“You knew him?” She sucks in a surprised breath, her fingers pausing.

“Knew of him, yeah. We all do. Total badass.”

Her hands continue to rub up and down my face. “You’re a good man, too, Slade. When you aren’t being a huge asshole, I mean.”

I chuckle. “I’m all right. And I’m sorry, okay? I said fucked up shit that wasn’t true. I just wanted to be firm and make sure we were clear, but it wasn’t necessary. You didn’t deserve that.”

“I should just ask for no bread, so I don’t waste. You’re right about that, and I—”

“Oh no.” I put my hands on her, stilling her words. “You don’t have to finish everything you eat. It’s a weird thing I have after the shit I’ve seen. You don’t have to take it on.”

“No. You’re right. I should ask for less, so I waste less.”

When I let go of her hands, she continues her ministrations. I let her take care of me. I’m not sure why I was being so difficult. Sure, she’s a sweet girl who deserves more than me. But she isn’t a child who can’t make her own choices either. Best part is that she isn’t planning on staying here; it’s just for a short time. I need to cool off and calm down, stop fighting everything and let it all ride. She knows the score now—of this, I’m absolutely positive. My body sinks between hers, and for the first time in what feels like ages, I feel peace.

11

Lauren

Back at the hotel, we’re all exhausted from fresh air and sun.

Slade and I get off the elevator and turn left while Vincent and Eve go right. I can feel Slade’s steps behind me. It’s as though he’s stalking me like a predator. I stop into the bathroom, locking the door to create some distance. Gripping the side of the sink, I dip my head down.

On the boat, he watched me so closely. His eyes were always trained on some part of my body. He made some horrible accusations, but I believed him when he said that he just wanted a line between us. On one hand, Slade says these cruel things, but then, on the other hand, his actions say he cares.

He wants me, and I can feel it. I’m not going to lie to myself and say I don’t want him. Because I do. I’ve wanted him from the moment I saw him. And the truth is, I have nothing to lose. Less than two weeks remain before I go back to the real world, back to California. This is just a small break from my life. I was worried that getting involved with him would affect me getting better, post-shooting. But I actually feel okay. In fact, being with him might do me some good. My body is my own. If I want a meaningless fling with Slade, why can’t I have it? He doesn’t want to share a bed? Well, that’s okay with me. We have two beds in this room, and I like mine just fine.