Page 132 of Truth Or Dare
“Your bags, sir,” the guard repeats.
I look back again, staring down at her from over the railing. My stomach drops, and my heart aches, a hollow ache spreading through my chest.
I can’t fucking breathe. My throat closes up, and I struggle to breathe. I try so hard to get air into my lungs, but I can’t. Not without her. I’ve tried being without her before, and it was torture. I just can’t. I fucking can’t.
Turning around, I race down the stairs, my hand sliding down the railing as I leap two steps at a time. My shoulder bumps intopeople along the way, but I don’t care. All that matters right now is seeing her. Being with her.
I turn the corner and spot her, her small frame huddled as she sobs quietly. Her head is bowed, and she doesn’t notice me as I sprint towards her.
Then, she lifts her head, and our eyes lock. The tears pause, and her lips part in surprise. She shakes her head slightly as I exhale heavily, and approach her, my heart pounding in my chest.
I grin, probably inappropriate given her tears, but I can’t help it as I take those final strides toward her. She looks up at me, confusion knitting her brows.
“What are you doing here?” she asks. “Shouldn’t you be at security?”
“I’m not going,” I say, still a little breathless.
“What?” Her brows furrow deeper. “What do you mean? Did your flight get canceled?”
“No,” I say with a smirk.
“Then why—”
I cut her off with a kiss.
Without waiting for her to finish her sentence, I cup her face in my hands and press my lips against hers. A soft sound escapes her, and I savor it, smiling into the kiss.
“I’m not leaving,” I murmur against her lips between kisses. “I’m not leaving you ever again.”
My hands settle on her waist, and I lift her effortlessly into my arms, her legs wrapping around me. She gasps in surprise, her eyes widening as she pulls back slightly. “What?”
My smile widens as I tuck a stray strand of her hair behind her ear, cupping her face gently. “I left once before, and it was the hardest time of my life being away from you, Gabi,” I confess. “Back then, we were just friends, and it nearly drove me insane. But now… Now that I finally have you in my arms, now that I cankiss you like this?” I shake my head, letting out a small laugh. “I don’t think I can ever be without you ever again.”
Her lips part in shock. “You’re joking.”
“Not about this,” I assure her, brushing my thumb over her bottom lip. “I don’t joke when it comes to you, pretty girl.”
Her brows furrow with concern, tears glistening in her eyes. “But what about school, and your job?” she asks. “You’ve worked so hard for this. It’s just one more year.”
“One year without you,” I say, narrowing my eyes. “I can’t do it, Gabi. My heart was breaking with every step I took towards that plane.”
“Chris,” she says with a sigh, her touch soothing against my cheek. “You were so close to graduating.”
I shrug. “I’ll figure it out,” I assure her. “I’ll transfer schools, get a new job. I’ll do whatever it takes if it means I can stay with you.”
Her eyes shimmer with tears, but a hopeful smile flickers across her face. “You mean it? You’re really going to stay?”
“Yeah,” I reply, a chuckle escaping me as I stroke her cheek. “I’m staying.”
“For good?” she asks, searching my eyes.
I nod, pulling her closer and pressing my lips against hers. “For the rest of our lives.”
Chapter 39
What happens now?
One Year Later
