Page 48 of Sage Haven
A seriousness laced within his tone and that told me he wasn’t playing games.
I should have run right then, but I didn’t, because I needed to have the final say.
I stood there, locked in his storm, unable to pull away.
I didn’t want to leave.
I wanted to stand my ground and call his bluff.
Instead, I exhaled shakily, and whispered, “Be careful what you ask for, Reich.”
His name on my lips like it was something forbidden.
His jaw clenched with a smirk across his face and fingers flexing at his sides.
Then— Softer. Rougher, he replied, “You too, Sage.”
He loosened his grip at that point and when the space between us shattered, I ran.
The bouquet slipped from my fingers in the process.
Forgotten.
When I looked back, he was gone, everything how it was, except the wildflowers that now scattered over the field like broken pieces of myself left behind.
***
By the time I reached home, my lungs burned.
My heart thundered, but it wasn’t fear.
It was something else.
Something I couldn’t name.
I collapsed onto my bed, staring at the ceiling.
His voice still echoed in my mind.
His touch still burned on my skin.
And I hated how much I cared that it was there.
How I didn’t want it to go away, and how much I wanted more.
I told myself I wouldn’t go back.
I wouldn’t be that girl. I wouldn’t be reckless.
Then, I couldn’t stop remembering.
His voice. His hands. The look in his eyes.
Like he was destined to break me or save me.
Maybe both.
I should be afraid. I should stay away.
