Million Dollar Man©

+++++

I'm going to start adding song lyrics at the beginning of every chapter now, only sometimes will they have something to do with the chapter- AND I will also be titling the chapters.

Chapter 14- Instinct

                                     "She wiped her eyes, it was no surprise

                That she was lost and far from home, strange unfamiliar signs

            Little to coincide; however she packed her bags and made her way

                                            Anywhere her feet could take her"

"What would you say if I told you I had a very important job for you, one where failure isn't an option." His solemn expression mixed with the serious air in the room left me tense and worried.

I kept my mask on, hoping that I wouldn't let it slip.

"I can do it," I said, my voice firm and full of confidence.

Sebastian shook his head and leaned forwards against his desk. I watched as his eyes closed and slowly opened, those dark, searching orbs taking in my emotionless façade.

"I know you can, Evie," he said, moving his chair closer to his desk. "I'm asking if you want to."

I stared blankly at him, my tense body stiffening even more as I sat in the plush chair across him.

My instinct was to tell him that I did, that I wanted to risk my life and in turn end other's. That was what I knew how to do, that was what I was trained for.

For the first time, I heisted. I went against my instinct and thought over what Sebastian was asking me.

"Will I have to kill anyone?" My monotone held away the shaky fear that had built up as I thought over what he had said.

Sebastian didn't hesitate, "If everything goes right, then no."

"And if it doesn't go right?" I asked, leaning onto his desk, my cold blue eyes spearing his dark brown ones.

Sebastian merely tipped his head to the side, confirming my question. I bit my lip and looked away for a moment, before looking back to him.

"But that's why you'll have the best back up out there." With his signature smirk, a series of nerves broke out within my stomach, and I felt myself grow slightly lightheaded at his words.

Then, matching his smirk, I leaned back into the chair and folded my arms, a mischievous glint sparking in my eyes.

"I want to do it."

Sebastian chuckled, "I knew you would."

+++++

One day earlier

The pattering of feet against the stiff tarp of the mat echoed across the gym. I felt my breathing become labored and painfully strained within my lungs. My heart was at an all time high, but the adrenaline pulsing through my veins fueled me.

Callum moved in for a headshot, but I quickly deflected him, and sent a hard punch into his stomach. I took advantage of his momentary weakness by easily kicking out his legs from underneath him.

In seconds, I had him pinned to the mat. I smirked as he finally gave up, and tapped out, allowing me to fall in a heap by his side.

Sweat ran down my body, practically soaking through my sports bra and even dripping into my shorts.

"How do you do that?" Callum asked breathlessly, a grin of admiration crossing his face.

I shot a smirk back at him and shrugged, though I'm sure he didn't see it. I had been training for years, I knew how to fend for myself if I needed to, though those times were rare.

Back in my old gang, I was always protected. I had back up all the time, and I became accustomed to it. I guess that's what surprised me the most about the Kings. Back up wasn't something guaranteed, you couldn't even assume someone would be there for you.

After regaining my breath, I stood up once again. The exhaustion was taking a toll on me, but I knew that I couldn't stop now. This was training- if I couldn't handle this, I wouldn't be able to survive.

"Callum, why don't you let me have a try?" His husky voice had become so familiar to me that I didn't have to turn around to identify the speaker.

Callum just shrugged, and exited the ring, that was now surrounded by curious gang members. Their gazes were almost turned fearful at the sight of Sebastian entering the ring.

"Kick his ass, Evie!" Callum's cheer sounded through the gym, and I rolled my eyes.

"Just like I always do." I responded cheekily, smirking when Sebastian raised his brow in slight surprise.

"We'll see about that, princess."

Our movements were like lightning. My heart was threatening to burst out of my chest, and I had been barely dodging Sebastian's attacks.

Many Kings members had gathered around the ring, watching in awe. Sebastian was advancing upon me, and I couldn't help but notice the predator look in his eyes.

Don't get distracted, I snapped at myself, just as Sebastian sent a powerful blow to my stomach. Thankfully, I had enough time to brace for it, and something told me that Sebastian was holding back.

Actually, as a matter of fact, he was holding back.

From someone who has had to suffer under his wrath, I knew just how painful his hits could be, and that punch was a mere fraction of his strength.

He couldn't be possibly be holding back on account of his likeness towards me, could he? I frowned and shook my head at the absurdity of that.

There's no way.

He was just about to corner me, when an idea came to mind.

A brilliant idea.

I allowed him to back me up into the corner, and let my guard slip for a mere second. Sebastian moved quickly, and grabbed me arm, sending me behind him onto the mat. I heard a collective intake of air around me, though the fall hadn't hurt as much as it looked.

Time to test out my acting skills.

I released a hiss of pain, quickly wrapping my arms around my abdomen. My body instinctively curled into a fetal position, when it happened.

A shadow was cast over my face when Sebastian appeared, hovering over me. His features were twisted into a concerned expression, and his eyes flitted over my body before coming back to rest on my own.

"What happened? Are you hurt? I didn't mean to-"

My thoughts had been confirmed, and before I could think more about it, I kicked out, knocking him backwards.

I twisted our bodies so that I was now pinning him to the mat, much like I had done to Callum.

A series of laughter started throughout the gym, and a few wolf whistles came from the onlookers.

I couldn't help myself, and let out a small, childlike giggle as I took in Sebastian's stunned expression.

"You little-"

"I win!" I cut him off, standing up. My eyes were bright, and I felt an accomplished glee run through me.

The rest of Kings applauded me, some of the guys even took it as far as giving me mock bows.

For a moment there, I felt like I was really part of the gang.

And I was- I am.

"I knew it, Evie!" Callum cried out, running into the ring. "I knew you wouldn't let me down!"

I grinned as he lifted me up and spun me around, unbothered by my disgusting state.

"You kicked his ass, you kicked his-" Sebastian was now standing, his arms folded across his chiseled chest. His stern expression made Callum set me down, in front of himself, like a shield.

Thanks Callum, I'd love to protect you against Sebastian.

"Don't you all have things to be doing?" Sebastian's deep voice resonated throughout the gym, and instantly, people began exiting the room, mumbling about some unfinished work they had.

I rolled my eyes at Sebastian's cocky smirk- that guy sure loved the power he had. Turning around, I was prepared to exit the ring, but the hand on my arm held me back.

"Yes?" I asked, looking over my shoulder at him.

"I didn't say you could leave yet." He responded, his eyes glinting at me. Sebastian was well aware of the reaction that his statement would spark.

I gritted my teeth and narrowed my eyes at him before letting my natural, sarcastic smirk settle across me features. "Oh, I get it now! You want me to teach you how to not get beaten up!"

My mockery was quite obviously unappreciated by Sebastian, and his instantaneous response made that clear.

His large hands instantly gripped my waist, drawing our bodies insanely close together. With our bodies flush together, his minty breath wafting over my face, I could do nothing but let him do what he does best-

Take control.

"I'm hurt, Evie," Sebastian whispered, pushing my backwards into the ropes.

Now stuck between his body and the ropes, I felt my heart take off and the nerves ignite.

"Why's that?" I asked, my voice coming out breathy and shaky.

Sebastian noticed that immediately, and smirked. "Well, sweet Evie, I confess my undying love for you, and you're already taking advantage of it."

I frown and placed my hands against his chest, attempting to shove him away from me.

"I don't what game you're trying to play at," I snapped, "but I can assure you I have no interest in it whatsoever."

Sebastian placed his hands over mine, holding them onto his chest now. I frowned at this and began to try to pull my hands away from him though my attempts were pathetically futile.

"Oh don't be dramatic," Sebastian said with a roll of his eyes, "I'm not playing any game."

With an unladylike snort, I managed to push Sebastian away, and exit the ring all together.

As I made my way to the main gym, where Callum waited for me, Sebastian decided he had one last thing to say.

"I like you, Evelyn Summers, and deep down, I know you like me too."

I halted in my tracks, a shrill, disgusted scream escaping my lips as I did so. Throwing him the most malicious look I could muster, I stormed out of the room and towards Callum, a scowl crossing my expression.

"Let's go, I want to get the hell out of here."

+++++

"I knew you would."

Sebastian was just as manipulative as Patrick Riley, but for some reason, I was unbothered by this.

"Sebastian, are you sure you've thought this through?" Mason's uneasy look made me clench my hands together, a weak attempt to calm myself down.

"It's risky," Sebastian admitted, holding out a series of folders and loose papers. I watched him carefully as he laid them out, his brows furrowing in deep concentration.

"I'm not sure about this," Callum cut in, glancing at me then back to Sebastian. "Can Evie really do it?"

The doubt held in his eyes made my stomach churn. Refusing to show any worry, I let a smirk rise to my lips.

"Of course I can, oh ye of little faith." The playful glint in my eyes was enough to relax all three boys, and I was grateful that they were so easily persuaded.

"Do you even know what the plan is?" Mason asked after a moment of silence, his blue eyes piercing me.

I diverted my gaze to the floor before shaking my head slightly.

"For God's sake Sebastian, were you just not planning on telling her?" Mason looked more than annoyed, but immediately shut up when Sebastian stood abruptly.

"Do you actually think I'm going to send her blindly into an operation like that?" He hissed, his voice eerily calm.

Mason took a step back, and I could feel his eyes flicker down to me, where I sat quietly in the plush chair in front of Sebastian's desk.

"No, but-"

"I wouldn't do that to her." The venom in his voice chilled the atmosphere, and I shivered harshly.

"Evelyn." My head snapped up and our eyes locked. "I'm going to explain what we need to do, and then you have to option to accept or refuse. Do you understand?"

I stared at him blankly, not wanting to convey any emotion, before nodding my head, gesturing for him to continue.

"We have information on the gangs that were trying to take out London's Eyes, and it's come to our attention that they're also working with the same gang that Patrick-" he spat out his name bitterly, "was a part of. If we can get an in with one of the gangs, we can get an in with the entire enemy."

There was a brief silence, and I decided to speak up.

"By getting an in, we can gather enough information to destroy them. We will eliminate them for once and for all."

Sebastian grinned, and nodded his head, obviously happy that I understood what had to be done.

"And I'm that in."

His grin faltered, and he gave a short jerk of his head, confirming my thoughts.

The cold, emotionless mask was secured on my expression, and I thought over everything that had been said.

"And what's the plan for tonight? It couldn't be that simple if I may have to kill someone if it goes wrong."

I felt all eyes on me, my skin prickling under their stares.

Sebastian spoke up after a moment of silence. "Tonight, you, if you agree to this, will be going to a club on the edges of London. This club is owned by the Black Pythons-" Sebastian snorted, "a fairly weak gang. It just so happens that they've gotten a new recruit, who in turn has been a very strong asset to the gang. He's bringing them more power, and instilling courage amongst the men, giving them the false presumptions that their gang could possibly rise up."

"You want me to bait him?" I questioned, unsure of what Sebastian was trying to tell me.

"Exactly, but unlike your jobs before, I want you to get him to take you to his home, where we will follow you. Once there, there's a series of things that can happen, which is what I need you to understand. No matter what, you need to keep him from finding out who you are. If he finds out you're working for us, then the mission will crash and burn."

"So I get to his home, and then what?" I ask, "Just go with the flow until you guys show up?"

Callum decided to cut in now, "Remember your first job? The one with Chuck Forrest?"

I instantly flinched at the thought of it, resulting in Sebastian narrowing his eyes at my reaction.

"Yes," my voice was soft, yet audible.

"Well once you're there, you'll need to distract him long enough for us to get in, hack his computers to gather the gang's intel."

"But what if they don't store it there?" I asked, growing nervous.

Mason shook his head, "They do. I'm positive about that. Their firewall is nearly impossible to penetrate, but if I get my hands on one of their own computers, I am sure I can get in within minutes."

"And then?" I egged on, eager to know more. "What happens next?"

"Then," Sebastian spoke, "we find out if the Black Pythons are part of this growing force against us."

"And if they are?"

"Then we slaughter every last one of them." Sebastian's voice held a lethal tone, and I winced at the sharpness of it. "But that would be if everything goes wrong."

"We hope that they have yet to be recruited, and in fact, there is a large possibility that they haven't."

"But if they don't have any part of it, how would this help us get an in?" I asked, confused.

"It wouldn't." Sebastian's blunt answer drew silence from the rest of us. "But like I said, this is risky, and this will be very dangerous."

"Now Evelyn," Sebastian said, walking around his desk. He made his way up to me, so that he was standing mere inches away.

"What do you say, are you up for the challenge?"

+++++

The back of my hand gently brushed away the trickling droplets of crimson blood that was increasingly dripping from my nose.

Pain radiated through my body, but I didn't care. I couldn't care. At this point, the pain was numbing me, and I welcomed it.

I kicked over the unconscious body in front of me and grabbed the gun from his limp hand. Sounds of gunshots echoed throughout the house, and I limped through the hallway, hoping to get as far away as I could.

Before I could react, a hand was placed over my mouth, silencing the scream that came out a fraction of a second too late. I struggled violently in the arms of my captor, fighting desperately to break free. The gun fell from my hands, forcing me to use all of my strength against the man.

I was dragged backwards into a room, and the slam of the door along with the click of the lock made my stomach twist nervously.

A scream left my lips as I hit the ground, and though the pain was overwhelming, I forced myself to crawl to the wall, and distance myself from the man who was most likely plotting to kill me.

"Get back here-" My screams grew deafening as a hand wrapped around my ankle, dragged me backwards.

A choked cry left my lips as I was lifted up, and thrown onto something soft- a bed.

You're in a bedroom, I thought to myself, no windows, no bathroom, there is only one exit.

My senses were kicking in, and my eyes were adjusting to the dimly lit surrounding.

A gasp left my lips as a body hovered over mine, pinning me to the bed. My hands flew up, a last attempt to shove away my attacker.

"Would you stop that?" The murderous tone in his voice made me whimper and tears to sting at the corners of my eyes.

Through my tears, I was able to make out the dark haired, green-eyed boy on top of me, who was now holding a knife to my throat.

The sharp blade was pressed flat against the base of my throat, a sign that he wasn't going to kill me- yet.

"I'm going to ask you a few questions, and so help me God you better answer every single one, and truthfully."

I struggled against Eric's hold on me, but when he changed the position of the blade, my body stilled.

With wide, tear filled eyes, I watched his fearfully. He smirked at my instantaneous reaction, and adjusted the blade so that it no longer was on the verge of slitting my throat open.

"It's pretty clear that you aren't who you say you are, so why don't you start off by telling me who you really are." There was something in his tone, almost challenging me to lie.

"Ev-Evelyn Summers," my voice was weak and shaky, though I tried my best to build but an unbreakable exterior.

A look of shock spread across Eric's features, and he leaned back, straddling my unmoving form.

"That means that you-" His wide eyes made their way back to me, before looking up at the ceiling, where the fighting continued. "That means that those people up there..."

He was now standing at the side of the bed, pacing back and forth while shaking his head every now and then.

I flinched when his head snapped up, his eyes blazing with unleashed fury. I felt fear wash over me as he hands clenched in rage.

"You brought the Kings here!" He roared, fury lacing every word.

A panicked squeal left my lips as he lunged forwards. I managed to roll away just in time, narrowly dodging Eric's outstretched hands. I sprinted towards the door, despite the ache that was making every movement unbearably painful.

A helpless sob broke through my trembling lips when I realized the door was locked. I felt my entire body heave as I tried and tried to open the door. Another sob shook through me when I felt a body come up behind me. Instantly, I was flipped so that I was pressed against the door, the knife back to my neck.

"I should end your life right now," he snarled, pressing down extremely hard. A shaky cry left me as the knife broke through a thin layer of skin. A think line of blood was surely on my neck now, physical evidence of the damage the knife had done.

"P-Please," I cried out, not caring about how weak and pathetic I sounded.

Eric snarled, and held back the knife, as if he were about to stab me. Instead, he sent me a nasty glare before he placed the knife into the waistband of his jeans, and pulled out a key.

My body shook with silent cries as he leaned down, and unlocked the door. With his eyes on me, he pulled me into his body, and opened the door behind me. Up close, I could see the bruise that was forming on his temple. I winced as I thought about the way I had hit him before- there was no question that he was furious with me.

"Your nose was bleeding," he stated, cocking his head to the side. "It stopped."

A started shriek left my lips as his hand came into contact with my nose. The result was immediate- blood began pouring from my nose, making me splutter and choke in pain.

His hands violently tugged my hair, messing it up even more. Whimpers and cries left my lips as he slapped me a few more times. Leaning back slightly, his eyes trailed over the destruction he caused.

"There," he smirked. With a sudden movement, I was twisted around, my hands locked behind my back.

"Why don't we go see just how precious you are to the Kings?" With a powerful shove, Eric began pushing me out of the room, no doubt upstairs to where the rest of the gangs were battling to the death.

After stumbling multiple times, I finally made it to the main floor, with a very irritated Eric behind me.

"Ready?" He asked, whispering into my ear as we paused in the hallway, just outside of the living room, which ironically, was were people were dying left and right.

Struggling one last time, I had no other choice than to allow Eric to give me one final shove, into the living room.

The gunshots ceased instantly, only after Eric shot a warning one through the ceiling.

I felt all eyes on me as Eric pressed the tip of his gun to the side of my head. The cock of the gun sounded, and I flinched violently, squeezing my eyes shut in anticipation.

"Drop it." Sebastian's menacing tone echoes throughout the room, and I felt Eric tense slightly behind me.

"Wouldn't want your whore getting a bullet in her brain, would ya?" Eric's taunt was full of malice and I felt myself begin to shake against him. The hand holding my arms was removed, and in turn, he wrapped his entire arm around my waist, holding me close to him.

I flinched as his thumb began rubbing circles into my back, in an almost soothing manner.

"How dare you!" Sebastian screamed, making my eyes fly open.

I cringed at the scene before me. Bodies were thrown everywhere, blood spattered on the rugs, walls, and soaking through people's clothes.

Sebastian, Callum, and Mason stood on one side, while four men from the Black Pythons stood on the other.

I couldn't help but be slightly impressed by how Sebastian, Callum, and Mason were able to take out over seven men, uncaring that they were so obviously outnumbered.

"What do you want?" Sebastian asked, his chest heaving in anger.

I could hear the smirk on his lips as he spoke, "How about this, Sebastian King, let's make deal."

Sebastian's lips thinned, and I could practically see the restrained rage within him.

"I hand over Evelyn, and you leave immediately. No questions asked, no more lives lost, and we never have to see each other again."

My body stiffened as Sebastian smirked, and something in my gut told me something very bad was about to happen.

"Tempting," Sebastian said mischievously, "Or I could just do this."

The sound of four, consecutive gunshots rang out, nearly deafening me. The sound of lifeless bodies collapsing onto the ground made me flinch and whimper.

"You shouldn't have done that!" Eric screamed, throwing my body to the ground. Blood that now coated my lips and dripped down my chin and onto my neck splattered over the ground. I spat out the blood that had gotten into my mouth, but from the way it just kept running down from my nose, the action was pointless.

I must have looked like I was on the verge of death.

Pale, ghostlike skin, blood flooding down my face, tangled hair and covered in bruises- I must admit, I was not at my prime.

Staring up at the barrel of the gun, I realized one thing. Whenever someone is about to die, there's always something or someone that crosses his or her mind. Waves of emotions wash over the person, and just as they're about to die, they let it all go.

What I realized, well, it was pretty depressing.

There was nothing, no one that crossed my mind. No flood of emotions, or anything for that matter.

Only acceptance.

Acceptance for death.

Acceptance towards no longer living.

I didn't care.

The sound of the gunshot burst through the silence that enveloped us. It rang through my ears, and for a split second, I panicked.

There should have been something-

Something worth living for.

With that, I accepted the darkness that was more than welcoming, allowing it consume me.

+++++

His name was Eric Hook.

He was my target for the night.

He was my mission that I could not fail.

We met, we danced, and with all the skill I had acquired from my five years of training, I convinced him to bring me to his home.

It wasn't hard, though it should have been. But like they say, if you think something is too easy, you're probably doing it wrong.

But I didn't I didn't do anything wrong.

I got into the house, successfully followed by Sebastian, Callum and Mason.

It wasn't until we were ambushed.

By 'we', I mean the Kings. As it turns out, the Black Pythons were suspicious of us. Just as we were, the Black Pythons were well aware of Eric Hook's importance to their gang.

They had surrounded the house, and when Sebastian arrived, a war broke out.

He was kissing me ferociously, like an untamed animal. I had no choice but to play along with it, to distract him.

"I can't believe a bird like you hasn't been claimed yet," Eric exclaimed after momentarily pulling away. I smirked, and give him a small shrug.

"I don't give many the chance to." My voice was suggestive, and he quickly placed his lips over mine again.

It was going well- at least that what I thought, until a loud yell sounded, and a man ran into the room.

"We've got intruders," he said breathlessly, his eyes flickering to me. I stiffened when he froze, his eyes boring into mine.

"Fuckin' hell, is tha-"

I caught Eric off guard, and sent a powerful punch to his temple, quickly and effectively knocking him out. His body collapsed in a heap on the ground, and I moved as fast as I could to grab the gun that had been tucked into his jeans.

The man in front of me stared at me with wide eyes, and I simply smirked and shrugged.

The bullet shot through the gun and straight into his leg, making him scream out in pain. I didn't give him a second glance as I sprinted towards the hallway. Flinging open a door, I sprinted down the steps, nearly falling as I stumbled down the last few.

I let out a scream as I ran straight into a burly man. In my surprise, I dropped the gun in my hand.

The man acted quickly, and grabbed the gun that had fallen to the floor. Knowing that I put myself in a dangerous situation, I acted on instinct. My hands grabbed his shoulders and I kneed him in the face without thinking twice. Drawing back my fist, I threw it straight into his temple, like I had with Eric, and knocked him unconscious.

His body fell to the floor with a dull thud.

I wasn't expecting a second attacker, which was what threw me off. The punch sent straight to my face instantly had my nose gushing blood, and pain to radiate throughout my entire head. I collapsed to the ground, a scream leaving my lips as a kick was sent straight to my leg, but caught my ankle. Running away, or even walking, would be an issue now.

I hissed as the man leaned down to grab me, and my hand reached for the gun that lay beside the unconscious man.

Shooting him in the leg wasn't going to cut it. With a sickening realization, I attempted to fight him off, not wanting to shoot him.

I couldn't fight him off any longer, and when I collapsed to the ground for the second time, I had no choice but to shoot.

With a simple pull of the trigger, the man collapsed onto the ground, blood pouring from the open wound on his chest. I placed the gun to the side, knowing that by it's lightness, it's one and only bullet had been fired.

Standing up, the regret that was beginning to form in my chest was suddenly wiped away.

There was a gun in the dead man's hand.

This was no game- letting your enemy survive would only result in your own death.

Kill or be killed.

+++++

My head was pounding, and whimpers left my lips as I began to slowly regain consciousness.

The bright light above me made my eyes squeeze together but it seemed helpless.

"You're awake."

At the sound of his voice, my eyes flew open.

"Sebastian," my voice was croaky, due to its lack of use. "What happened?"

He grimaced, and sat on the bed next to me, holding a bloody towel. I flinched as his hand rose to my face, using the towel to dab away the dried blood that previously had been cascading from my nose.

"You passed out." His voice was empty, and his held no emotion.

Confusion began to build within my and I tried to sit up, only for Sebastian to place a firm hand against my shoulder, pushing me back down onto the fluffy pillows.

"Do you know why you're alive?" He sounded angry, and that made me worried.

"No," I said quietly, afraid to speak up.

Sebastian let out a low growl. "Eric missed, on purpose."

I bit my lip, and finally spoke up. "Why?"

"He said that when he looked at you, there was nothing in your eyes. They were empty. As if you were welcoming death itself."

Sebastian leaned forwards, so that his lips hovered over mine.

"He said that it looked like you had nothing to live for."

I choked on air as I processed Sebastian's words, and found myself being suffocated.

Could the reality of it all actually kill me?

I shoved away from Sebastian, and stood up. He mimicked my actions, his hands grasping my waist.

"Tell me Evie," Sebastian stated, leaning into me, dipping his head down so that his eyes were at level with mine. "Do you have absolutely nothing to live for?"

I could have said Danny, or anyone I've ever known for that matter. But, when it came down to it all, I didn't have to "live" for them. Danny had a great life, though it wasn't always like that, but now, he was happy.

There was never a time where I was just happy.

I didn't grow up with loving parents, that picture perfect family, or even close friends. There was a time that I had Harry, but it didn't last.

Nothing ever lasted.

Nothing was forever.

Sebastian took my silence as an answer, and in response, he placed his lips over mine.

In contrast to Eric's hungry, devouring kiss, Sebastian's was slow and sweet, and had me leaning into him, eager for more.

"I will always regret hurting you," Sebastian spoke after pulling away, "and tonight, when you almost got shot, there was a moment where I regretted never getting to fully know you."

"In fact," he said, "I don't know you at all."

I bit my lip, and peered up into his dark eyes.

"I'm going to do it," Sebastian finally said, finality ringing through his words.

My brows furrowed in slight confusion as I tried to decipher what he meant by that.

"I'm going to give you something to live for."

My response was pure instinct. It came from the years of learning to be an emotionless, uncaring girl, who couldn't let anyone break her walls.

"What if I don't want it?" My tone was harsh, and I pushed myself away from Sebastian as I spoke. "What if I'm perfectly fine with living the way I do? Did you ever once think that maybe, maybe I am okay with death? Because maybe that's just the kind of person I am."

Sebastian let out a humorless chuckle and shook his head. "You act as though I'm giving you a choice in this matter."

I scowled, glaring at him. "Sebastian King, ruthless gang leader turned hero. On account of me."

I smirked, my hardened exterior fully intact. "How cute."

Sebastian only shook his head, making his way to the door. "Say what you want to say, I'm going to do this for you."

Just as he was about to leave, I found myself rushing to speak again. "You let me down today," I stated. "You told me you'd be my back up."

Sebastian's eyes narrowed, "I told you the plan and what might happen, I was going to try to be your back up-" he paused and laughed, "You know what? Fine. I fucking failed you."

"But I can assure you, I will not fail with this."

The door shut, leaving me alone with my haunting thoughts and worries. His determination was a threat against my walls. He wanted to break them down, and it was my instinct to not let him.

A sudden cloud of blood boiling anger loomed above me, making me clench my fists and release an animalistic growl. I was overwhelmed with fury and I couldn't think straight.

Everything was clouded; my thoughts, my judgment, I was blinded by my anger, which was being fueled by the unknown.

What was making me become like this? A thin layer of sweat was now coating my entire body, and my hands were clenching and unclenching in a rapid manner.

This fury, my undeniable rage, had only one source-

My past.

It was impossible for someone to genuinely want to help me. This was a game, one that I would not lose.

Sebastian was trying to toy with me- that's all.

I limped into the bathroom, and collapsed against the counter. My reflection was more than cringe worthy, and my stomach was twisted in knots. I felt almost nauseous as I slid down to the ground, my entire body shaking violently.

It was my instinct to not let anyone get close, because in the end, people were just unreliable, untrustworthy fools who would rip a young girl's heart out and stomp on it carelessly and happily.

Don't believe me? Go ask my parents-

Oh wait, a bitter laugh bubbled through my lips, they're dead.

My mistake.

+++++