Page 329 of Eternal
He did that to protectme.
“You were supposed to kill me,” I whisper.
He doesn’t say anything. Doesn’t deny it. Doesn’t even blink.
I let out a laugh, dry, bitter. “And now you’re killing the people trying to stop me. Now you want me to finish what I started.”
He finally looks at me. His eyes are tired. His lips are a little swollen, still marked from where I kissed him like I was starved for air. “No,” he says quietly. “Now I want to finish itwithyou.”
I don’t answer right away.
I look out the window. The streets roll by. Then I look at him.
My voice comes out soft. Almost like it doesn’t want to be heard.
“Istupidlybelieve you.”
92
DAMIR
“Paradise” by Coldplay
Present
There’s something unique in the way a person feels next to you. That need to make them smile, make them happy with small things you know will make them feel seen and cared for.
I believe you. I believe you. I believe you.
Azra’s playing with her hair, eyes closed, breathing slow. She looks calm. Relaxed. I love the way she looks right now. Soft. Vulnerable. Like no one in the world would believe what she’s capable of.
And I want her to be like that every day. Not just when she’s having a small break. I want her to feel safe. Happy with me.
There’s a drive in front of us right now. Waiting in line at some burrito spot on the edge of the city. Neon signs, the smell of food is floating through the window.
I take her order like I always do. No need to ask. I’ve known it since the first time I watched her pretend she wasn’t hungry.
“I hope it’s as good as that place we hit in Vegas,” I say, turning a little toward her. “You remember that one?”
She folds her hands together, eyes still closed. “Please. I’m starving. If this is mid I’m gonna throw myself under a car.”
I huff a laugh. “You’re beautiful, by the way.”
That gets her to look at me. She grins. “Good eyes.”
“You’re an actual narcissist.”
She shrugs, still smiling. “You killed someone for me tonight. Let me be.”
I glance over at her again. Really look at her. Her lips are a little swollen, eyeliner smudged, and she still looks like something holy. Something I’d bleed for. Something I already have.
I reach over and let my hand rest on her neck, thumb tracing the line of her jaw. “I know,” I say, quietly. “I’m a bad, bad person.”
She watches me, eyes soft but not innocent.
“You should kiss me,” I add, voice low. “As punishment.”
She laughs under her breath. “I don’t think that’s how punishment works.”
