Nick's POV

Bea had passed out. She literally fainted. I felt like I wasn't even in my body anymore. I could see why she was overwhelmed. I caught her before she fell forward. Her dad probably had it under control though. I just was so used to being alone with her; I was oblivious to the others in the room.

My social worker… dead.

A human being… dead.

Because of me.

I rarely ever saw him unless he was coming to check up on me. It was one of those relationships that weren't even a relationship. For example, if he wanted to know my last name, he would check my file. But that wasn't even the point.

It was her step-mother… Her. That's who it was. I couldn't even breathe. Was that how Bea and I were connected in the first place? Did she share the same methods?

No… it couldn't be.

"Bea," her father said, "Bea?" He sighed and picked her up in his arms. I just sat there, wanting to follow her. I didn't feel safe without her next to me. But I stayed put afraid someone would touch me. I felt the stairs to her house creak. He was carrying her away from me. I felt like I was about to cry.

Soon he came back down, his face growing weary and his breath becoming short, "Thank you David." He was talking to the officer next to me who just stared. He stood up and left the house… but didn't leave the property.

They were still around.

Bea's dad sat down in a chair across from me. He wasn't staring at me, wasn't making me feel out of place. I see where Bea had gotten her calming senses from. I had to say something though… anything.

"I never see their faces you know, I only see a blur; a danger. That's all I can expect to see," I said, "I'm sorry… I'm just not use to people."

"It's completely understandable, Nick," he said in a very smooth voice, "I can assure you though, that I am here to protect you."

"I know," I whispered.

"I'm arranging for you and Bea to leave for a little while," he said, "As soon as I get the okay from Florence, you will be free to go."

"Florence," I said quickly, "You have to make sure she's okay. There are kids there too. Just… make sure their safe."

"Trust me, Nick," he said, "They will be protected." But we both knew She wouldn't go for them. They were looking for me… Bea. Both of us.

"Bea and I would've met whether I wanted us to or not," I stated. Her father didn't disagree.

"She will wake up soon," he said, "Do you want to come with?" I nodded. I stood up when he did. Everything was very neat and organized here. I guess I was still afraid that he might suddenly change before my eyes and draw his gun on me.

I stood outside Bea's room when her father kept going. I didn't feel right just going in. So I stood there. Bea's father didn't notice until he sat down next to her. He waved me over but I stood still, "Its okay," he said, "She wouldn't mind."

I slowly stepped inside, walking towards her. I knew when she woke up she would be a little delirious. I've passed out before. It all depends on how she is. But I had a feeling this incident was enough to send her off the edge. Also, she only suffered from a concussion a few days ago.

She began to stir soon after I sat down behind her father. Her hand when to her head, indicating the blow from Bryan had made a toll on her again. But soon her eyes were wide open. She shot up, "Nick!" Her dad moved out of the way, allowing me to move closer to her. I quickly went closer, taking her shaking hands.

"Bea," I said. She was hyperventilating. I moved her hair out of her face so she could see me. It was as if her father disappeared from her room, like we were alone. Once she looked at me, she seemed to have calmed down. Tears were pouring from her face.

"I'm so sorry," she cried, "I'm sorry." I let her sit up. She put her arms around me, crying in my shoulder. I didn't know what to do to make her feel better. This was it…

Bea's POV

As soon as I got myself to stop crying my father was open to answer my questions. I didn't want to talk about apologies. I didn't want to talk about anything but what was going to happen.

"Did you find them," I said.

"No," my father replied wearily.

"Do you know where they are?" I asked. My dad nodded, "Why isn't anyone doing anything then?"

"It's not that easy, Bea," he said, "All we know is that they're in town. They want either Nick… or you." I couldn't breathe. The thought of them wanting me was enough… but to want to hurt Nick more than they already had… I wanted to kill them.

"What do we do?" I asked.

"I'm going to get you two out of here until they're brought in and taken care of," my dad said, "They FBI are coming and they're going to catch them." I felt a bit safer but there were the more fearful questions that haven't been answered.

"She was in the hospital," I mumbled.

"I know, honey," he said, "I know… a man, a nurse actually, released her late at night. No one could've caught them. It was very clean."

"They let her take in Nick?" I asked angrily.

"She changed, her name, her identity," he said, "We're a county police… we're not quite-"

"The smartest," I said. I knew it was hurtful to him but I couldn't take back my words, "Look… I'm sorry dad. I'm just scared. I don't… want anyone getting hurt."

"Why did they go after Madison?" Nick said, "They knew where I was…"

"The day you left their hands," my father explained, "Mr. Madison took you from them. This triggered vengeance."

"And their not done," Nick said squeezing my hand that was lodged between us. That was message towards me. He was implying that their next move was to dispose of me to destroy him. But that was illogical. They didn't know our relationship… they only knew we were both in the area… a perfect target.

"When do we leave?" I asked my dad.

"Tonight," he said, "Late though. We don't want to draw any attention."

"The FBI is coming," I said.

"Mhm," he said, "You'd be surprised out sneak those son of a bitches are." He stood up, "I have to go to the foster home. There are officers surrounding our house. They will not let anything happen to you."

"What about you?" I asked trying to stand up.

"I'll be fine," he said, "Just get things ready. I'll bring Nick's stuff. I'll be right back." I gulped but nodded. There were a bunch of officers against one or maybe two. He would be fine.

I stood up and let my dad leave quietly. I knew this was just as hard for him than it was for me. I was hoping that he would stay with us, he would wait with us. I had to no that everyone was safe.

"Florence," I whispered.

"She'll be protected," Nick said. I walked passed him and looked out the window. Then I grabbed a bag and threw stuff in it. Nick was silent. I felt tears form behind my eyes.

"I wish I knew," I said, "I wish I knew your last foster mother was the one who tormented me my entire childhood. That's it isn't it… that's the only reason we're connected."

"No," Nick said. He stormed over to me. I turned around and he was inches from my face, "No… you are I are… more than connected. It's more than that. You cared about me no matter what Bea. If you're step mother never had me with her, I still would've ran into you that day. I still would've seen your scar. I still would've let you in my life because I want you there." I've never seen such a side of Nick… fierce but true.

With that, he crushed his lips to mine, one of his hands on my ace while the other was traveling around my back. I wound my fingers in his hair, kissing him back. He was completely intoxicating, like he's kissed thousands of times before. His smell made me want to became a part of him. He kissed my throat for a moment then moved back to my mouth. Tears fell freely now from both of us. He pulled away, letting me breath. He moved closer to my ear, "I don't want to lose you, Bea."

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