Chapter 76

Was I stupid to think I would get away with this? Probably.

Sneaking out would be challenging enough. On top of that, I'd be gone for a couple hours. That's a long time. It was very possible Luke could wake up and see I'm gone. It would suck ass, but it was a possibility. So, in case that happens, I will need a damn good excuse of why I left. Don't worry though guys, I got it covered.

Before everyone went to sleep, I dropped the seeds of a few potential excuses. I announced I was restless, had a headache, and craved fast food. Rough night, I know. But each one of my 'issues' could be resolved if I went somewhere. You'd buy it if I said I needed to go to the pharmacy for some headache relief, right?

Well, as I soon realized, one of my lies from earlier would have to do.

By the time I maneuvered myself out of bed and grabbed my things, I thought I was fine. Luke was consumed in a deep sleep. He didn't even flinch when I opened the door and stepped out. Cold air brushed my back as I eased the motel door shut with a slow click.

"What's going on?"

Spinning around, I froze. Francis was sitting on the cement, his back propped against the skinny bars of the railing. Of course, I would get caught. I mean, my name is Albany, is it not? That fearful moment of realizing I was caught though faded as I took Francis in. The motel lighting illuminated his face from the shadows. Face tilted up in my direction, his eyes were strained and red. Exhaust drowned everything else from his face including emotion, leaving him blank. Completely blank.

He was hurt. He obviously couldn't sleep. It wasn't like any of this became easier for him to deal with. Though my stomach turned at thinking I was caught, it echoed an ache over seeing him in such distress. "I'm... going to the store. Need something to kill this damn headache. Are you okay?"

"No." His eyes fell to his legs. One was stretched out on the cement, the other bent and being used as an arm rest. "Anyway," he sighed. "I just wanted some air. I was tempted to go get some liquor."

Jesus. I just wanted to be on my way and get this done, but I couldn't just leave Francis here like this. Hopeless and broken. And it was worse than his usual 'hopeless and broken' attitude we all witnessed during the day. This was far worse. I didn't realize he kept the extent of his pain hidden – or that he was even able to. I've never seen him look this starved of hope. The guy looked ready to die.

But... maybe I could help. Maybe running into him was meant to be. Though it had been nearly impossible to help him feel better this whole time, my purpose for leaving tonight might be my only chance to restore some of his faith.

"I want to ask you something," I said. "What do you think of Luke and Jackson's plan? To execute Reid and his men during the exchange?"

My words triggered him to close his eyes and slowly shake his head. "I don't know," he whispered. "I trust my brother, but when you want to fuck over a cult mastermind... I... I just don't fucking know."

"Get up, you're coming with me," I sighed, digging my hands into the jacket and grasping the truck keys. Francis and I were on the same page. I had figured as much, but now, he validated it. Despite his brother's plan, he was scared shitless for his daughter's life. He would side with my plan over theirs. I guess it was a good thing I ran into him over anyone else.

"Why?"

"Because you're going to want to hear what I'm hoping to accomplish."

Extending my hand, I helped the confused man to his feet. Pulling out my phone, pulling up the directions Weston sent me, we headed down to the parking lot. My meeting with the FBI got a little more interesting. I guess both me and Francis have a headache now.

***

For each minute leading up to this meeting, I became more and more nervous. Standing before them now did nothing to reassure me. The fact that Weston was staying in a fancy-as-fuck hotel didn't help either.

I was wearing damp boots and standing on white carpet. It felt wrong – but so did my surroundings. The suite Weston was stationed in was covered in modern furniture and art. All of which seemed to be either red, white, or black. Before me was a black marble coffee table and a large white futon. The edges looked sharp and uninviting, but fittingly, that's where my critical audience sat.

Weston was a cool guy. Telling him my plan was easy over the phone. However, he still had a soul. Sitting beside him was his boss, Senior Special (whatever) Agent Bosanack. With a knee crossed over his other, he was professional and blank in his appearance like the last time I saw him. The stocky and balding man was comfortably relaxed; it didn't help my confidence.

"The floor is yours," he said, waving a hand, signaling for me to begin.

I glanced over to Francis. He was in an adjacent red chair. The only thing I told Francis was I had a plan. I just freaking hope the FBI will approve of it and help. Taking a deep breath, I directed my words to the agent that could make all the difference. "First, would you mind stating the terms of our agreement with you."

His brows dipped. "You already know the terms. Give us Reid Taylor's location by October 1st. In exchange, we won't arrest and charge you."

Exactly. Location was the key word. So, here we go ladies and gents. The proposal that could change everything. Taking a deep breath, I clasped my hands together. "What if I said I can give you his location?"

His eyes zeroed in on mine. "Can you?"

"If you decide to help, I could." Licking my lips, I looked between the three of them. "You all know I'm going to be meeting Reid Taylor; I am to give myself over to him for Brooke's freedom. I'll be going with him back to his headquarters. If there was a way you could track my whereabouts... it would lead you there."

It was simple. As simple as it could get for how complex shit got. If the FBI put a tracking device on me, they would be able to follow the signal – and that's it! Not to mention, it was a much safer plan than Luke and Jackson's. The trade will be over with, Brooke out of the way, and I'll already be in the depths of the enemy's lair.

My heart picked up in pace after I said those words. Meeting Agent Bosanack's eyes, waiting on every silent second, my clasped hands tightened. Please, please, bite the fucking bate, Mr. Special....

Obviously, it wasn't going to be that easy though. Like everything else, I would have to fight for my way.

The permanent lines along Bosanack's forehead deepened. "You've learned the headquarters has an advanced security system; it affects anything within miles of the institute. It might shut down the signal before you even reach the institute."

He was a sharp man. The potential issue he brought up was the biggest one. One that could truly happen. I mean, it happened to our shit when we were in range of the place. It could very well happen to a tracking device. Thankfully, since I already considered this option, my voice managed to stay confident. "That's a good point. That's why the tracking device on me wouldn't be activated until I'm behind Reid's walls. Their defense system wouldn't affect anything inside, would it?"

I assumed it wouldn't; it would make no sense. Talking to Weston before, he even said if something is activated inside, there would be no problem. For a fully operational institute, why would anything be blocked inside? Weston also informed me the FBI do have tracking devices that can be activated at any time. Bringing it up to Bosanack now made Weston try to suppress a smile. He glanced between me and his boss next to him.

The head honcho himself pursed his lips in thought. God, I hope this is working. "That's, um, definitely an interesting idea. Activating it only after you are in."

Interesting? Did that mean good? Anxious and excited, I tried to further my case. "And it would give you the exact location – before October 1st. Reid is meeting with me on the 30th. Meaning we will still have kept our deal with you." Which would mean Luke and Jackson won't go to prison. It was the perfect idea, the perfect plan, and one where everyone would be safe.

As usual though, the FBI was difficult. Like a teenage girl who needed to get her way. "What if he finds the device on you before you get there?"

Weston already explained there were several different tracking devices I could use. Many very tiny. Many that can be inserted under my skin. Reid would most likely not find them. Bosanack's question was irrelevant. "I know – as well as you – that I could make it into the headquarters without them finding it. Weston told me about the tracking devices you guys have."

Weston cringed immediately once I dragged him into this. He knew Bosanack would not like that – and he didn't. He shot the ginger a dirty look, which made him tense and look down. Seeing that dirty look though allowed me to easily mirror it. Was he really pissed off at Weston? Because he gave me knowledge of how my plan could really work? Bosanack just wanted to find a reason to not go with my idea!

Special Agent Asshole looked back up to me. He spoke in a soft voice. "Albany, there are many ways this could backfire. What if Reid doesn't even take you to the headquarters?"

This had to be a joke. He was making up concerns that were not relevant! Crossing my arms, I stepped closer and pinned my narrow eyes on Bosanack. "What if the sky magically turned purple? What if dogs started talking?"

"Excuse me?"

I took a deep breath. This was more than unfair. This was cruel. "All I'm asking for is a tracking device. If something miraculously happens, if it doesn't work, if Reid takes me somewhere else and not the headquarters... well, then I failed to keep our deal. It'd happen anyway at this point. You wouldn't be losing anything by helping me! My idea will get you what you have been wanting for years! You know this will work," I said, slapping the back of my hand into my palm as my voice raised. "Yet, you are finding excuses not to help. For what? To punish us because you don't like us? Forget us! What about all those innocent people under his thumb! All those children he took and sold a-a-and hurt! All those people over the years. And people you could still save if you took down Reid Taylor! All the kids and people who are trapped right this second! They aren't lucky to be traded back into the real world like Brooke. They're there for good, getting brainwashed, getting used, with no escape! And they will stay there because you don't want to help me!"

My words were easy and automatic – and completely true. He can be pissed I was raising my voice at him. He deserved it. Though I was concerned with our personal situation, there were so many more people involved here. So many kids were kidnapped over the years. Over so many years, the thought of it was sickening. I couldn't imagine the number of people who were taken over the years – and I didn't want to imagine it either. Reid deserved to go down for all he has done, all the pain he has caused – to the people he took and their families. He deserved to go down. But it would also mean the release of many of those people who were still currently in the system. It was crucial that this be finished. Not just for the sake of the people I knew, but so many more.

My warm and squishy words seemed to be working. Agent Bosanack stared at me, and for the first time, true thought and awareness swirled in his gaze. "Let's say we go through with your idea. We would activate the device on you once we know you're inside and it would give us the location of the headquarters. Your deal with us would be kept. You, Mr. Prenta, and Jackson would be free of all charges. However, your future can't be guaranteed once you step foot behind Reid's doors. It would take several days after we have the location to act; we'd have to strategically design a way to take down and dissolve the headquarters. By the time we do it, you could be gone, shipped off somewhere else, god only knows what. You understand that, don't you?"

I did understand that. It took a heavy emotional toll on me. Enough that the reminder squeezed my heart and throat. God, suck it up. Not here, you baby. Swallowing, I nodded. "If everyone is fine, and not in fucking prison, I won't care. Any potential fate for me will be worth it."

Despite the scary possibilities, I meant what I said. Once I'm in Reid's hands, anything could happen. Reid might kill me. I might be sold and shipped across the world. None of that mattered as long as our deal is kept, they take down the institute, and my man is safe from prison.

Bosanack was clearly entertaining the idea of helping. Hearing how dedicated I was helped; it made my breath hitch, waiting for his next words as our eyes were locked. He was considering it. Come on, fuck face. Just agree to help me!

Finally, he looked down. "Arm or thigh?"

Did... Did I hear that right? I cocked my head back. "What?"

"Will you want the tracking device in your arm or thigh?" He looked up with a blank and professional face. "Those are usually the easiest spots to have it inserted."

***

After all this time, after all the conflict we've had with the FBI on this crazy journey... they were finally offering help. We even put it in writing. Another plan was in place. Of all the plans and strategies we've filtered through to survive, this would the last. This was it.

The reality of it began sinking in. Well, it didn't just start sinking in. Reality was inserted into my arm. Weston had the essential FBI gadgets on hand (which was badass and made me curious what else he had). He managed producing one of the tracking devices we would need to make this work. It was the size of a dime and flat like one too. It required him to make a small incision under my arm, the cut just over an inch long. He used a special tool to insert it so it didn't cause my cut to widen; all I needed was a patch to stop the bleeding. It was that easy. And when Luke asks, I'll think of something. Maybe one hell of a wicked paper cut?

All the while... Francis stayed quiet. While I was processing that the FBI was going to help, he was still processing my plan. It was the first time hearing my idea. Though I knew he liked it more than Jackson and Luke's, there was still a lot occurring to him.

By the time we finished up at the hotel and were driving back, he just seemed to become more and more consumed in his thoughts.

Enough so that when I asked him his thoughts, he wouldn't answer. Until finally, while I was navigating us down a country road with wide open spaces, he spoke. "Please pull over."

Slowing the truck, I pulled onto the shoulder and put the truck in park. Was he going to be okay? Maybe he was going to get sick? Whatever was on his mind, at least we appeared alone out here. There were no other cars, lights, or anything was around. It was just wide-open fields before more mountainous terrain covered the distance. The only reason I could see was because the night was clear. The moon and stars were out. It lit up Francis as he unexpectedly got out and rounded the truck. What the fuck was he doing...?

I just stared at him as he walked around the truck to my side. He opened the driver's side door and, without pause, reached over and unbuckled me.

"What are you doing?" I asked, the worry in me multiplying.

The chilly air brushed his curly hair back – and mine when he eventually guided me out of the truck. I didn't understand what this was about, but I wasn't going to protest. It had to be something of great significance. But at first, it sure didn't seem like it was anything that grand.

The second I was standing in the road with him, he rested his hands on my sides and sternly stared into my eyes. Sucking in the fresh air, he tried to speak. Tried to let it out, but he seemed to rethink a few things. After several seconds, he finally did speak, but I have a feeling he changed what he was going to say.

"Um, so how is this going to work? I-I mean, Luke and Jackson have their plan. Are you somehow going to stop them or something?" he asked quickly.

He didn't make me stop the truck and drag me out here to ask that. Regardless, his question was relevant and important. It was the next step we would have to take if my plan is going to work. "Well, they aren't going to just accept this. We'll have to physically stop them. Lord knows how. If you want, we could just kill Jackson. That would be the easiest," I mumbled. If only that last part was a joke.

There was much more going on behind his eyes than the words he spoke. "We're going to have to do it the morning of. Maybe rope?"

"We have a few days. We'll figure something out," I nodded.

He swallowed, eyes turning more vulnerable. His hands on my side against my jacket tightened. The night air brushed out skin, but it was the seriousness contained within his next words that gave me chills. "Albany," he whispered. "Please think about this before you answer. Do you understand the magnitude of what you're doing? You might not make it out of this."

Well, this clearly had more to do with how he was feeling. Clearly, this was more of why we were standing in the middle of the road. Staring into his wide and desperate eyes, I didn't question the emotion in his gaze. Especially because those last words hit me hard. Who knows what could happen to me. "I do understand," I nodded. "But it don't matter. You wouldn't stop me from doing this."

My words hit him hard. Because they were true. "No, but I would want to." Clearing his throat of emotion, he looked back up to me. "You don't understand how much this is going to hurt."

Raising my hands and grasping his extended arms, my heart twisted. I didn't want to face the likelihood of something bad happening to me. It would mean saying goodbye to everyone, including Francis. "I don't want you worrying over me," I whispered slowly.

"Albany," he said in a pleading voice. "This is my fault—"

"Stop," I stressed, huffing a deep breath in and out of my lungs. Staring into his painful eyes, I shook my head and pulled him in, wrapping my arms around him. His words reminded me of the night he learned of Brooke being taken. I comforted him in the stairwell as he sobbed and drowned in guilt. Now, that guilt resurfaced. And the last thing he needed was more stress – and stress of that power. Being the cause of me turning myself over to Reid was a heavy weight. It was not worth the burden. No matter if he technically did cause this, I would never blame him for any of this. Never. He never intended anything awful to happen. He always wanted to come to the rescue and help. And sure, maybe it did contribute into Brooke getting dragged into this. But Francis always did everything to help me. For all his work, the last thing I wanted was for him to think it was for nothing. "You have done everything for me. So much and more. And Francis... I can't say thank you enough," I whispered, holding him tight to me. "Don't you dare blame yourself. Without you, who knows what would have already happened to me. Don't blame yourself. Got it?"

Holding me tightly, heaving a heavy breath, he nodded against me. "Just be okay. That way I won't have to worry or think about blaming myself. Just fucking be okay."

The sweet scent of his was tainted by days of neglect. It added a sadness to the nature musk that soothed my senses. It allowed me to relax and my heart twisted harder. "No matter what happens, I'll be fine."

Slowly breaking away from each other, he took a small step back. Staring down, his eyes projected a sadness through his frames. Pursing his lips, he looked down. We stood there for a long second, not saying anything. And I think that's what we needed. Just acceptance and fresh air. A break from motel rooms. A break from being suffocated.

Taking a deep breath, we both leaned our backs against the truck. The silence allowed for acceptance and our thoughts to wander. Or to at least not think about the depressing possibility of me not making it out from Reid's control. It pushed for Francis to return to the subject of how to make my plan happen. How to overpower Luke and my asshole dad.

"Luke should be easy to stop. Dude can't walk," Francis chuckled, breaking the long silence.

Christ, I didn't want to think about doing such a thing to Luke. But Francis's words at least brought a little lightness to it. Scoffing, I looked up to him. "Him getting shot kind of worked out well, didn't it?"

He half smirked, staring out across the road to the open landscape. "It did." Then, his hazel eyes angled down to where my thumbs were hooked in my pockets. Reaching down, he grabbed one of my hands with his freezing fingers. Then, he lifted my hand into better sight. The gorgeous engagement ring Luke gave me shimmered like the stars above. He looked at it with delicate eyes. "Because of the shitty timing, I never did congratulate you."

I smiled. "Did you know he was going to do it?"

He rolled his eyes, smirk growing. "Psshhh, are you kidding? Course I did."

I chuckled and extended my hand, holding it out before us to admire the ring. I would miss our easy joking nature in case I didn't make it out of this. "You know the best part? My ring cost more than Clare's."

"I know, that was the first question I asked when he first showed me the ring."

Though Francis and I enjoyed the night air, each minute was a minute Luke or Jackson could wake up. Our time spent finding 'headache relief' wound need to end. So, we got back in the truck and started driving. With each second spent driving back to the motel though, more dread filled me. More weight.

My plan was officially in motion with Francis helping me as well. It was for sure going to happen. So, these next few days, I would just have to wait to put the plan into motion. Besides some detains we needed to come up with, it was just a waiting game now. I knew that during that time, all I'd be thinking about would be Luke. All I would be doing is milking my time with him. My sweet man, who I might not see again if things go wrong. Fuck. God only knows how I'm not going to break down at some point.

***

The next few days, as it turned out... I did slip once or twice few times and have a mini breakdown. While with Luke, every once in a while, I let my emotions get the best of me. I would start to tear up and cry a little. Thankfully, turning into a pathetic baby didn't give me away.

The 30th coming up caused massive stress in general – and Luke knew that. He just assumed that my stresses revolved around his plan. After all, things could still go wrong with Luke and Jackson's plan. There could be more men accompanying Reid than two snipers could handle. I might get shot running away. Sure, none of which would happen, but still I managed blaming my stress and tears on those things.

And each time I broke a little, Luke comforted me. Told me to not worry and that his plan was going to work. He wouldn't miss his shots, he would be well hidden, Brooke will be safe.... If only he knew the real reason I was breaking.

However, it would be a miracle if I can manage fooling Luke today... September 30th.

He was a police officer. Well trained in many areas. Could he sense what I might do? To be fair, lately he's been watching me more. Just randomly observing me more, and not in the cute way. In a suspicious way. Maybe I was imagining things, but regardless, it really added to the pressure today. I had to put on a believable act. Talk about a nearly impossible task.

Police officers are trained to see through lies. If I didn't blame my periodic tears on stress and worry over his plan, he would have figured me out. Today though, for me to overpower him, it meant putting on a brave face. Confidence. I needed to act my fucking ass off. I needed to act so I could lure him to into my trap. Sounded malicious, but that's basically it.

Jesus, how am I supposed to act when today was the day? When my emotions are on edge more than before. Fuck, I'll need to convince him I'm feeling the opposite of what is going on under the surface. Though it would be hard, I needed to do it. For him. For everyone. And that thought would get me through. It would have to.

Staring at myself in the bathroom mirror, I took deeper breaths. With jeans and a peach sweatshirt, I was dressed and ready for the day. My dark hair was pulled up into a tight bun. My biggest issue was my face. Keeping it smooth. No lines of worry and flat lips. My thoughts coaxed my face into position.

Everything would be fine. Everything would be fine. There's a huge chance I'll be fine. The hardest thing to contend with will be betraying Luke in a few minutes. But I had to, it was for him, and he'll understand. He'll understand.

A soft knock came from the other side of the door along with Luke's sweet voice. "You okay?"

God damn, I was taking too long in here. I stepped closer to the toilet. "Anal evacuations, man. What can I say?" I answered loudly enough for him to hear. Taking a deep breath, I forced a soft smile to rest on my lips. Let's do this. I flushed the toilet and washed my hands before opening the door. See? Good warm up acting. Flushing a shit that didn't exist.

Stepping out, the light from the window flooded the area with bright sunshine. It made the colors of the room stand out. The white comforters on the made beds, fake red flowers on the oak table.... It was cute and felt warm. Sure didn't fit in with the long sniper rifle and scope sitting on one of the beds, but that's beside the point.

As for Luke, he was sitting on the edge of the other bed. Wearing cargo pants and a black tee-shirt, he was tapping his fingers against the white bed spread. No doubt just waiting for Jackson. Who... would not be showing up. It was 6:15. Though very early, Jackson was supposed to be ready by now and take the weapons out to the truck. They wanted to be early in order to find a way in, set up, and be ready without spotted. Then, Francis and I would go separately. Huh. Guess Jackson must just be off to a slow start. He never came or knocked to grab Luke's rifle. Oh well.

Hearing me approach, he glanced up to me. Taking in my small smile, he arched a brow with warm eyes. "You doing okay? You sure you weren't in the bathroom for more than just anal evacuation?" he asked with a hint of amusement. I couldn't blame him for being suspicious I guess. Since we started getting ready, loading up, going over the plan... I kind of booked it to the bathroom. And it wasn't like I was all happy and smiles earlier; I had been close to breaking down. Now though, it was show time.

"I'm sorry I took a while," I said, sitting down next to him on the bed. God, those damn beautiful fucking eyes. Don't break. Just smile. "I was just uneasy and not feeling good. I mean, can you blame me for being nervous? But I'm okay. It's like you have been saying. Everything is going to be okay."

Setting the gun down onto the bed, he turned fully to me. "I'm glad you see that," he said, resting his hands on my shoulders.

'Relieved' at my change of attitude, I took a refreshing deep breath and allowed my shoulders under his palms to relax. "I need to be more excited than anything. I mean... this is it. After today, we will be free. Fully fucking free, you know."

He nodded, eyes melting and showing some relief at my understanding. A soft smile reached his lips. One that made my heart ache more than I could even describe. "We'll be able to put this all behind us. No more hurt. No more pain. Just... our future to look forward to."

Fuck, why did he have to say that? It took everything not to fucking break, to not even budge a muscle in the wrong way. "It's going to be so nice," I breathed, wrapping my arms around him. Hugging him to me. "So, Jackson still not here, huh?"

"No. It's a good thing we are super early anyway."

Thank you, Francis. Honestly, Jackson was just as big of a concern. He wasn't exactly a dumbass; he might even be as skilled as Luke. Then to have Francis take him down.... Yeah the idea was so stupid, it was funny. Somehow, it was working so far. I told Francis to pull a gun on him at exactly 6:00. Considering there was no gunfire or shouting... things must be going peachy enough. Thankfully, they also weren't on the other side of the wall. But, we'll get to that later.

Right now, I was dealing with my obstacle. My beautiful perfect man. Making sure to remain completely calm and more positive, I nonchalantly scooted up more onto the bed. "Well, good. Come here," I mumbled, snagging his arm and pulling him with me. "We have time to just relax."

"What?" he chuckled, turning and crawling to where I was guiding him. His eyes meeting mine showed a little confusion.

"Well, we have time. We're all done and just waiting on Jackson's slow ass." I let myself fall back onto the bed with a deep breath. My head rested on the pillow. On the right pillow of the bed. Let's just hope what I hid under this pillow won't give me any issues.

I pulled Luke to rest on his back next to me. He draped an arm over across me. From where our heads rested on the pillows, it should work. Hell, it would work. It needed to work. My only issue will be to see if I can lure him. Then, I would need enough surprise and speed on my side.

Staring up into his eyes from where he was laying on his back next to me, I pursed my lips. Jesus, he is too smart. Sure, he had a shit plan, but he had a brain. God, I just needed to try. I just needed to do this before I fucking bust at the seams with tears and trembles.

"After today... then what?" I asked, rolling onto my side and facing him more.

"Then we go back to Ohio. And celebrate. Then... if you are okay with it... I kind of wanted to start looking for a new place and have you move in with me," he said, looking shyly with a smile.

Okay, this was good. We were talking, moving into 'cute couple' territory. I didn't know how much more of it I could take though. It only made me feel worse. Chuckling and looking down, I said, "That sounds wonderful. Just know though I got a house full of shit back in Connecticut I need to get. So the place we live in better be big... that's all I'm saying."

"Oh yeah?"

Glancing back up to his eyes, I leaned up on my side and cupped his cheeks. Then, I pressed my lips against his. Meshing them softly against his, Luke took a moment to respond. Obviously surprised as I continued kissing him. Damn it.

"You sure you're okay, baby?" he asked against my lips. Despite his words, he went along though and started kissing me back. Sweetly, lovingly, and though I was on a mission, I allowed myself to get wrapped up in his lips. His sweet lips. His love. Oh my god, how was I going to do this?

"I just... love you more than anything." Loving his warm lips, I moved deeper into them. Enjoying this moment while I knew what I needed to do. And it started with slowly easing closer to him. Mind racing, not wanting to cause him to continue to question me, I took it slow. I tried hard and managed taking it slow. All the while loving this moment and hating it for how quickly I felt my strength dissolving.

Dragging my body over his, our chests pressed together. Nonchalantly, I moved my hand down to his and twined our fingers. Lips moving with his, I stretched our arm above our heads, fingers twined. I could feel the tips of our fingers just brush the wooden posts of the headboard. It was perfect positioning. And right where I needed his wrist. Oh my god... this is it.

Moving my lips down his neck slightly would hopefully distract him enough – and it seemed to. My fingers gradually, slowly left his, and slid further towards the headboard. The movement was nonchalant and hardly anything. Because that's all I needed. Not a few inches from his wrist, the handcuffs hung behind the bed out of sight. One cuff was already latched to the post our fingers brushed. Guess where the other would go.

The cool metallic contact sent me into action. I grabbed the base of that cuff, dragged it up along with where the other was attacked to the post, and quickly snapped it around Luke's wrist. Latched it into place. With a couple distinct clicks. Each one a personal stab wound into my chest.

My kiss against his neck turned into a whimper. We both froze. His wrist was handcuffed to one of the several the headboard posts. And with my face hovering next to his, I closed my eyes tight. I didn't want to move the few inches back and see those eyes. But with tears spilling over, I sat up slightly and met Luke's eyes. They were wide. Full of realization and shock.

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Hey guys! With everything going on, this took so long to write. With Christmas on its way, things have been overly hectic. Regardless, you probably are tired of hearing this, but I truly am sorry it took this long.

So, a lot of things happened this chapter. And hopefully, it didn't seem like things went too fast. Did it? I would like your option. Did it seem rushed? Or just right? I didn't want to drag out things and tried my best not to while still keeping with everything that gives it substance. Big moments though. Luke was just handcuffed. What do you think will happen?