Another shot ricocheted past me and I dropped to the floor.

"Mia!" I heard him scream. I sighed in relief as I looked up. He ran to me and then dropped to his knees. "Are you okay?" he asked with urgency, I had never heard in his voice. I nodded, taking the time to look back and see that there was another dead man on the rooftop.

"Are you alright?" I whispered to him. He nodded, his hands still gripping my shoulders.

"f.u.c.k," he mumbled. His eyes were dark, his jaws set. He looked like death frozen over. "I-" his lips crashed into mine. I stumbled back but held on.

Dear G.o.d, I held on. I pressed my lips to his and pushed my hand against his chest. We collided and stumbled. We didn't care. I had nothing left in me to care. I tugged at his hair and pulled him closer. He pulled me closer, closer still.

My mind wouldn't stop, but he pressed on. He never let go.

'Don't let me go just yet,' I wanted to tell him.

My bravado had dissipated. I was worried; I was worried out of my mind. He didn't let me. He made me forget.

Cold worry washed over me, the nights of planning caught up to me, and I surrendered myself.

You are brave, his lips said.

'You kept your promise.'

'I'd never let anyone hurt you.'

'I know.'

'Yes.'

'Always.'

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