Page 163 of Don't Leave Me

“Almost three hours by car,” I answered, as if that made any difference – I knew Emily would come see me get married if I were across the country.

“Whatever, that’s fine! We’ll be there! Can we come tonight? Beat the Valentine’s Day traffic?” she suddenly gasped.”Oh my god, you guys are getting married on Valentine’s Day – that’s the sweetest thing ever!”

I glanced over at Jack, not realizing what day it was. He smiled at me contently, telling me to go on.

“Yes, isn’t it?” I agreed, for some reason putting my hand on Jack’s thigh - maybe I wanted to practice this whole ‘we’re getting married’ spiel for Emily and Adam. Jack was elated.

“Yes, come tonight. Come now, you two are welcome here. We’re staying at the Holiday Inn downtown,” he answered Emily’s question.

Emily squealed. “Okay. We’ll leave soon. Hana, text me the address. We’ll see you guys soon!” she hung up almost immediately, probably dying to start packing.

Jack put my phone in his pocket and glanced over at me, his content smile still on his face.

“Thank you for putting on this wonderful act, Hana. You’re doing great,” Jack said quietly, his smile fading as he said the words.

I suddenly felt the need to comfort him, as he did me just moments earlier. I furrowed my brows and shook my head.

“It’s not an act, Jack,” I whispered, then put my hand up to his cheek, my thumb tracing his bottom, full rosy-red lips.

I pushed the guilt back when I felt butterflies in my belly again. I really was fucked up to be falling (again) for the man that had drugged and kidnapped me. I could see Jack’s eyes start to brighten.

“I love you, Hana,” he whispered, now putting his hand to the side of my neck, turning his body towards mine.

“I love you too, Jack,” I breathed.

It was barely even 1 PM and we had sex for the third time that day.

* * *

I put my long-sleeved black t-shirt on, tucked them into my high-waisted blue jeans and quickly slipped on my black boots. I watched Jack messily style his hair in the mirror as I applied my matte red lipstick. We were the ultimate normal couple in that moment – getting ready together to see our best friends, sharing the same mirror. Emily and Adam were only minutes away from the hotel and both of us were excited and nervous. Well, I was – Jack gave me no sign whatsoever that he was nervous, just excited. Suddenly a thought occurred to me - if we were getting married, if we were going to show the world that we loved each other, I wanted this to feel real. I wanted this tobereal. I looked over at Jack after I fluffed my hair and smiled.

“Can I please ask you a favor?”

Jack set it his cologne down and turned to me, taking my hand. “What is it, sweetheart?” he asked –nowhe was nervous.

“Can you please not comment on my ‘performance’ anymore?” I hesitantly started. “I mean, I don’t think I’m acting anymore, Jack. I think I’m really in love with you again, and every time you say something regarding…how we got here, it takes me out of the moment,” I explained quietly.

Jack’s eyes were widened. It looked like he was about to cry.

“Of course, love. I’m sorry,” he said gently, stepping closer towards me, taking both hands now.

“It’s okay,” I nodded, looking down at his lips.

I couldn’t believe that I had just said that. I wondered if it was true. It had to be. I stared at his lips, knowing we were probably going to fuck quickly again, when we heard loud, excited knocks on our door.

“Put your clothes on, lovebirds! We’re here!” Emily exclaimed loudly.

Jack looked from the door back down to me.

“Would you like to answer?” he asked, raising his eyebrows, revealing his dimples.

I nodded and excitedly pulled on his hand towards the door. “We both can.”

“Hana! Jack!” Emily and Adam greeted us with smiles and hugs before we even fully opened the door.

Emily held onto me tightly and I could feel the excitement just from her grip.

“I am so excited for you two.This,”Emily looked between the two of us. “This feels right.”

---