Page 73 of Red Obsession

“Are you ready?” Zion asks, his eyes darting between us. Zion understands that it has always been Gabriel and me. I love that he never gets mad when Gabriel pushes his way between us, or when he talks non-stop. He even accepts that he’s gay. Gabriel tells me when they went to the store to get my period cravings, that Gabriel admitted he was gay, and Zion was fine with it. They even made jokes about it.

I cried like a little baby later that night, confiding in Zion that Gabriel was scared to even tell me. Thinking I wouldn't accept who he was.

“Yeah, I just need to grab another toothbrush.” Pulling away from Gabriel, I turn to the bathroom.

"I have mine,” Zion mutters. It’s probably gross for most, but since he saved me, I’ve been using his toothbrush. It does sound gross.And I’m not sure why I never took the time to get another one or ask him. It’s just… it’s weird. I have no excuse.

Gabriel gives Zion a look of pure disgust, but thankfully doesn’t comment on it. And neither do I. Realizing he knows I’ve been using his toothbrush.

Yanking my suitcase from the bed, Zion takes it from my hand. “I’ll take this downstairs.”

“Okay,” I murmur.

“Promise me.”

“What am I promising?” I ask. Gabriel and I follow behind Zion. Grabbing my arm, Gabriel stops me from moving.

“You’re coming back. Promise me that you’re coming home.”

My chest squeezes at him calling Zion’s house home. Knowing we’ve never had a home before. But that’s what this feels like. His house is home; Zion is my home. We’ve been more comfortable in the two months than we had been our entire lives in Dan’s clubhouse.

“I promise. I’m coming home.”

Nothing is going to happen.

“Are you sure you still want to do this?” Zion asks for the millionth time since we left an hour ago. Before we even left his driveway, he asked if I was sure. Of course, I told him I was. Then when we stopped down the road to fill up and get me snacks, he ended up asking again. Now that it's been an hour he’s asked at least once a minute, and I’m barely holding onto the thread of patience to not smack him upside the head.

“I’m not answering you.” I mock glared at him, shoving another dill pickle chip in my mouth. What can I say they’re addicting.

“We can turn around.”

“Didn’t I just tell you? I’m not answering that ridiculous question.”

“But you are,” Zion mutters under his breath.

"You’re annoying,” I tell him, though I still find myself chuckling under my breath.

“You sure about that?”

“Yes,” I snap.

“I just, I wanted to make you know what you’re getting into, and you know I’m not going to be the same person.” I know that it’s one of his biggest fears, that I will see him for who he believes he is. A monster. He just doesn’t know that no matter what he does, the amount of people he kills, I can’t see him as the monster he views himself. The real monsters are my family and those who hurt me growing up. Yes, he kills people, but he doesn’t hurt children and women.

He just doesn’t know I’m more damaged.

“I know, I’m asking for this. I’m not going to change my mind,” I reassure him.

Zion doesn’t say anything for the rest of the time. Letting me pick the music, we drive in silence for hours, only stopping once for gas and to use the restroom before he pulls into a motel. Staying in the truck, Zion goes in to get us a room before reappearing and driving us around the building. Pulling into a spot, he gets out, walking around and opening my door.

“Thank you,” I mumble. Helping me down, he tightens his hold on my hand leading me to the room.

Once he unlocks the room, he keeps the door open with our suitcase before he checks the room out. I watch him flick the lamp on by the bed, pulling out his phone.

“Call Gabriel, I’m going to shower,” he mutters, handing me the phone and pulling the suitcases in. I don’t bother saying anything, watching as he flips the locks, entering the bathroom and shutting the door. It’s not long before the sound of the shower starts to fill the quiet room.

Dialing Louise, she answers on the second ring.

“Hi, darling.”

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