He smoothes a hand over my hair and wraps his fist around my long, damp ponytail, using his grip to bring my lips to his. I think I hear someone gasp, but I ignore it. Nothing exists but me and him right now.
His lips ghost over mine as he speaks, sending shivers down my spine. “I used to think I wasn’t worth the air that filled my lungs,” he murmurs, making me tense. “And some days, I still feel that way. But you’re always there to remind me that we deserve more than our pasts. We deserve a future. I refuse to believe that your future is small, baby. Not when I look at you and see the whole damn world shining back at me.”
“Hunter…” I breathe, but he presses his lips to mine, stealing the words from my throat before they can form on my tongue.
“Shh,” he murmurs. “I’m not done talking.” I huff a laugh, my palms braced on his knees as my legs wobble. “I have faith in you because, despite everything, you’ve never stopped looking for the best in life. Even when your days are dark, and you consider the worst, you’ve stayed because somewhere deep inside, you know the world is waiting for you to make your move. You can and will do this, Ella. It’s your turn to live.”
My lips collide with his, and I breathe in his steady reassurance, letting his faith in me calm my nerves. I don’t know that I believe his beautiful words, but I want to. God, I want to so badly.
“Guys,” Oliver chuckles. “I know I said they’d wait for you, but I’m pretty sure you have some time-sensitive things to handle.”
I hear the unspoken words, and they have me pulling away from Hunter’s sweet taste. Nodding, I kiss his forehead as his fingers slip from my hair. “Okay,” I whisper, more to myself than anyone. I nod my head and brush my shaking fingers down my pants. “Okay. Let’s do this.”
My eyes flutter closed for a brief moment, and I picture the way Gage man-spreads when he walks into a room. The way he somehow makes himself look bigger when he’s taking on his power stance.
I stand, backing away from both of them. Chin up. Face flat. Jaw tense. Legs tense and wide. Fists clenched.
“Uh, Ella,” Oliver chokes out, his eyes wide. He leans in and drops his voice, jutting his chin toward a hall. “There’s a bathroom over there if, you know, you have to…” He breaks off, rubbing his neck.
My brows crash together, and my body deflates. “What?”
Hunter rubs his hand over his heavily stubbled jaw, barely stifling a laugh. “He thinks you need to shit.”
I gape at them both. “What?” I practically screech.
Hunter’s head falls back with a deep, rumbling laugh that has goosebumps breaking out all over my skin, even if I am mortified.
Oliver blushes again, something I noticed he does often. “You just looked—”
“Like you have to shit,” Hunter supplies. He glances at Oliver. “It’s her power stance.” At my cocked brow, he shrugs. “I’ve watched Gage do it enough to know what you were going for there, babe. Sorry, but he does it way better.”
With a sigh, I flip him off.
“Fucking hell,” I grumble, giving them my back as I head toward the MedBay exit Oliver brought me through hours ago. “Whatever. Let’s go.”
I toss my shoulders back, pretending I’m not turned on, and sad and terrified all at once. Pretending I’m someone else.
Just not Gage.
Chapter 22
Istand before aheavy door in the heart of the compound, my fingers nervously twisting and turning. A golden placard on the door reads “The Chamber,” and it sends shivers down my spine. Behind me, Hunter sits in a wheelchair, and Oliver stands by his side, waiting for me to make my move.
And I will.
I need to.
I just can’t seem to make my legs work.
“So,” Oliver’s soft voice breaks the uneasy silence, drawing my attention. He offers me a gentle smile. “This is where I leave you.”
My eyes widen, and my heart begins to pound in my chest. “You’re not coming? You have to. You’re like the nicest person here,” I croak as my hands flail between us. “What if I need you as, like, backup or something?”
He laughs. “Yeah, I don’t think I’m any good for that job. I’m just a lab nerd.” He reaches out and grabs my hands, stilling my movements, his smile warm. “My credentials don’t afford me a place in that room.”
“That’s bullshit,” I mutter, my throat tight with emotion. I squeeze his hand back, gratitude welling up inside me. “Thank you for everything, Oliver. Seriously. I really appreciate you.”
Hunter lets out an irritated sound, and Oliver chuckles, stepping back. He gestures toward the door. “You’ve got this,Princess.”
