Page 15 of The Road Less Traveled By

He’s going to shoot me, and I’m going to die.

Chapter seven

— NOT STRONG ENOUGH BY BOYGENIUS

As I watch Breeand Alex on their first public outing, part of me is pissed off that she feels like she has to do this to distract the media. The other part of me is still walking into her room and seeing her smile at me.

Bree is a beautiful girl. Anyone who looks at her knows that, but she’s my responsibility, and I need to shake whatever weird feelings I’ve been having about her off. I can't afford to be distracted because that’s when mistakes happen. And when mistakes happen, people get hurt, and I’d rather die than have Bree get hurt because of me.

I shake myself out of my haze when I see her shoot out of her chair and head for the bathroom.Dammit, Bree.She should know that I’m supposed to clear it before she goes in, but she doesn't wait for me. All I see her do is head in before the door closes.

I get out of my seat and knock twice on the door, but when I get no response, I burst in, and what I see practically kills me.

Bree’s back is against the wall, her head draped between her knees, both her hands covering her face. She doesn't even look up, and I can’t tell if she knows I’m in here.

Doing my best not to scare her, I speak as softly as I can. “I’m here, Bree.” She doesn't look up at me, so I move to her side. Thebathroom is fairly small—two stalls—and I lock the door before I do anything. “Can I touch you?”

I always ask, but especially when she’s like this because I don't want her to think I’m him. “Y-Yes.”

I douse my hands in cold water from the sink before I grab one of her hands and bring it up to her neck, just like I did last time. “You’re okay, Bree. You’re safe. He’s not here.”

“I-I’m—”

“Shh, Bree. Just focus on my voice, focus on the cold, okay?” I feel her nod as her gaze meets mine—fear pouring out of her eyes along with tears.God, she’s shaking.

A few minutes later, I hear her whisper to herself or me, I can’t really tell. “I can’t keep living like this.”

“Like what?”

“Afraid of every loud sound. Afraid to leave my house. I shouldn’t be terrified every second of the day. I should be stronger than this.”

That one sentence kills me. Why doesn't she think she’s allowed to feel how she does? She went through something traumatic. “You’re trying your best, Bree. It’s okay to feel on edge and scared. That doesn't make you weak.”

“I’m young, my life is seemingly perfect to everyone on the internet, and here I am, falling apart in a bathroom because of a noise.” She sniffles, and I grab some tissues from my pocket. She takes them from my hand and blots her eyes. “This was my first big outing after the news broke about his release, and I can’t even keep it together for half an hour before something scared the shit out of me.”

“You’re trying, angel.”

She shakes her head at me. “Not hard enough.”

I’ve dodged bullets, punches, and all sorts of shit while on the job, but those three words kill me. I wish she knew that just because she’s famous, it doesn't mean she doesn't get to hurt like the rest of us. Sure, Breehas never publicly talked about it, but that doesn't mean she has to force herself to be okay all the time.

She’s a goddamn human being, and if she has to fall apart every once in a while, she should be able to without feeling guilty about it. “Do you want me to call Emerson and we can head out? The vultures should have enough pictures for a fucking lifetime.”

“Yes, please.” I grab my phone from my pocket, letting him know that we’re headed out and to clear a path before I throw my hand out for Bree to grab. She takes it immediately, and when she’s fully standing, her hand lingers in mine for a few seconds longer than normal before dropping it. “Thank you for helping me through one of those again. I’m sorry that you even—”

“Don’t you dare apologize. I’m here for you, you know that.” I look down at her and wipe a stray tear from her eye.

“I’m going to freshen up, and I’ll be out in a few minutes. Will you—”

“I’ll be in front of the door the entire time. Take your time.” I exit the bathroom, standing in front of the door like I promised before one of Alex’s bodyguards comes over to talk to me.

“All good?”

“Yes. We’re ending early today. Bree will be leaving after she’s out.” He just nods and speaks into his wrist, walking away and whispering something in Alex’s ear. I haven't been a big fan of this guy for a few reasons, but him not checking on Bree when he’s supposed to care about her in the public eye already has me wishing this situation was over.

He also didn't ask permission to touch her, which I know was in the contract she signed because I read it over a few times to make sure he didn't try anything.

Bree knocks twice on the door, and I move away from the entrance as she steps out. “Is everything okay?”

---