Page 53 of Love Off Script

“You just did that, dummy.” Davia’s voice was scathing, and I had no idea how I ever found her attractive. “Let’s go.”

I could hear footsteps as they marched across the tile floor, but then a loud pounding sound startled me.

“Caz!” Matrix’s voice boomed.

Oh my god, was he going to save me?

“Go away. She doesn’t want to see you,” Davia screamed through the door, and my muscles started to come alive.

“I’m going to use my spare key if you don’t open this door!” He wasn’t backing down.

I didn’t know what brought him here, but I was thankful.

“What do you want?” Davia seethed, but I heard the door slam open.

“Caz?” Matrix's tone echoed with concern.

I opened my eyes and propped myself up as best I could. “Over here.” I was weak, and my throat was scratchy, but I could see my house was full of people. I couldn’t make everyone out, but I could tell the bad ones were pinned to the ground by two big blondes. “Hey, what are you doing here?” I asked him as he rushed to my bed.

“Shiloh.” All he said was that one word, but it profoundly affected my racing heart.

“Is she here?” I needed to see her, but he kept me from moving.

“I’m here.” She limped toward me, and I wanted to sweep her into my arms and carry her.

“What happened? Are you okay?” My voice was still strained, but seeing her caused the blood to flow through my body again.

“I’ll leave you two alone. I have to make sure my girl doesn’t break anyone’s arm.” Matrix chuckled as he headed down to the entryway, where it appeared Devon and Sonya were making a citizen’s arrest.

“Don’t worry about me.” Shiloh’s hand floated lazily through the air, and I wondered if my vision was off or her movements were. She continued shuffling toward me until she sank onto the bed beside me. “Turns out I’m a little high.”

“Hey, I think I might be, too.” We both laughed, but I wasn’t even sure what was funny. “Is your leg okay?” I could tell she was in pain from the look on her face, but she also appeared dazed.

“Yeah, I might have broken a toe or two, I’m not sure.” She rested her head against my chest, and I wrapped my arm around her.

“Want to talk about it?” I urged her to relax on the bed, and she curled up next to me, leaving her sore foot dangling off the edge.

As I held her close, I could feel the steady rhythm of our heartbeats syncing, creating a sense of calm in this chaotic moment. Maybe it was our impaired state, but there was no awkwardness or anxiety about what this meant or why it felt so right. It was comforting to have someone who brought me peace, and I wanted to keep that as close to me as possible.

“Ember is wax fruit.”

I nodded as if I understood that completely, even though I hadn’t the faintest idea what that meant.

“She looks tasty from a distance, but when you bite into her, you get the ugly truth.” She sighed and closed her eyes.

“I think that’s Davia, too.” I mindlessly played with her hair.

“Why do we fall for fake shit?” I didn’t know if that was a rhetorical question or not, but I was feeling philosophical, so I decided to answer.

“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.

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