Chapter 77

POV: Adam

With haste and desperation, I throw myself toward the imposing main wooden door, its sturdy surface firmly locked with a strong chain. With determination, I deliver consecutive kicks, seeking to break this barrier that separates Sam, Mia, and me from imminent danger. Each impact resonates like an echo in the darkness until finally, the chain snaps, and the door gives way before my strength.

Sam remains focused, standing in front of Mia, whose swollen eyes bear witness to the trail of tears she shed amidst the tension of the moment. None of us has time to spare, and I glance quickly at the clock, which heartlessly counts down only two seconds until the bomb explodes. However, as I return my gaze to Sam and Mia, a strand of time seems to have stretched, prolonging those precious moments.

My heart seems to freeze in my chest, and panic grips every inch of my body because time is relentless. In an instant, Mia turns her swollen face in my direction, meeting my gaze. A shiver runs down my spine, and I turn away, closing my eyes in anticipation of what is to come, feeling guilty for everything.

With the final beep echoing in the air, an agonizing tension settles in. The ensuing silence is deafening, waiting for everything to end at any moment. My breath is held as I realize that Sam has managed to disarm all the bombs in time; I finally look over there again, and Mia is in Sam's arms, both unharmed, the world returning to perfect balance once more.

A sigh of relief washes over me, and an irrepressible smile spreads across my face. It's one of those moments when life slows down, and reality seems almost surreal. I can hardly believe that Mia is safe; I can hardly believe that Sam and I managed to make this work.

I see Sam whisper to her to come to me, and she smiles in return, getting up. I scrutinize every inch of her body, and although she has some scratches and marks, Mia is not seriously hurt. I wasn't a religious man; I didn't even know if I believed that there was anyone beyond us, but for the first time, I allow myself to thank whoever is in heaven.

As I spot her presence in front of me, her arms wrap around mine, and I immediately feel the comforting warmth of her skin and the accelerated beat of her heart, along with the tears wetting my shirt. It's as if, in that moment, all the weight of the world has been lifted from my shoulders, along with any trace of anguish.

"I was so afraid of losing you, Gorge..." I whisper, hardly daring to break the closeness of our foreheads now touching.

"You and Sam saved me... Thank you..." With a gentle gesture, she lifts my face, her eyes expressing sincere gratitude, while I try to wipe away her tears.

"Are you okay?!" I ask, making sure nothing more serious has happened. "I'll have Sam take you to the doctor."

"I'm okay, Adam... I want to go with you and be with the girls," she requests, her heart slowing down, and the fear finally leaving her body.

"All right, that's enough; we need to go," Sam's voice breaks in beside us, bringing us back to reality. His words remind us of our encounter with men connected to someone powerful and the sense that getting into more trouble was not an option.

"Okay, let me know if you're not feeling well," I say, intertwining her fingers with mine, feeling a deep and unwavering desire to never let her slip away from my life. The two of us make our way toward Sam's car, her face resting on my shoulder as I ponder the immense responsibility that still rests on my shoulders: running a game.

As we walk, I hear my phone ringing and answer to find Amy on the other end, visibly shaken and anxious, bombarding me with a series of questions about the recent events that Amy's parents had told her and rushed to town for. Luckily, I had resolved everything so that no magazine or website could publish anything about what was happening, covering up the offer Madison had made to the reporters, making it clear why they had exposed me so much.

She anxiously asks about Mia, her trembling voice carrying a mix of concern and apprehension for her friend, even though she asks me not to let Mia know with the excuse that it's just to reassure her parents. I feel the pressure not to reveal our conversation to the girl, as I don't want to further complicate the situation now that I thought they were finally starting to resolve things. So, I choose to respond in a way that doesn't raise suspicions for Mia, assuring her that we're on our way and that, luckily, we'll arrive in time. After reassuring her, I hang up the phone before getting into the car.

At this moment, Sam is taking the wheel, and I have my doubts that he would allow anyone else to touch the steering wheel of his precious car. I take the opportunity to check under the seat and find a small first-aid kit, something he must have acquired due to the fights Sam often participates in. Carefully, I pick up a wet cotton ball.

Clark looks out the window, absorbed in contemplating the stunning scenery before us, probably feeling relief in her body for being alive, while I take the opportunity to gently touch her wounded shoulder, bringing her gaze to me. Carefully, I delicately move aside the team jersey that covers a portion of the injured area. I watch closely as I glide the cotton ball over the sensitive skin, noticing the expression of pain that manifests on her face. Fortunately, it's not a deep cut, so despite some murmurs of protest, I continue to tend to her minor injuries in that area.

"How did you delay the game?" She asks, her curious eyes on me, trying to forget the stinging sensation.

"Amy... We agreed she would puncture the tires of the opposing team's bus."

"Are you serious?" She lets out a laugh. "She can't even drive or has a license."

"It's hard not to learn when you spend some time with Sam," I mention, staring at my cousin in the rearview mirror, who smiles victoriously, pulling over the car in front of the university, letting the two of us get out first.

"Mia, do you mind sitting up front?" Sam asks, his tone serious now and somewhat resigned, and she looks at me, as if wondering if she should be concerned.

With a warm smile, I gently wrap one of her fingers, reassuring her, while she lets go of my hand, allowing me to long for that feeling that disappeared instantly. As she moves a few inches away, I shift my gaze to Sam, who watches her intensely before starting the conversation.

"You love her... I could tell by the way you looked at her while taking care of her injuries, and especially how she looked at you. Take care of her, Adam. Mia is a rare gem, and you're lucky to have her by your side."

"Don't worry, I don't intend to hurt her again. I know how much it hurts, how she must be feeling now, Sam... So I hope you'll be okay and find the right girl for you."

"I will be." He gives my shoulder a few light pats and smiles, and I reciprocate, a momentary peace being sealed between us before continuing to walk, with me following him.