Page 54 of Guarded By Death

"You have me now," I assure her, and Liv too when she gets back. "And sorry this isn't a fun trip, I don't know what's going on."

Arriving at Zack's house I send him a text letting him know I'm in the driveway. The passenger door flies open causing me to jerk back in fear, Kayla almost screams. I instantly put my hand over my heart and breathe deeply.

I need to keep calm.

He closes Kayla's door and jumps in the back, holding a black backpack in between his legs.

"I need your help." His voice is frantic as he rocks back and forth with wide eyes.

I give him a curious look, "What is it?"

"Just drive."

Kayla turns around in her seat, extending her hand to Zack. I watch in the rearview as his eyes widen a little at her cheery tone. "I'm Kayla" she says, in her sweet voice.

His worried demeanor calms slightly, "Zack," he says, returning her gentle shake.

We pull into an empty small park, secluded enough but fear still eats at me.

"Let's stay in the car," I suggest but Zack shakes his head, we step out and I hesitantly walk behind them, becoming paranoid with every step. Kayla's bubbly attitude tries to cheer up whatever is wrong with Zack, but he's mostly quiet until we reach a clearing.

We sit on the grass and Zack pulls his black backpack into his lap, fear rakes through me as he reaches in. Could Pierce be right? Could he be dangerous?

A mischievous grin crosses his face when he pulls out a bottle of liquor. I sigh in relief. It was all a ruse. Thank God.

"What the actual freak, Zack!" I playfully slap his arm, relief flooding through me.

He laughs. "What? I missed you. I knew the only way to get you alone," he points at me and I give him a sarcastic smile, "and away from your boyfriend was to tell you it was urgent." Kayla laughs at his remark.

"They are the cutest!" she squeals, making Zack do a little eye roll.

"Not cool," I groan, angry he lied but I get it. And now will be the perfect time to tell him that we are just friends, I promised Pierce I would after the bonfire incident. I don't want one drunken mistake of Zack's to cause a wedge between Pierce and I.

We catch up as I try to stay neutral, my body jerking at every crack of limbs or cars that drive by. I don't drink since I'm driving, and Zack only takes a couple of swigs. Kayla becomes a little tipsy after a few gulps, her small frame was not made for hard liquor. She giggles at every word we say, I love her bubbly personality. But my nerves are getting the best of me, it's just so quiet.

An hour later and a few more sips, Kayla walks into the woods to pee. I want to go with her but she hiccups and says it's fine. She sways as she walks to the nearest bush, still in eyesight. I can tell the liquor is having an effect on Zack as he looks at me, admiring me.

He cups my chin to draw my attention to his face. With liquid courage he says, "Scarlett, I am better." He places his hand on mine, rolling his thumb along my skin. I pull back quickly. My heart is racing. Shit.

I need to tell him it won't happen. I love him as a friend. "Zack, listen I love Pier-" I cut myself off as a large figure materializes behind him. Towering over us as we sit.

I crawl backward, about to scream for Zack to run but Pierce's body sharpens and comes into view behind my unsuspecting friend. Thankfully, his back is turned but when Pierce takes a long step to place himself in front of me, Zack gasps from the sudden change in dynamic.

We stand quickly.

Pierce is in front of me, his furious gaze darting between Zack and I. "This is why I don't want you hanging out with him." His tone is venomous. "He's got you out here in the middle of the damn night!"

Zack collects himself and steps around to face us. "Did you seriously follow her here?" he slurs. Zack’s attention turns to me. “Do you see why I’m better for you, Scarlett? This is insane!” He roars.

I don’t know what to say, everything is happening so quickly. Zack squares up to him, putting himself in front of me. "Got a problem?" he asks Pierce in a drunken mumble.

A deep laugh rumbles in Pierce's chest, his size next to Zack is intimidating even to look at. "I know," he laughs again. Pierce crosses his arm and waves a solitary finger at Zack. "I just fucking know you didn't step in front of my girl to protect her fromme."

"Guys!" I yell in defeat, it does nothing.

Kayla stumbles back in a drunken stupor, "Hey Pierce!" she slurs, Pierce’s eyes dart to mine, and then they widen.

"You know better," he tells me. I want to explain the situation, but he looks so furious.

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