Page 120 of The Plan

“She was a bitter bitch like always, and we got into it. I swear to you, August, when you took that test for me and I told you it was the last time, I meant it, but then I saw her, and she said all this fucked up shit to me, and I—”

I clear my throat and force another lump down. “I just wanted to get her out of my head, so I left and got high. The next day, I felt too guilty to go back home, so I got high again. That’s when you found me.”

August doesn’t say anything, but the look in his eyes kills me. If I could change anything in my entire life, it’d be that day.

“You scared the fuck out of me, Sire.”

“I know, kid.”

He shakes his head softly, and he looks defeated.

“Stop trying to spare my feelings and just say it.”

He looks up at me and only shakes his head, but I urge him to get it out. “I felt like the worst person on the planet those two days.” I nod for him to go on because we’ve never talked about that day, and we need to. “I passed the drug test for you, and mom and dad were so damn happy because they thought you were sober. So when you disappeared, I covered for you and said you were staying with Lis.”

“I had to search for you alone not to blow our cover. I kept trying to convince myself that you were fine, but when I found you—” He shakes his head and turns away from me.

“I’m so fucking sorry, August.” My voice is just above a whisper, and he keeps his head turned as he goes on.

“I thought you were dead.”

“I know…” I close my eyes at the pain in his voice. After he woke me up in that alley, he just held me and sobbed. I was so fucking confused. I thought Sage or Mom died. It wasn’t until he wouldn’t stop saying he loved me that I realized he thoughtIwas gone.

After that, we went home and had to act like nothing happened in front of our parents but especially in front of Sage. August never brought it up again, but ever since that day, he constantly checks if I’m breathing when I’m asleep.

“You’re the best thing to ever happen to me, August.” His eyes cut to mine, and I swear they light up, but they still have a hint of sadness in them.

“Stop fucking with me.”

I chuckle softly at the way he’s literally on the edge of his seat. “I’m serious. I know I act like you’re an annoying bitch, and you are, but I couldn’t live without you, and I definitely wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.”

He’s still staring at me like what I just said was hard to believe. “What about V? You act like you can’t breathe without her.”

I shake my head as I correct him. “I struggle to breathe without her. I actually couldn’t breathe without you. You saved me, August.”

The biggest smile grows on his face, and he rises from his seat, pulling me into his embrace. “You’re forgiven. You always will be. No matter what, okay?” I let my eyes fall closed, relieved, and it’s like a weight is lifted.

“Me and you til the wheels fall off?”

I smile, and he squeezes me to complete my line. “And even when they fall, we’re pushing that shit to the finish line.” He chuckles softly, and I somehow pull him closer. “I love you, kid.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, he pulls away in shock.

“Did you just say you love me without me having to force it out of you?!” I roll my eyes and play it off because he looks so happy, I think he might actually start doing backflips.

“Maybe. Don’t be weird.” I quickly walk out of his room, but I hear him follow close behind.

“I love you too, Sire!”

I let out a sigh. “That’s great. I'm leaving now.”

“Okay, bye.” I almost reach the door when he adds, “Love ya!” A chuckle escapes me, and I shake my head at him. He’s never going to shut up about that. Heading for the elevator, I text two more people I need to smooth things over with. After reliving everything from the talk I had last night, I feel like I have a lot of apologizing to do.

When I make it to Sage’s apartment, she’s waiting for me at the door with the biggest smile on her face. “Hello!” She puts one hand in the air as I step out of the elevator.

I break into a laugh at her excitement and make my way over to her. The minute I’m close enough, she wraps her arms around me like she hasn’t seen me in ages. I lift her with ease and spin her like always.

She bursts into a laugh, and I place her down again. “I don’t get how you can still do that.”

I led her into her apartment and closed the door behind us. “I can still do that because you’re still not heavy.” She looks like she doesn’t believe me, and I kiss the side of her head as we settle on her couch.

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