“Don’t be an idiot, Drake. I’m more than capable of enough
poor decision-making on my own,” I reminded him. “I don’t
need you falling victim to my half-assed decisions today.”
A smile tugged at his lips, and before I knew it, he’d had his
arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me closer against
him. I was fast, but he was faster. Much faster, it seemed. “You
don’t get to make my mind up for me, Harley. I’m more than
capable of making my own decisions.”
“Well then, perhaps you should learn to make some good
ones.”
Drake tightened his grasp on my waist and dropped his head
so that our foreheads touched. I felt the heat of his breath on
my lips as he opened his mouth to speak. “Whatever happens
to you today, I’m going to be there by your side. No matter
what.”
“Don’t be a creep,” I teased. Truthfully, though, I actually
wanted him there. It was stupid, and I knew as much. I needed
to retain a distance between us; I needed to keep him safe, no
matter what. And yet, I needed him to be there for me because
I was terrified of what awaited me.”