Chapter 40
CHAPTER FORTY
MAVERICK
I n the stillness of the early morning, I find myself sitting up in my bed with my back leaning against the wall, contemplating the small seeds of hope taking root in my veins.
Soon, Everly and I will be reunited. Better yet, we’ll be together and free.
It’s nearly impossible to truly wrap my head around the idea, but ever since Braum left my room yesterday, I haven’t been able to not think about it. To not yearn for a chance at a life outside these walls with the girl I love.
I know that it’s dangerous to put my faith in Braum.
He’s been my enemy since he and I first ran into one another on campus.
He’s made my life a living hell—torturing me and other patients for fun right alongside Rowan.
Braum’s a grade-A bastard. A demon that Satan uses to mold all other demons.
Trusting him is like thrusting the prongs of a fork into an electrical socket hoping, knowing no one has flipped on the power to it.
If I hadn’t seen the clarity in his eyes or heard the soft ache in his voice whenever he talked about the girl I love, there would be no chance in hell I’d put my trust in him.
But Everly has done something to dilute the evil in Braum’s veins—at least enough for him to realize she doesn’t belong here. If he wants to help her escape, and subsequently involve me in the process, I don’t know if it would be smart to turn my back on such an offer.
Everly and I might need all the help we can get.
I’ll watch the bastard and make sure to be one step ahead of him at every turn. I’m going to risk it all to spend a life with Everly far away from Serenity Falls and her family.
A life with Everly… What will that look like?
Well, for one, it would be filled with the sound of Everly’s laughter.
I’ll make sure there’s never a reason for her to worry or be sad.
It will be my life’s mission the moment we’re outside these walls, to give Everly a reason to smile every fucking day.
It’s the least I can do for the girl who risked her life for me.
I swallow as uncertainty twists my insides.
That is, if she’ll have me. As much as I hate Braum and Rowan, I can’t say that I’ve acted much better than they have since her arrival. I’ve shown her all the broken and ugly pieces of me, then dragged her through hell.
I can be better. Somehow, I’ll need to find the right words to convince Everly to give me another chance to accept her love. To let her know I’ve unearthed and dusted off the heart I’ve long since buried.
My resolve isn’t strong enough to push away the doubt as it creeps in.
Will she forgive me? Will she accept my love even after all I’ve put her through?
If she would just give me another chance, I wouldn’t squander it; not this time.
I won’t be a fool any longer. I won’t take for granted the woman who's always been here for me. I’ll even put aside my differences with my enemy, just for a slim chance of escaping and finding happiness with her.
If only she’ll hear me out and give me another chance to do right by her.
A soft knock at my door startles me from my thoughts.
I get to my feet. Who the fuck is outside my door at this hour? It’ll be another two hours before the other patients in Sortage begin to wake up and get moving for the day.
I yank open the door, not giving whoever it is on the other side the opportunity to brace themselves.
“Hey, got a second?” Nolan asks, giving me a knowing smile as I instantly relax.
I step back and open the door further, giving him enough room to slip inside. Shutting the door behind him, I turn and watch as he paces over to my window. With a sigh, he faces me, his shoulders slumping.
“I just wanted to say goodbye,” he admits.
“Goodbye?” I repeat, frowning.
Nolan nods. “You’re leaving tonight, and I doubt you and I will get a chance to talk before you manage to slip away.”
My breath catches as I realize he’s right. This could be our last day together. I open my mouth to promise if I get out of here I’ll find a way to break him free too. Nolan lifts a hand to stop me from speaking even before I can get a word out. A sad but genuine smile spreads across his face.
“Don’t worry about me, Vick. I’ve never been a direct target of the kings, and with Braum gone, I have a feeling Rowan’s power around here will take a decent hit.
All in all, it’s really not terrible here,” he says quietly.
“Honestly, the worst part about my time here is seeing you suffering. You were never supposed to be here, Vick. The fact that you have a chance at getting out is a fucking relief and I’m glad it’s with the girl.
She’s changed you in a positive way and she hasn’t even been here all that long.
I can see life in your face again. If she can do that in a few days, think of who you’ll be in a year.
In two years. If all goes to plan tonight, you’ll be happy, and that’s all I want for you, okay? ”
A thick knot of emotion wells up in my throat, where it sticks and leaves me unable to speak. I give him a tight nod.
“Good,” Nolan nods along with me for a moment. With a sigh he glances around my room. “When are you supposed to meet Braum?”
I manage to swallow down the knot to answer my friend. “In a few hours.”
“Okay, good. I’ll bring your bugout bag back in here so you can have access to it when the time comes to run,” Nolan steps toward me. “Are you alright? You look a bit… anxious.”
A hard huff slips past my lips. “Is it that obvious?”
“No, it’s just because I know you so well,” Nolan promises. “And I know it’s stupid to say this, but I’m going to anyway: relax”
I roll my eyes. “Oh, is that all I have to do?”
We both laugh at that.
“Alright then,” he takes another step toward me and clasps my shoulder with his large hand. “Want to grab breakfast together for the last time?”
My heart shudders under the enormity of that statement. My last breakfast at Serenity Falls? Fuck yes .
With a grin, I nod. “Let’s go eat, Nolan.”