Wreck My Plans

by Jillian Meadows

To the ones who are still finding themselves. It’s okay to not have a plan yet, I promise.

It’s an honor to protect the people I care about. But occasionally, I want my own person to help protect me.

But the thing I hate the most? I want Lena’s company more than anyone else’s in the world, and it’s quite possible I will die still wishing for it.

“You’re a lot of things, Lena Santos, but a side character is not one of them.”

“Your trauma isn’t invalid because you think mine is bigger. Your hurt matters too. And you’re allowed to talk about it, even with me.”

Loving her has never been the problem. In fact, it’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done.

“The right person would be steady and dependable. A partner who sees you just the way you are and loves every tiny piece. They would need to be a lighthouse for you to come back to after you’ve braved the seas.” His voice slips over me like the softest velvet caressing my skin. “And they would need to be protective of you. Because you spend so much time protecting everyone around you that you need someone watching your back.”

“No, Lena. You don’t need to be tamed.” My heart leaps in my throat as his fingers graze my ear to tuck a loose strand of hair behind it. “You’re perfect just the way you are. Wild, free, passionate, warm.”

She lifts a shoulder carelessly. “We could just not look at each other.” A laugh tumbles out of me. “I’m always looking at you.”

“You are not the person people find on their way to meet someone else. You are the whole damn package, Lena, and anyone would be lucky to love you and take care of you.”

She’s burrowed so far into my heart and soul that there’s no moving on. Ever.

Her breaths deepen and her muscles relax as I cradle her against my chest. And for this one night, I have my entire world, my one true home, inside my arms.

“Fuck all that. Wreck my plans. Obliterate them. You’re my dream. None of it matters compared to you.”