Chapter One
Kristina arrived home after arguing with Ethan at the docks. His words kept playing over and over in her head. You're going to get me killed. She had convinced herself that nothing would happen to him, she wouldn't let it. She had though Ethan was just in denial about his feelings for her. She was the one in denial. The last thing she would ever do was hurt Ethan or let him get hurt but it was naive to think she would be able to stop Sonny or Johnny. She sunk into the sofa taking a deep breath; her eyes began to fill with tears as it dawned on her that it wasn't going to happen. She and Ethan weren't going to happen.
Kristina froze as she noticed Ethan walking her way. She had been standing at the docs after class and had been lost in thought. It had been a week since they had argued on this very spot. She cleared her throat but was at a loss for words. Her heart ached at the thought of never being with him but she felt she was losing a friend. She didn't know what hurt more. She needed him more than she had ever needed anyone.
"Hi" Ethan spoke quietly and Kristina knew something had changed.
"Hi, I was just..I was going to head home." Kristina turned but Ethan touched her elbow gently to stop her.
" I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you with everything I said before..About how you're always in danger and you should be more afraid. You were right; you can't live your life in fear." Ethan said.
Kristina nodded. "I know. But I have been reckless. I feel so stupid Ethan, all this time you have been selfless, you forgave me for lying about Kieffer, and you were there for me after the bomb went off at the wedding. The last thing I would ever want to do is put you in any danger and that is exactly what I've done. Anthony could come after you because of me." She felt the tears building in her eyes and took a deep breath. She didn't want to cry in front of him.
"Hey.." he touched her arm gently " I was..I was just a bit frustrated okay. I can take care of myself. Okay?" he grinned and waited for her reply but Kristina could barely breathe. How was she supposed to be okay without him?
"You were right to be frustrated and worried and scared Ethan. You were right; it isn't worth either of us dying over. I am always going to want something more and I need to stop being in denial and finally accept that you don't feel the same way. That's what you've said and I didn't listen but..." Kristina froze as ethan placed his hand on her cheek. His eyes met hers and he leaned in close until his lips met hers. Her heart beat so heavily again her chest that it ached. His lips moved over hers slowly and Kristina felt time had come to a sudden halt. When Ethan stepped away again she stared at him with wide eyes and smiled.
"I knew it!" Kristina teased.