chpt. 3

I weave through the people in the busy streets. I smell smoke, a hint of rain and hear chatter all around.

I don't know what came over me to do that. I check my watch, it's four thirty in the afternoon, I still have plenty of time. I make my way through the streets, heading deeper into the city.

I keep my head low and my coat hood high over my face, concealing myself so that no one I know sees me. I keep away from window shops, and keep close to walls with no windows.

It's peaceful, I must admit. I know deep down this is risky and very much stupid, but it's so... freeing. I don't have to make as if everything is okay, I don't have to keep a smile on my face and nod or talk appropriately just because he says so.

I then see a figure walking my way. My body goes cold and my legs freeze. No! No! No! I freeze in the middle of the walkway. My husband bumps into me, and doesn't spare me a look or apology.

That I've gotten used to. Silent treatment. Being hit. Smacked. All of it. What makes my heart drop is the strange woman on his arm.

He laughs loudly as she says something to him when they pass. She murmurs something terrible about me as he bumps into me, then kisses him lovingly on the cheek. He quickly rubs the lipstick off. He then waves a hand in the air, his left—he's not wearing a ring.

I duck between two buildings and bend over one of the trash cans. I vomit, my body contracting. I wretch loudly, holding onto the filthy brick wall for support.

And I thought he's done his worst on me. First come tears as I wipe my mouth. So that's why, he's been coming home late! How could I be so... so naive! So stupid? To believe he loved me?

I kick the trash can, sending the contents flying. I breathe heavy as tears blur my vision. It feels like that's all I've been doing, crying. I'm tired of it. Sick of it. Doubt and dread settles into my chest.

I can't get away from him. I can't. He'll beat me up more if I bring it up. If I dare. I wrap my arms around myself. What do I do? What can I do? More tears fall.

"It's dangerous for a woman being in an alley alone." A voice says behind me. I swirl around, my stomach dropping. My eyes meet baby blue one's, a mop of blonde hair and a sly grin.

Johnny Storm.

I let out a breath, "Do you always stalk women who are alone?"

He grins, walking over to me, "Uh, no." His hands are loosely in his jacket pockets and I think I see his suit underneath his black shirt.

"Do you stalk men then?" I question.

He chuckles, "I don't stalk, period."

I smile tightly at him. He frowns as he looks at my face. I feel my cheeks flush.

"Why are you here?" He asks softly.

My eyes widen as I stare at him. My mouth wants to spit every little detail to him. But why? He's a stranger. Sure I know him because of the news and the fact that he saves lives on a daily basis, but that's it. He's a total stranger otherwise.

I wrap my arms around myself. My mouth wants to pour out all of the abuse I've suffered over the course of five years. But my brain just wants to say "I'm fine." Like I always do.

"I wanted—"

"Hey! Lookie here fellas!" A voice sounds from behind me.

I freeze. No. This can't be happening. Not now. Johnny acts before I can do anything, gently pulling me by my arms and stepping in front of me. His soft touch sends a shiver down my spine. Its unknown to me.

"Turn around and leave." Johnny warns, standing tall in front of me.

"Or what? You'll torch our asses?" One guy asks and his buddies laugh.

"Something like that..." Johnny mutters.

The next thing I hear is a girly scream and a smack. All the men seem to go up in the air like rag dolls. What is happening?

"Need help Johnny?" A deep voice asks. It's Ben.

"Nope. I've got this, Ben." Johnny says smugly before his whole body goes aflame in front of me. The flames are hot, yet don't actually burn me at the close proximity. They seem to gently lick my skin before Johnny jumps into action.

He flies around, sending liquid fire to the bunch of me. Ben sends the men flying in all directions. It's actually comedic to watch, all I have to do is keep out of the way.

All the thugs go running, screaming. Ben only rolls his eyes, his hands going to his hips, "Since when do we fight behind alleys, Johnny?"

Johnny doesn't answer him, instead he jogs over to me, starting to examine me. "Are you okay? You're not hurt are you?" He seems actually concerned.

I swallow, wrapping my arms around myself, "I'm okay. Thank you for that. I... don't know what I would've—" His hot finger presses to my lips.

"It's my job, no need for thanks." He says softly.

"Wow. That's the first time I've seen you flirt in the wild." Ben says from behind him.

Johnny rolls his eyes, groaning, "Can you... not?" I let out a laugh, which I cover with my hand.

Ben's hands go up in surrender, "Just sayin', you always stand before mirrors—"

"Ben! Shut up!" If I didn't know any better, I'd say actual heat was radiating off of him.

Ben chuckles, sticking out his hand to me, "I'm Ben." He smiles.

I shake his hand, "Y/n."

"You have a knack for getting in trouble I see." Ben's eyes squint playfully.

I grin at him, "Seems so." Dread settles deep into my stomach, I check my watch. Thirty minutes till he's home.

"Thank you for what you did today. I really appreciate it, but I have to get home." I rush, turning and jogging out the alley way.

"Hey, wait, wait, wait!" Johnny stops in front of me. "I can fly you home... if you want. It's much faster."

I shake my head, "No. I couldn't let you do that..."

He smiles softly, sticking out a hand to me, just standing there. He's leaving the choice up to me. I almost tear up right there. I take a breath and take his hand. He then slowly lifts me off the ground, bridal style. I giggle, my arms going around his neck.

"Hold on tight." He whispers as his whole body goes aflame and he jumps into the air.

I let out a yelp, during my face in his neck. This is insane. I'm practically cheating on my— but he is too! The realization hits my stomach hard. I hold onto Johnny tighter.

I feel wind all around me, cool against my skin. We are moving with great speed, but I don't dare look. A little peek won't hurt— until it does. I sneak a peek, only to see the ground far below us. I scream, gripping onto Johnny's shirt.

I then feel small water droplets fall on my skin. It's soothing and soft. I let out a hum. I then tilt my head to Johnny's ear.

"How do your clothes not burn?" I have to almost yell above the noise of the wind.

I feel his chest vibrate, "Reid, my brother-in-law. He made all my clothes fire proof. Don't ask me how."

I smile at the last sentence, "How are the flames not burning me?" I ask.

"I lowered my core—"

We then stop, as if floating in the air. I dare to peek again. We're floating in front of my bedroom balcony. The sliding door opens with a loud bang. It's him. I want to throw up at the sight of him.

"Honey! Are you alright?" He screams. I want to roll my eyes and scoff. All fake.

Johnny floats to the balcony, softly landing on his feet. The rain has become harder now. He softly and gently places me on the ground, his flames extinguishing themselves.

My husband throws his arms around me, "What happened?" He asks, holding me much to tightly.

"She fell from the balcony." Johnny answers for me.

I look at him for a split second, "You did?" My husband questions, his hands cupping my cheeks. I internally cringe.

"Yes. I wanted to feel the rain and lost my footing. Stupid of me..." I murmur.

"Thank you." My husband says, shaking Johnny's hand, who is staring at him with a deep frown. Almost protective. "How can I repay you?" I not we.

Johnny smiles tightly, "No need for that, Sir. I'm just glad I could save your wife today."

I see my husband silently tuck his left hand behind his back, "Again thank you." He says, he then grips my arm behind me, hard.

"Thank you, Mister Storm." I say politely.

He grins at me, "You are welcome Ma'am."

His whole body is engulfed in flames as he flies off. My husband stares at me again, before letting me go with a harsh shove, "Stay away from the balcony." He warns.

I nod meekly, before heading quickly to the bathroom. I wet my face with cool water. I have to be the perfect wife again now. I almost cry at the thought.

I take off my coat and something falls to the ground. I piece of paper. I frown, picking it up.

Call me+xxxx

—J.S