Chapter Four

Trying not to make any noise as I carefully opened the door to the house, I entered, closed the door behind me, and hurried to my room, locking the door. I know it's Kai's day off today, and I don't want to risk getting caught by him. I go to my closet, take off my clothes, and put on my pajamas. I haven't showered properly in days and I feel awful and dirty, but I decided to skip it today too. 

I feel exhausted and all my muscles are burning. I threw my backpack off the bed and lay on it. I didn't feel like sleeping, so I took my phone and went down on TikTok to watch different kinds of funny videos, but my mind couldn't think of anything else but him. Why did I hug him? Why did I let him see my scars? Why didn't I push him and run for the hills as soon as I saw his face? I don't want him involved in my miserable life. I don't want him to get hurt because I couldn't stay away from him.

It's true he was the one who destroyed our friendship and somehow built a wall, but I didn't do anything to disagree with his actions. I mean, it hurts like a bitch watching him have new friends and be the happy Roman he was before his mother died and act like nothing ever happened between us. I know how much it hurt when she passed away and I was there in every possible way to help him. I was there when he cried every night and comforted him. I did everything in my power to be there for him because he was my best friend, but a small part of me was relieved. When Kai found out I was friends with him, he bit the shit out of me. The reason was that he was panicking that I would open it up and let out "our little secret''. So I manage to stay away from Roman to protect him.

I felt my eyes getting heavy, but I couldn't sleep. My stomach was growling. I was hungry because I hadn't eaten anything all day. In fact, it's been days since the last time I ate a decent meal. I could hear light footsteps walking back and forth down the hall, and I knew Kai must be drunk and he was going to explode at any moment.

"Ivy." Kai's voice came from outside my bedroom door, and I swear my heart skipped a beat. "Ivy, open the damn door. I know you're in there," he says again and starts pounding on the door. I got out of bed slowly and headed for the door. It makes no sense for me to hide here anymore. My legs started shaking as well as my hands as I approached the door and slowly opened it. At the end of the hall, I saw Kai with his hands on his brown hair, muttering curses under his breath, and as soon as his eyes landed on mine, I regretted opening the door. I probably should have climbed out the window and taken the fire escape and exited the building. But I know it's too late now. His eyes were now full of rage, and he started to take big steps toward me. He grabbed my hair and slammed my back against the wall. I'm sure the stitches were torn, I could feel my blood rushing down my body and my head started to feel dizzy.

''You little shit,'' he said, and punched me in the face and the stomach. ''You were the one who told the police that a psychopath was running free in the city? Weren't you?'' he says, taking my jaw in his hand and squeezing it tightly.

''What  are you talking about? I didn't go to the police and I didn't talk to anyone. " I said, trying to free myself from his hold.

''Don't make a fool of me, sweet cheeks.'' "You are the only one who knows about this,'' he says in an angry tone.

''Apparently, I am not. But as you said earlier, a psychopath is walking around town, so it means that there is no name or no lead that can put you in the spotlight and...'' I stopped to catch my breath as I could feel my eyes getting heavy. The faint smell of alcohol coming from Kai made me want to vomit.

''And..'' he says loosening his grip on my jaw.

"And," I continue, "the cops have no way of knowing it was you. So as long as you don't do anything to attract attention, you'll be fine.'' I finish as he drops my jaw completely and I sit on the floor trying to get my breathing back to normal. The pain in my back worsens and I reach for it, but as soon as I move my hand forward, I see a red liquid covering it. Now I think I'm going to vomit.

Kai starts pacing back and forth, whispering things as I do everything in my power not to lose consciousness.

''I have to clean everything, the basement, destroy the equipment. I need to sell the garage and keep a low profile until everything is back to normal. I can do it right?''

I manage to stand up and walk towards the bedroom, locking it. I could hear Kai calling my name, but I ignored it. My back started to go numb and the pain started to go away, but I didn't have the strength to go anywhere. My eyes began to close and the sweet, cool light breeze hit my face as soon as I lay on the bed facing the open window. Is this what death feels like? I could barely keep my eyes open as a silhouette covered the moonlight that lit my room. I could hear my name being called, but I bet that's just a hallucination. I may have lost a lot of blood and my mind is playing tricks on me. Two pairs of hands cupped my cheeks. The familiar scent made me feel relaxed.

''Ivy. Thank god you are here. I am here to talk to you.'' the voice I have been longing to hear spoke, but all I could manage to do was look him in the eyes. A faint smile took my lips.

''Ivy. Are you okay? You look pale." Roman says, getting off my bed and managing to stand up. ''Ivy. Oh god, you're bleeding. ''Ivy sweetie, please answer me.''His voice is full of concern now. His hands are on my face. But then it hit me. If Kai sees him, he will kill him.

"Roman, I'm fine. Get out of here. If he finds you, he will kill you.'' I managed to say, gathering all the strength I had left to stand up.

''Don't you dare move. "Do you understand me?'' he says, his eyes filled with rage and concern. He starts laying me back down and looking at my back. "Holy shit, Ivy, your back..." but he cuts himself off, turning to face me.''Look me in the eyes, love. Please don't close them. Please stay awake for me. Ivy.''

"Roman," I say, my breath hitching as a wave of pain hits me and I let out a scream. The bedroom door starts banging, and Kai's voice is heard. "Go away, Roman," I say between pain and rage, clenching my jaw, and trying to swallow the pain.

''No fucking way. I'm not leaving you here like this. Who did this?''I could hear Kai screaming my name, and panic and fear washed over me. Roman called the ambulance, telling them to come as soon as possible, making sure that I didn't close my eyes and lose consciousness.

''Roman I said leave,'' I said angrily.

''I am not leaving you so deal with this do you understand me.'' I could see Roman walking to the door and unlocking it.

"Who the fuck are you?" Roman says as Kai walks in with a knife in hand.

''Kai please don't hurt him. Please.'' I could feel the tears stain my cheek a big lump in my chest and all I can feel is fear.

''You bastard.'', Roman's voice is heard. ''You did this to her didn't you?''Roman grabs Kai by the throat. "You piece of shit," he yells, with his fist flying straight into Kai's face causing him to stumble back, the knife falling to the floor and Roman kicking it out of sight. His fist continued to slam into Kai's face until he was on the floor covered in blood. Roman then starts kicking him in the face and stomach, causing him to scream in pain. Die son of a bitch.

The pain in my back felt unbearable. Trying to focus on Roman, I felt another sharp pain as someone ripped open my stitches all over again and I let out a loud groan. Roman came to me at the speed of light and started calling my name. God just take me already.

''Ivy please just keep your eyes open. The ambulance is on her way. Please don't give up.'' he says, smoothing my hair and kissing my forehead softly. His head turned to where Kai was, only for him to not be there anymore. He got back on his feet and carefully walked out of the door. I swear my heart stops as I hear my name being called and a loud noise coming from the other room.

I managed to stand up. My vision started to go dark and my body started to shake. The pain was unbearable, but I had to make sure Roman was okay. I managed to get to the door and used it to keep my balance. Kai's figure came into my vision holding a bloody knife. ''Roman.'' is all I can say as I fall to the ground, surrendering to the darkness.