The knock on the door comes, and to my relief, Sass speaks. “Doll, open up, it’s me.”

Unlocking the door, I open it a crack to see my best friend. I practically climb on to her as I pull her to me for a hug. I’m sobbing uncontrollably as Rex is guiding us away from the restrooms, and taking Tripp’s gun from my shaking hand. Standing by the bikes, I’m anxiously waiting for Tripp. Where did he go? Why wasn’t he the one to get me out of the bathroom? Is he hurt? Does he need me?

Tripp comes around the corner of the building. His hair is half out of its ponytail. Obviously he’s been in an altercation of some sort. Something in his demeanor has change; he’s serious as usual, but there is a hard feeling coming across his features. He nods at Rex before wrapping his strong arms around me.

Looking down at me, his eyes roaming to make sure I’m really here, or I’m okay, I’m not sure which. I reach my hand up and rub my thumb across his cheek. He lets go of my waist to wipe my tears away, saying nothing.

“I’m okay. You kept me safe.” I say, trying to convince him.

My words must have given him whatever reassurance he was seeking, as his lips come crashing down on mine. No one kisses like Tripp. He consumes me once again. My knees give out under me. The only thing holding me up is Tripp’s grip around my waist. He’s kissing me deep into my soul, into the place that tells me, I’m everything to him and he’s everything to me. Each sweep of his tongue with mine is another of cupid’s arrows landing in the center of my heart. Intense emotions swirl between us, he’s giving as much as I’m taking and getting equally in return. In this moment, this intricate, emotional dance of our tongues, something changes, there’s a shift between us. I’ve never believed in fate until this very moment. Fate brought me to this man, and I don’t think I can ever let him go.

He slows the kiss and pulls away gently, pulling me into him. He holds me close, and for few minutes we remain in this silent embrace.

“We gotta go, Doll.” Tripp says, as he pulls his hands from my body to fix his ponytail.

“You’re hurt.” I say noticing his hand. “There’s blood on your shirt, Tripp. Do you need to go to the hospital? Where are Delatorre’s men?”

Cupping my chin to look up at him, “I’m fine, and don’t worry with the rest of the shit. Get on the bike so we can go to a hotel, shower, and rest. It’s been a long fucking day.”

Clearly in no mood to talk, I decide to listen. He’s right. It’s been a helluva day.

She’s okay. Doll is fine and here with me. They don’t know where we are headed. St. Louis was never an intended stop, therefore, we have no choice but to get a hotel. After everything today, I want a shower and a beer. They intercepted us three hours ago. Chances are we’re safe for tonight. No one else followed us I feel like I can breathe for the evening.