The Million Dollar Man

At some point, I must have dozed up, because I woke up to a hand lightly shaking me awake.

<< Evelyn ? >> My eyes slowly opened and I stifled a yawn with the back of my hand. My eyes were finally beginning to focus onto the figure in front of me, whom just so happened to be the one and only Sebastian King.

<< I'm tired, » I mumbled, rubbing my eyes tiredly.

<< Okay, okay, >> Sebastian said softly, leaning into me as he unbuckled my seat belt. I must not have been in my right mind when I agreed to let him carry me into my house, past my worried brother, sleeping Will, and concerned Nate. He easily carried me into my room, and placed me softly onto the bed. I didn't protest as he pulled off my heels off and tucked me into the bed.

<< I'll see you tomorrow, Evelyn Summers. » His voice was barely above a whisper, and I gave him a small smile before shutting my eyes all together.

Unsure of what tomorrow would bring, I embraced the welcoming escape of sleep.

I jolted awake, my arms flailing around my sweaty body as a gasp escaped my lips. I clutched onto my sheets, my knuckles turning a white as I fought to control my breathing.

Have you ever been sleeping, and then your stomach suddenly drops and you feel as if you're falling?

From the time it happens, and till you realize that nothing actually happened, you are being suffocated in a state of helplessness.

Tangling my hands into my hair, I pulled my knees to my chest, trying to find a way to successfully calm down. I glanced at my alarm clock, noticing that it was only six in the morning. My eyes trailed around my room and at my pair of shoes that were at the end of my bed.

The memories from the night before flooded into my mind, and my stomach twisted into millions of tiny knots. Images of Sebastian King flashed through my mind, and I shook my head violently, trying to forget about everything that had occurred.

The fact that three men were killed, and that I had to witness the deaths of two of them, made me sick.

But then again, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was filled with when I remembered the way he protected me, how he took three lives for me, not to mention the way he tucked me in to bed.

Evelyn Claire, you better stop with this nonsense this minute, I told myself. You're looking much too into this ! Sebastian is a ruthless, awful person, who is nothing but a monster. What was the feeling that I was having so much trouble forgetting, you may ask? It was one that I rarely felt, and although it was simply just a spark of it, it bothered me to no end. Compassion.

It was the smallest amount of compassion that was putting me on edge, worrying me to no end.

I never felt that way.

The sound of movement from downstairs made me come to the realization of what was happening today. In less than an hour, my brother and all that I've ever know will be leaving me- Leaving me in the care of the most dangerous gang in London.

Exhaling in annoyance, I pulled myself out of bed; throwing on whatever outfit I had left behind. I ran my hand through my tangled hair, and began carrying my suitcase downstairs.

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<< I heard you kicked serious ass. >> My head snapped to the right, and I found a smile forming on my face when I saw Nate leaning against the wall. The living room was now barren, and I couldn't help but feel slightly saddened by the sight. Memories from when Danny and I first moved in filled my mind. I was only thirteen when I first moved into my new house, a year after my parent's death.

<< That I did, >> I told Nate, setting my suitcase at the end of the stairs. We both stood in silence, taking in the emptiness of the house.

<< You know, >> Nate began, << we might be able to move back someday. >> There was hope tainting his voice, it showed in his eyes too.

<< I know, >> I finally said, << Sebastian told me. >>

A small smile lit up Nate's face at the sound of Sebastian's name, confusing me to no end.

<< Why are you smiling like that? >> I snapped, crossing my arms angrily.

He laughed and smiled even more. << Oh so Sebastian and you now have little talks together? >> He raised his brow up, insinuating the worst.

<< You massive wanker, » I hissed out, hitting his arm. << I think you should really shut up right now. >>

Nate just continued to smile and gaze off in thought. I turned away when I felt a light blush rise to my cheeks, but whether it was due to my annoyance with Nate or something else, I do not know.

<< I just find it to be so adorable, the way he carried you inside last night. » Nate said, poking me in the arm. Irritated, I swatted him away and sent him a lethal look.

Holding up his hands in surrender, despite the laughter that boomed from his mouth, Nate backed away from me.

<< Oh come on! It was absolutely the most darling thing I've ever seen. >> Scowling at Nate, I turned around just as our front door opened. In walked Danny and Will, both of whom were looking extremely annoyed at each other. When they finally saw me, an apologetic expression crossed Will's face.

<< Evie, I'm so sorry-<<

<< Will ! » I shrieked, covering my ears in mock horror. << Don't you dare apologize for last night. >>

Danny looked between Will and I, displeased by my reaction.

<< He has every right to be sorry! » Danny snapped. << You were his responsibility and he failed. >>

<< Leave the dramatics to me, Danny. >> I said, ignoring his uptight attitude. << I dared Will into a small drinking contest with me, so don't blame him. I should have realized that it was a bad idea, seeing as how Will is such a lightweight. >> Nate joined in with my laughter, and the corners of Danny's mouth jerked upwards, while Will gave me a glare.

<< I'm glad all the training really paid off though, » Danny said, << And that Sebastian was able to be there for you. >> I mentally cringed at the thought of the smile that was very likely spreading across Nate's face like wildfire.

<< I beg your pardon, but I am sure that I could have handled the situation just as well without Sebastian. >> I jutted out my chin stubbornly, while the boys just shook their heads at me, knowing better than to protest.