Chapter 17: Hide and Seek

A scream tore through my throat as I was grabbed. "It's just me, princess", whispered Forest, holding me close to his chest safely. I always knew Forest would protect me. I never doubted him for a second. He kissed my head gently. Quietly, he left me and locked both of the doors in the living area. Again, trying to keep me safe.

"What about them?" I murmured, tugging at my hair worriedly.

"They'll be fine, Story. They are trained for this", he said, sitting on the sofa. His grassy green eyes glowed as he watched me. His black curls were pushed back. He was so hot. Suddenly, we heard a loud thump upstairs, and I shot up. Running over to the door, I tried to unlock it when Forest grabbed me back violently.

"Story, I'm under strict instructions. You can't leave this room", stated Forest, pulling me over to the sofa.

" We can't leave them", I cried, fighting against him. Forest's hand slithered up my throat, pressing a little. Panic squeezed my lungs.

"I won't hurt you; don't make me defy an order, Storybook", he said so quietly I almost thought I'd imagined it. His lips were inches from mine as he watched me carefully. Then he pressed those talented lips to mine, and I swear I could see stars. His tantalizing tongue slipped into my mouth as he invaded my every sense. My every being. He was everything I'd ever wanted and more. He pushed me harder against the sofa, climbing on top of me and grinding against me. I whimpered against his mouth.

"It's nice to know while we've been catching the stalker, you two have been fucking", moaned Izack. Forest ripped away from me. They all stood. Heat bloomed in all their eyes.

"We aren't fucking", murmured Forest glancing at Gage and tracing his lips with his finger. Like our kiss had scolded him.

"Well, we've done a full sweep. He's not here now," said Gage, eyeing me up. I nodded, wrapping my arms around myself.

" It's ruined everything", I whispered, sitting on the sofa and placing my head in my hands. I sat there for what felt like hours.

"Not everything", managed Haze. I opened my tired eyes to him on one knee with a ring. His green eyes glowed with worry as he looked at me. "Marry me" he managed. I studied him. Was he actually joking?

"I have to marry you anyway, Haze," I stated. He nodded, looking down. "But I wanted to do it properly, and I wanted to establish something," he said quietly. Looking at the boys, my heart sank. If I married him, they'd think I was choosing just him. But I wasn't. I loved them all in my own way.

" This ring is a devotion of all of us. All of FIGHT. We all need you. Legally, you can only marry me. But technically, you'll be married to them, too. This won't be traditional. This will be you exploring your relationship with them, too," he murmured. Tears filled my eyes as happiness consumed me.

"I'll marry you, all of you" I beamed.

***

It had been a few weeks, and I was back on campus. Christmas break had been nice, but I couldn't wait to get back to my studies. An arm flew around my shoulder. Haze. He wore a cocky smile on his face. "How are you today, princess ?" he asked sweetly.

"Just fine. How was Ella," I replied. Haze had found out a few days ago the only reason the baby survived was the fact Gabriella had been pregnant a few months before she told Haze. So Gabby's lies had probably saved her baby's life. I knew Haze was struggling but like always he brushed it off.

"She might be coming out in a few weeks; Dad has pulled a few strings and said she can stay in my dorm, and we'll get her minded while I'm in class", he smiled. I grinned.

"That's really great," I said, looking at him again. He was happy. It was rare from Haze, but nice to see. Walking down the path, all of Fight Club joined us. Gage turned to me. His blue eyes assessed me.

"It's your fight with Quinn tonight", he murmured.

"I've told you, Gage, she's not doing it," hissed Izack furiously.

"She has no choice. You've met my father, for fuck sake", snapped Gage, stopping in the walkway. This caused milling students to rush away like scared little ants.

"Now, now children please play nicely; I agree with Izack; Story will not be fighting this evening." Said Tyler, adjusting his glasses.

"How will she not be fighting?" Bellowed Gage furiously.

"Because Story is going to be kidnapped tonight", managed Tyler quietly. Izack watched me, confused.

" Think about it: Story is kidnapped by those who are after the fight club. This will panic Ryder, and he will be more interested in using Story as an asset, not a punchbag," murmured Forest, agreeing with Tyler's idea.

" How do we achieve this then? Asked Haze curiously.

" Leave the details to me", said Tyler, hurrying off quickly. I watched him go with a frown. Forest kissed my head quickly and followed after him. I just stood feeling nervous. Whatever he had planned wasn't going to end well for any of us.

***

I stood at the edge of the payment; this is where Tyler had told me to meet the guy who would be picking me up. A little earlier than expected, a car pulled up. The same one Tyler had mentioned. Hoping in, I sat in the back seat, and the man locked the doors.

" Taking this a little too seriously, huh?" I joked.

"Something like that", he grumbled deeply. Panic twisted my stomach as I thought about the boys speaking to Ryder. Looking out the window, I realized the man had gone the wrong way.

" Excuse me, we've gone the wrong way", I said quietly. He just grunted. Nerves coiled violently in my stomach. Something was off. Pulling my phone out, I dialed Tyler. But no signal. Shit. Then, the man grunted and unlocked the doors. I shot out worriedly and stood in the middle of nowhere anxiously. When suddenly, a hand wrapped around me.

"It's been a while, princess", the man whispered. That's when I realized this wasn't a game. This time, I was kidnapped for real.