nervous as Niko led me into the diner. He led me to one of the small corner booths, motioning for me to scoot in first. "I'll be right back," Niko told me as I got comfortable. I watched as he walked through the swinging doors leading straight into the kitchen area.I tried my best to ignore the glares from my coworkers as I sat and waited for Niko to return. I was so worried about Trey that I didn't even think about them. But why would they be mad? They should be happy because now they will be getting extra hours, even if it is temporary.I didn't have long to worry about them, though, because unfortunately for me, Trey was headed my way. He crossed the room with quick, determined steps. His eyes focused solely on me, and his face was full of anger. Oh shit! I knew I shouldn't have come. I looked around, hoping to see Niko coming. It seems he is the only one not afraid of Trey and also someone that Trey seems a little scared of. But he was nowhere to be seen. Still in
My phone shrilled through the quiet of the small house, slicing through the fragile silence I’d been clinging to. Unknown number."Hello?""Good morning. May I speak with Justice Graves, please?" A woman's soft voice floated through the line."This is her," I responded a little uneasily."Hello, my name is Macy Heart, and I'm with Peaceful Rest Funeral Home. I was calling to hopefully set up a meeting time to discuss the arrangements and services for your mother...Bailey Graves."And just like that, my heart began to race as my anxiety kicked into high gear. I had refused to think about my mother's passing. I was doing everything I could to act like it didn't happen, with unrealistic hopes that she would walk through the door. Healthy? No, but I didn't know if I was strong enough to handle this.My eyes stung with unshed tears, "Okay, um, I can come in anytime.""Can you be here in an hour?" she questioned."Yes, that'd be fine," I told her."See you then."As soon as the call ended,
Niko led me to the counter, effectively placing our order. I wasn't hungry, but I was tired. It was a tiredness that seemed to be taking over my body quickly. Seeping down into my bones. I didn't listen to what he ordered, and I didn't care, honestly. I wanted to go home and sleep. That's all I need right now. Sleep and then maybe some more sleep before I figure out what I'm going to do. Whatever just happened between Niko and Trey didn't matter...not right now anyway. I didn't have the energy to even attempt to figure that out. Honestly, all that mattered was for whatever reason, I was not going to be fired for taking some time off, and whatever connection Niko had also ensured I would continue to get paid. It was a blessing, and I wasn't going to fight it. Niko's warm hand slipping across my back gained my attention. "Let's go," he told me softly as he gently guided me back out to his waiting car. I hadn't even realized he had been handed our food already. It smelled good, but it
My world spun around me as my heart raced. She's gone. "I'm so sorry for your loss," the doctor said before taking his leave. Warm arms wrapped around me as the sobs wracked my body. I didn't bother to pull away or try to convince him I didn't need anyone. I needed it. I needed the comfort and security that he seemed to bring with him...at least for right now.I slumped against him, my tears soaking his pristine shirt as he held me tight. I wasn't sure how long I stayed that way, but not once did he try to pull away from me. "I know it's hard," he told me as I slowly sat up, "I lost my mother at a young age." Wow. I would have never guessed that. But I doubt his mother died of her own doing, like my own. "Do you have family you need to call or would like me to call for you?" His voice was soft and gentle. I shook my head, "No, there's no one but me. Would you mind giving me a ride back to the tracks?" I asked, suddenly feeling very frustrated. How could she do this to me? How coul