Collided Souls

I M O G E N

A sigh of relief escaped me as I sank into the hot, bubbly water. After the day I'd had, this was more than deserved. My hair was wrapped in a bun, bubbles lapping gently at my neck. I closed my eyes and let myself unwind.

I reached to my side and took a slow sip of red wine, letting the tension melt away. I'd been grading leftover schoolwork, listening to Leona rant about how to keep Christian behind bars... and dealing with, well, everything that is Christian.

Honestly, it'll be a long time before I get a real break.

Right on cue, my phone buzzed.

I sighed again—this one full of annoyance—set my wine down, and picked up my phone. Leona's FaceTime icon blinked on the screen.

"Yes?" I answered.

Her eyes narrowed. "Are you in the bathtub?"

"As you can see, yes," I replied, sinking back. "What now?"

"Have you seen the news?"

I raised a brow. "No. Why? What happened?"

"There was a shootout—near the café you always go to. Look." She flipped her camera toward the TV. A reporter stood on the scene, live. "I bet it was Christian," she muttered, turning the phone back to herself.

My heart dropped. I knew that area. These things had Christian written all over them. He never made moves like this unless someone he didn't like was close—really close.

"Oh my God!" I gasped.

"What?" Leona's eyes widened.

"I—I have to go." I hung up before she could question me. My fingers flew to Instagram, then to messages. I texted Cane immediately.

My stomach twisted. What if he was there? What if something happened?

I couldn't breathe until a message popped up. He's okay.

A shaky breath escaped me.

I texted back, saying I was coming over. He insisted I stay put for safety. But I couldn't. My concern—and my stubbornness—overruled every warning.

So much for relaxing.

I climbed out of the tub, grabbed my towel, and dried off quickly before rushing to my closet. Clothes on. Keys in hand. Door shut.

Minnesota air rushed against my face the moment I stepped outside. It whispered for me to turn back. Everything in me said stay... but I didn't. I couldn't. My car roared to life and I sped off. Thank God it didn't stall today.

It didn't take long to get to Cane's.

I checked my surroundings, then climbed to his floor. I smiled politely at a few neighbors and stopped at his door.

Knock. Knock.

Witty's soft meows echoed behind the door before it opened to Cane—in sweats, a T-shirt, and glasses.

"Didn't I say stay home?" he said, brow raised.

"Yes," I replied with a sheepish smile, slipping inside. "But I had to see you. Christian practically sent people to take you out, right in the middle of the street. And I don't know what I would've done if—if something happened because—"

He cut me off by pulling me into a hug, warm and strong. A kiss landed gently on my forehead. He tilted my chin up to meet his eyes.

"If it meant dying for you," he rasped, his thumb brushing my lower lip, "I'd do it a thousand times over. For you. Only you. Just to have you safe in my arms."

"You can't be serious," I whispered.

"More serious than ever." He kissed me then, long and deep. Like our lives depended on it. Maybe they did.

When we finally pulled apart, I just nodded, stunned and swept away. His thumb lingered on my lip, as if reassuring me everything was okay.

"There'll be a time," I said softly.

"I know," he murmured. "Though I doubt it'll come."

I smiled, not because of the words—but because Witty decided to make herself known, purring at my feet. I picked up the black furball, who practically smiled in my arms.

"She really likes me."

"Good," Cane smiled. "She hates most people."

"Someone I know," I teased.

"Funny," he muttered, frowning.

I giggled, stood on my tiptoes, and kissed the corner of his mouth. "I'm hilarious," I whispered in his ear.
Cane stared down at me, smirked, then grabbed Witty and set her gently down before suddenly throwing me over his shoulder.

I squealed in surprise, laughing as my body pressed against his.

I'm finally happy.

But we both know it won't last.

Not long enough for us to say those three words—the ones that tie people together forever. The ones I've never heard from him.

All in my head.

I love you.

Someday, I'll say it.

A/N

Mind you I was listening to Rewrite the stars by the greatest showman...not good for my soul 🥹🥹💌