Page 68 of The Road Less Traveled By

I don't know why that was what just came out of my mouth, but something about the scene in here is throwing my guard off. Vince andI have been by ourselves for a few days in this secluded house in the mountains, and for the first time since I got here, I feel like I can finally breathe again.

But this conversation could change that, and even though I’m scared to enter this new territory, it was bound to happen sooner or later.

All those stolen touches and glances have shifted something between us, and hearing what his sister said to him on the porch earlier just solidified what I already knew.

I trust Vince. I like having him around, and after he’s done protecting me, I don't want to lose him. I want him by my side.

But I want him to choose that, just like I’d choose him and his presence in my life after all is said and done.

“Does what she said scare you?” he asks, his voice a low whisper.

I don't hesitate to answer. “A little bit.”

“It scares me, too.”

“I think you’re the only person I’ll ever feel safe with ever again, and when I’m with you, I feel like I can breathe properly.”

His eyes soften when I say that. “It’s no coincidence that you do the same for me.”

“Rule number nine at its finest,” I say as I yawn, a wave of tiredness hitting me like a train.

“Let’s get you to bed, Bree.” Vince reaches his hand out, and I take it, my blanket still wrapped around me like a cocoon.

“But we only played one round of cards,” I say, another yawn forming as I sway back and forth on my feet. “I can stay awake.”

“Angel, you’re about to pass out. Let me get you in bed. The stress of the last few weeks is hitting you, and you need to get more rest. Do you want me to carry you?” I shake my head before he pulls my hand and practically drags me up the stairs, my blanket flowing behind me like a cape.

“Wow, I guess you really are worried about me,” I say as we stop in front of my door.

When I look over at Vince, his face is a lot closer than I thought it would be. Our noses are almost touching, and I can feel his warm breath on my face.

“I’ll always worry about you, Bree. I don't think I’m wired to think differently.” He squeezes my hand three times before he lets go and pushes my door open, pulling his face back from mine. I hate that I miss how close he just was. It’s been a long time since I was able to feel close to someone—mentally and physically. But with Vince, I always seem to want more than he gives me. “Get some sleep for once. You deserve some good rest.”

“Can I talk to my sister tomorrow?” Vince has offered me his burner phone to talk to Liv a few times since we’ve been here, but the guilt I was feeling about putting her in danger made me not want to face her.

And that makes me feel even shittier because I shouldn't be ignoring her, but tomorrow, that changes.

I’m so tired of hiding from the world, from my emotions, from the people I care about.

“Of course. I’m sure she’ll be happy to hear from you. I think she’s tired of hearing me tell her I have no new information.”

“You and Nico are doing the best you can. I know that, and she knows that. Don’t beat yourself up about it,” I say, crossing the threshold into my room and heading toward my bed. “Can we have pancakes tomorrow morning?” I ask, and I see his smile come back in full force.

“Anything you want, Bree. I even have chocolate and strawberries in case you want a late night snack.”

I smile so hard that my cheeks hurt. “Thank you.”

“Sleep well. I’ll be next door if you need me.” And then he shuts my door, and I barely touch my head to the pillow before sleep consumes me.

Chapter twenty-two

— EPIPHANY BY TAYLOR SWIFT

Today was the mostnormal day of my entire life.

And it was the best day ever.

I got a full night of sleep last night, with no nightmares waking me up, no panic attacks, and no dreams. None at all.

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