Alano
10:27 p.m.
I still don’t believe in love at first sight, but I do believe it’s possible to fall for someone in one day.
On the ride back to Paz’s, I was quiet as I focused on the road. I would hate for everything between us to end so soon because
I wasn’t careful. It’s also given me the chance to process all of these big feelings. The elation I experience whenever I
earn Paz’s trust during his lows, knowing it will only lead to some incredible highs. The confusion over whether to kiss Paz
since we aren’t in the best headspaces and how much I want to live like I might not get another chance. And now the grief
of our first Begin Day ending as we pull up to Paz’s house.
“Here we are,” I say.
“I rate this ride three stars,” Paz says.
“Three stars?”
“I got here safely, but the driver was too quiet.”
“Most passengers prefer quiet rides.”
“Maybe when the driver isn’t interesting.”
“Was he cute at least?”
Paz grins. “He was pretty hot.”
“Your driver would like to apologize for not filling the silence with interesting tidbits. He was very interested in keeping you alive as well as being frustrated with his bodyguard.”
After the Ferris wheel, Agent Dane insisted that it was time to go so we could be back at the mansion before midnight. I already
broke one rule tonight by going to Make-A-Moment, and I would’ve happily broken another to keep hanging out with Paz.
“Dane was only doing his job, right?”
“A job he’s already lost once because of me. My father would fire him for good if he ever messes up again.”
“Your dad is also doing his job.” Paz taps my crystal earring. “He loves you. Remember?”
I nod, but all I’m thinking about is how badly I want Paz to touch me again. It could be another finger tap or our hands holding.
Lips meeting. I just need more.
“Do you have to swap that out?” Paz asks. He points at my bandage, signed with our names. It’s seen better days.
“I do, actually. Every twenty-four to thirty-six hours.”
“Isn’t that—”
“Tonight.”
The silence sits between us, and I wonder if the universe is about to answer my plea for Paz’s touch. For a second chance
at a first kiss.
“I have some gauze and ointment inside.” Paz breaks our eye contact.
I can’t tell if he’s shy or ashamed or nervous.
“I can run inside and grab you some. Or you can come inside, and I can help you,” he offers quietly, like he’s bracing himself for disappointment as if this invite doesn’t have my heart racing even faster. “I’ll just bring it out, I know you gotta get going—”
“I’d love your help,” I interrupt.
My only roadblock will be my bodyguard. We exit my car, and I walk over to Agent Dane’s as Paz waits by his front door. Agent
Dane lowers his window and asks if everything is all right.
“Please don’t say no to what I’m about to ask,” I say with pleading hands.
“It sounds like you already have your answer.”
“I’m going inside Paz’s house quickly. He’s giving me a new bandage,” I say, extending my arm so he can see that the threads
in this one are coming undone. “I’ll be out in ten minutes. Fifteen tops.”
Agent Dane shakes his head. “You know I can’t allow that, Mr. . Background checks have already been performed on Paz’s
mother and stepfather, but we haven’t surveilled the house.”
“Did your background checks hint at his parents being dangerous?”
“No, but—”
“I’m going to be okay. If Paz was going to kill me, he would’ve done it last night when he had a gun.”
“How do you know he doesn’t have another gun inside?”
“Because he doesn’t.”
“Did you know the assassin had a switchblade in his phone?”
I stay quiet. It’s unfair to compare Paz to Mac Maag, but from an outsider’s perspective, especially a bodyguard’s, it’s more
than fair. Both Paz and Mac Maag lost family unexpectedly on the first End Day. If one boy cozied up before trying to kill
me, what’s to stop another? Rio raised the same concern.
Agent Dane exits the car. “While I don’t personally believe Mr. Paz is a threat, it is my job to assume he is. I’ve been fired
already for trusting your instincts and for letting you out of my sight. Now you have had me reinstated to serve as your protector.
I intend to do this right.”
I’m used to treating Agent Dane more like an overprotective big brother instead of utilizing him as a bodyguard, and it’s
clear that his reinstatement won’t ever let me forget his position again. “My time with Paz is limited, and I won’t be able
to know if there’s more in store for us if I can’t connect with him. I accept the risks if it brings me closer to what I want
out of life.”
Agent Dane peeks over at Paz like he’s assessing him. “You might be willing to take some risks, but if anything happens to
you from this night on, it will cost me this job and my entire career. No one will hire me if the Death-Cast heir dies on
my watch. That’s why I can’t let you out of my sight.”
“I understand,” I say, turning so I can go say good night to Paz.
“But if Mr. Paz were to invite me inside and allow me to conduct a search, then I can grant you limited time with him before returning you to the house,” Agent Dane says.
I turn right back around with the biggest smile. “You’re the best bodyguard ever.”
“Your compliance is what will make you the best client. Now let me do my job so you can live your life.”