8 | stay

A/N: Please vote! It really does help, and it lets me know that you like my story, giving me more motivation to write. I appreciate comments as well. Thanks for reading!

After Angela and I finished talking, we decided it was time to head home, pack up, and get some rest before the big day. Tim and I were leaving at 5:00 am tomorrow. He said he'd swing by my apartment to pick me up, and then we'd head to the airport to catch the bad guys from the mafia.

As we walked to our cars, there was this heavy silence between us. Tim has parked his car next to mine and then just stopped, looking at me. I met his gaze and waited, wondering what he was going to say.

He seemed awkward, like he didn't know what to say, probably still feeling the effects of our passionate kiss earlier.

"Good night, Lucy," he whispered, his beautiful blue eyes locked on mine.

"Good night, Tim," I replied softly, moving closer to him to give him a hug. At first, he seemed surprised by the gesture, but then he wrapped his arms around me, and we held each other for a good minute before pulling away.

Before getting into his car, he leaned down and kissed me on the forehead, his smile warm and gentle as he waved goodbye.

I got into my car and drove home, my stomach fluttering with butterflies. Why was I feeling like this? He's my boss, for goodness sake. I shouldn't be feeling this way. But no matter how hard I tried to push those feelings aside, they lingered, making me question everything.

When I finally got home, I found myself unable to fall asleep. My bags were packed, and I lay on my bed, cocooned in my blanket, mindlessly scrolling through my phone. I was relieved that Chris was away for some work event in another state, giving me some much-needed peace and quiet.

As exhaustion began to creep over me, I started to drift off. But just as I was about to slip into sleep, I was jolted awake by another nightmare, the memories of my abduction flooding back with terrifying clarity. Panic gripped me, making it hard to breathe as I felt overwhelmed by fear and despair.

I tried to calm myself down, but it was no use. The urge to seek relief, even if it was through harmful means, crept into my mind. I knew I could reach for the razor in my bathroom, a temporary escape from the pain and anguish gnawing at me. But then I remembered Tim's words, his earnest plea for me to call him if I ever felt this way again, even in the dead of night.

Trembling and tearful, I reached for my phone and dialed his number. The phone rang, and when he answered, his voice sounded husky with sleep. In any other circumstance, I might have found it strangely attractive, but in that moment, all I could focus on was my own anguish.

"Tim?" I managed to choke out, my voice barely a whisper as tears streamed down my face.

"Lucy, are you okay? Do you want me to come over?" His voice was more alert now, tinged with concern and worry.

"Yes, please, Tim. I need you," I replied, my words coming out in a desperate plea as I struggled to contain my sobs.

I hoped he would hurry, knowing that I couldn't bear to wait much longer under the weight of my distress.

As I hung up the phone, relief washed over me knowing that Tim was on his way. Moments later, I heard a knock at the door, and I rushed to open it, my heart pounding in anticipation. As I swung the door open, I was suddenly aware of my appearance, clad only in an oversized t-shirt and short shorts. Tim's eyes briefly flickered over me, a faint blush coloring his cheeks before he quickly averted his gaze.

Without a word, I threw myself into his arms, my tears flowing freely now as I sought solace in his comforting embrace. Tim's arms wrapped around me, holding me close as he whispered soothing words of reassurance and comfort. With gentle strength, he lifted me into his arms, cradling me against his chest.

"Where should I take you?" he asked softly, concern etched in every line of his face.

"To my bed," I whispered hoarsely, my voice trembling with emotion.

Tim nodded in understanding and carried me to my bedroom, laying me down gently on the soft sheets. He hesitated for a moment before lying down beside me, his presence a comforting anchor in the midst of my turmoil.

As I lay there, still trembling with the aftershocks of my panic attack, Tim's steady presence beside me brought a sense of calm and safety. I nestled closer to him, seeking refuge in his warmth and the reassuring rhythm of his breathing. In that moment, as we lay together in the quiet darkness, I knew that I was not alone. I never felt like that with Chris. I only felt safe in Tim's arms.

As we lay there together, the tension in the room gradually began to dissipate, replaced by a quiet sense of comfort and understanding. Tim's voice broke the silence, his words slow and gentle as he addressed me.

"Can I ask you something, Luce?" he said, his gaze searching mine for permission to continue.

I nodded, a sense of vulnerability washing over me as I waited for his question.

"Why did you call?" he asked softly, his eyes filled with concern.

I took a deep breath, gathering my courage before I spoke. "I had a nightmare, and I got the urge to... to cut myself," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Tim's expression softened, and he reached out to brush away the tears that still lingered on my cheeks. "I'm proud of you for calling me," he said, his words filled with sincerity and warmth.

A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I looked up at him, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me. I settled back against his chest, finding solace in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

As I breathed in the familiar scent of him, Tim glanced down at me, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. "Do you like my scent?" he asked, breaking the silence with a tentative question.

I nodded awkwardly, feeling a flush creep into my cheeks at the admission.

Then, feeling a surge of bravery, I asked the question that had been lingering in the back of my mind. "Can you... can you spend the night?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, afraid of his response.

At first, Tim seemed hesitant, his brow furrowing in contemplation. But then, after a moment's consideration, he nodded. "Yeah, I can do that," he said softly, his voice filled with a warmth that washed over me like a gentle embrace.

With a sense of relief flooding through me, I nestled closer to him, feeling the weight of exhaustion finally begin to settle over me. As I closed my eyes and let myself drift off to sleep, I knew that with Tim by my side, I would be safe and protected through the long night ahead.