The Million Dollar Man

<< I didn't have a choice. >> His voice was firm, as if he were trying to convince himself at the same time.

<< Oh really? >> I spat out. << You didn't have a choice on whether you were going to tell me or just go behind my back and make this decision without my consent in the matter? >>

His eyes darkened and he clenched his hands together to form tight fists.

« Shut up, Evelyn. You just don't get it! You don't know what it's like to run a gang, to have any real responsibilities! Everything comes easy to you, and to top it all off, you are a proper bitch about it all the time ! >> He was breathing deeply at the end of it, and he ran his hand through his hair, something he only did when he was very upset about something.

« Are you kidding me? >> I asked, pulling myself out of bed. << Nothing comes easy to me. >>

<< Have you ever killed someone? Have you ever had to take the life of someone? Or do you just play around and have fun, then leave the dirty work to the rest of the gang? >> He stood up to his full height, and towered over me angrily. << No ! Because that's not my job, Danny! But don't you act like I haven't done my part for this gang. Just because I've never killed someone doesn't mean shit. >> I tilted my head to stare at him in a hostile manner. << You loved the power you got from being a leader, so don't act like this was all thrown on you at once. >>

<< I am sorry Evelyn, I'm so sorry, but there is nothing I can do about it. >> Danny said, grasping onto my elbows. He looked so desperate, that it actually made me feel bad, only for a second that is.

<< Just go, >> I muttered, looking away from him. << You have a lot of work to do before you go running off into hiding with your tail between your legs. >>

« Bloody hell Evie, » Danny muttered, turning away from me and leaving my room without a second glance back at me.

Rolling my eyes, I turned back to my bed, no longer finding the comfort in it as I had seen before. Letting out a sigh of exasperation, I walked into my bathroom and quickly stripped, climbing into the shower eagerly.

The warm beads of water massaged into my skin, and I let my eyes close and savor the relaxation and state of peace that it brought me. I was under so much stress that this was exactly what I needed.

As surprising as it may seem, I didn't hate my brother. He was my only true family left, and no matter what, I could never just write him off like that.

I let a whimper slip from my lips and quickly turned up the heat in the shower, hissing in pain as the water scorched my skin. My body collapsed forward, and I used my trembling arms to support myself against the tiled wall. My vision grew clouded as the steam filled up the bathroom, and I only chose to turn off the water when breathing became a struggle for me.

Stepping out of the shower, I gently wrapped a towel around my aching form. Wiping the mirror clear of the steam that had fogged it up, I noticed how lifeless I looked. My hair was drenched and hung low, looking absolutely horrendous. My eyes were void of the spark they normally had.

<< What has happened to you? >> I asked myself aloud, running my hand over my flushed face. Pulling on a shirt and loose shorts, I brushed my hair hopelessly, giving up when I realized I couldn't hold off any longer.

I had to apologize to Danny.

Scowling, I exited my bathroom and found myself walking downstairs to his office, shivering as I thought about everything that had happened there just recently.

Biting my lip, I debated knocking, before shoving the doors open and walking straight in. I was greeted by Nate's tired being, holding two boxes.

<< Nate, >> I said, looking around, << where is Danny ? »

Nate eyed me before finally speaking. << Why? So you can torment him so more ? >>

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My lips parted a bit, before I gave out an annoyed groan. << Don't be dramatic, Nate. >>

<< Dramatic ? >> He snapped, dropping the boxes onto the floor with a loud bang. << Do you even realize how awful Danny feels? Come on Evie, he was the leader of one of the strongest gangs in London, and now? Now he has to go into hiding. and that absolutely kills him. And then, then he agrees to let Sebastian take you into his gang-<<

<< How is that okay? How is he protecting-<<

<< How is he not protecting you? You're going to be with Sebastian King now, under the protection of the Kings! There is no better protection around, and your brother is torturing himself specifically because he can't be the one to protect you anymore. »

I hesitated, and frowned. << That may be true, but even if I am protected from those assholes trying to kill me, who is going to protect me from Sebastian ? >>

Nate sighed and pulled me into a hug. << It's going to be okay. >>

<< He tried to kill me, Nate. What makes you think he won't try it again? » My voice was soft, barely above a whisper.

Nate pulled away, holding me at arm's length. << Just don't piss him off, Ev. >>

I let a giggle escape my lips and a smirk formed. << You know that's too much to ask from me. >> Nate grinned down at me, and his eyes broke away, looking at something behind me.

<< Ah, just the big brother Evie was looking for. >> He said, making me turn around. << I'll just leave the both of you alone now. >>

I smiled gratefully at Nate as he picked up the boxes he had discarded, and left the room. An awkward silence followed, and I found myself looked almost everywhere else than Danny.

<< If you're just going to bitch to me-<<

<< No! >> I cried out, waving my hands around. << I, I'm not here to yell or, or say anything bad for that matter. >>

Danny remained silent, waiting for me to continue.

Chewing on my lip nervously, I finally built up the courage to admit my wrongdoing. << I'm sorry, Danny, I really am. I should have never doubted your reasons, and I really am sorry for making it harder for you. >> Danny was staring at me with the utmost amount of disbelief over his features. I felt myself let out a sigh of relief when a smile danced across my lips, and he pulled me into a hug.

<< I'm sorry too Evie,» he whispered. >>

<< No, no, >> I said firmly, pulling away. << I understand why you did what you did. It's okay. >>

<< No Ev, I mean I am sorry about the gang. You never wanted this, and now, it's gotten so screwed up that you may not even be able to ever have a normal life. >> He stared at me regretfully. << And for that, I am sorry. >>

I was shocked, to say the least. It was true. I really never wanted this, but being a part of a gang was something I had to accept.

<< So when do you leave tomorrow? » I asked, changing the subject quickly. Sadness crossed Danny's eyes when he realized I wasn't going to open up to him, but honestly, he shouldn't have thought that I would to begin with. << Uh, well, »he scratched the back of his neck. << We should be gone by seven in the morning, so no one sees us. >>