The Million Dollar Man

<< Are you just going to leave the body there ? » I asked, my eyes still focused on the house.

<< You'll see. >> Sebastian said, starting the car.

My brows furrowed in confusion as we made our way down the empty street. It was silent in the car, and I felt the urge to say something, when a deafening noise erupted from behind us.

I whirled around in my seat just in time to see Chuck Forrest's house go up in flames, while chunks of the house flew in different directions.

<< We may have set up a few small bombs here and there while you distracted him. >> Mason said, winking at me.

My body tensed at his words, and my jaw hung low due to my shock from what just happened.

The boys started up a casual conversation while we made our way back to the house, unaware of the internal battle I was fighting with myself.

I hated how I had to pretend that I was okay right now.

I was shaken and scared, despite my confident and brave exterior. My heart was pounding mercilessly within my chest, but I couldn't let it show. I knew my brother wanted to do what was best for me, but I had never felt this unsafe in my life. It was only now that the reality of it all was settling in, and I sure as hell wasn't comfortable with it.

When we arrived back to the house, Mason and Callum invited me to celebrate << our >> victory with them, but I simply excused myself. I needed to get upstairs and maybe take a shower or something to get rid of my shaken state.

I knew Sebastian was following me, and prayed that he was going to his room instead, but unfortunately, the sound of someone knocking on my door came mere seconds after me closing it.

<< Evie ? » The door opened.

I was facing my drawers, my trembling hands firmly gripping the edge.

<< What's wrong? >>

My body stiffened and I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping to push away the whirlwind of emotions that were destroying my insides. What was wrong?

<< Hey. >> The contact of his hand touching my waist made me jump with surprise, and frantically move to put space between us.

<< Go away King, I'm tired. » I said icily, crossing my arms over my chest.

<< Watch it, » he warned me, his large frame approaching me. << You did well tonight. I don't see why you're so upset. >>

I guess he saw through my casual 'I'm fine' act, and that only made it worse.

<< Upset ? >> I barked out a laugh. << Upset would be an understatement, Sebastian. You left me without alone with that abusive maniac! I had no idea what to do and you gave me nothing to work with! >> Sebastian's eyes moved to my cheek, then back to mine. << You're upset that he hit you? » His incredulous tone was one that made me see red.

<< Of course not you fucker, »> I snarled out, clenching my fists. << I'm upset that you left me like that. >>

Sebastian didn't waste a second and had his hands wrapped tightly around my arms.

<< Listen Evelyn, if you don't start respecting me... » he trailed off, although I received the threat quite well. << I didn't leave you. You're just going to have to trust me. >>

I squirmed in his grip, and felt his fingers loosen around my already bruised skin.

<< Trust isn't something that is just given away, >> I spoke quietly. << It's earned. >>

Sebastian's eyes flashed with an unrecognizable emotion, and he stepped away from me, granting me the space that I so badly needed.

<< I'm sorry that you felt unsafe tonight. I had no intention of making you feel that way. >> His words were firm and honest.

Unsafe.

I had never actually told him how I felt, and for him to just know, well, it scared me shitless.

« Go change, » he told me, << I'm going to get some pain relievers. >>

I watched as he exited the room, my body in a state of shock. I finally made myself change into a large t-shirt, and slowly climbed into the bed, whimpering when I leaned too much onto my wrist.

<< Here you are, >> Sebastian said as he re-entered my room. I looked down at the two tablets in his hand, and gratefully took them along with the glass of water he held out to me.

I tried to remain unaware of the way he studied me, which was something he did quite often.

As I fell asleep that night, I realized something.

Sebastian and I were not that different.

In fact, it seemed as if I spent the same amount of time trying to decipher him, as he did with me.

My eyelids were growing heavier by the second, and I barely reacted when I heard the door open to my room. A figure approached my bed, and crouched down to my level.

<< Sebastian ? » I murmured, my eyes struggled to remain open.

<< Sh... » he whispered.

My eyes were just beginning to focus on him, although the darkness that surrounded us wasn't helping.

<< I really am sorry, >> his voice was soft. << I promise to never do this to you again. >>

By the time he exited the room, no longer was I on the verge of falling asleep, but as of that moment, I was very much awake.

After sitting there, soaking in my confusion and fighting against my inner turmoil, I finally came to one conclusion.

I was going to need to find a way to make sense of Sebastian King and the way he was, for the sake of my sanity.