Stay With Me

Chapter 14

The early morning sun rose peacefully over the rooftops of Seattle, giving everything a soft glow. Everywhere the light touched the city it seemed to come to life, like a giant waking up from it's peaceful slumber; slowly and without a care in the world. Everyone was starting their day, the break of dawn signaled a new beginning; a fresh start. Yesterday's troubles were forgotten, for the day held new misadventures.

The familiar noises of the city surrounded them, folding around them like a blanket. Renesmee and Riley watched the sunrise from the top floor of his penthouse apartment, their arms wrapped around each other. The entire building was made out of glass, offering the perfect view of the waking city. It was peaceful outside, but inside the storm raged.

Guess it's true I'm not good at a one night stand

But I still need love cause I'm just a man

These nights never seem to go to plan

I don't want you to leave, will you hold my hand?

Won't you stay with me?

Cause you're all I need

This ain't love, it's clear to see

But darling stay with me.

Riley knew something was wrong the minute they landed in Port Angeles. It was small, subtle changes, but it was there. She had become more quiet over Christmas, like she had nothing to say to him. He tried telling himself she was just worried about school, but it was clearly something else. She was on edge and lost in her own little world most of the time. He couldn't remember the last time they had an actual conversation with each other. Things just...felt different between them. He had no words to describe the feeling inside of him. It confused him, what was he supposed to do about it? He loved her, right? Things would get better, right? They were just in a rut. They had gotten comfortable around each other, not really trying like they used to. He didn't have to impress her anymore because she was his, so he just stopped trying. Had his feelings for her changed?

He tightened his arms around her, kissing the top of her head. She even felt different in his arms, like she didn't quite fit anymore.

She was distancing herself and he feared that it had something to do with Alec. She told him about everything that happened between them and at one point he even pitied the kid. He had some bad luck and was blamed for things he had no control over, but it was how he handled it that made Riley change his mind. Revenge was an ugly thing, wanted by ugly people. He also understood why Alec had such a hold on her, it was because she loved him. She refused to believe that someone who once loved her could hate her so much. She always saw the good in everyone, she never tried to change anyone, but being around her made you want to change. He wasn't there to see it, but he knew Alec was a better person when he was with her. He saw it in himself too, he was better with her.

Maybe that's why Alec couldn't let go of her either.

Why am I so emotional?

This is not a good look, gain some self control

Deep down I know this never works

But you can lay with me so it doesn't hurt

Won't you stay with me?

Cause you're all I need

This ain't love, it's clear to see

But darling stay with me.

Renesmee took a deep breath, taking in Riley's familiar and comforting scent. She knew she hadn't exactly been the best girlfriend lately. She distanced herself from him, though she wasn't sure why.

That was a lie, she knew exactly why. Alec.

Why was she so wrapped up in him? He haunted her every waking moment and he haunted her dreams. She thought she let go of him but just the opposite had happened, his hooks were in too deep. How was it possible that one person could have such an effect on another? She was under his spell and she didn't see any way out, no matter how hard she tried. She had moved on (or so she thought) like he instructed her to do, but instead of staying away he just walked back in. She would leave Riley in a heartbeat for him, simply because no matter how hard she tried she could not hate the person she loved.

Yes, she admitted it, she was still in love with Alec. She would always be. She wanted to believe that he felt the same, that he didn't hate her more than he loved her, but was that even possible? She shuddered as she remembered the weeks following the accident. She took the blame for it, she wanted to protect Alec and save him and his family from what hers was capable of, but it was too late. Her brothers made it impossible for Alec's family to live in their own hometown. She understood why he hated her, she understood why her family did what they had to do, it was all so twisted that she couldn't keep track of it anymore. It was a ever complicated web that just refused to unravel itself. What would make him happy? What would end this? Would it ever end?

She didn't see a way out of this, Alec was out to get her and she was prepared to fight back, but in doing so she knew she would lose all that she held dear. It's true what they say about revenge, you have to dig two graves; one for your enemy and one for yourself.

They were like two planets about to collide, nothing could deviate them from their course and all the innocent bystanders would be destroyed.

Won't you stay with me?

Cause you're all I need

This ain't love, it's clear to see

But darling stay with me.

"Have I mentioned how much I hate the cold?" Alec asked Luce as they sat in the back of the taxi, waiting for the driver to find a parking space. Luce was busy digging in her handbag, her black hair sticking out in every direction. It looked like her handbag was about to swallow her.

"Ironic for someone who used to live in the UK." Alec looked out of the window, so far the Seattle sky was cloudless, but he knew it wouldn't last long. It was just the calm before the storm. Luce finally found what she was looking for, pulling out her wallet to pay for the cab. The driver finally found somewhere to park and she handed him a couple of bills. Alec was about to object to a woman paying his cab fare, but Luce shut him up with a look. He quickly got out of the cab, grabbing both of their bags before Luce could give him another speech about how women shouldn't be treated like it was the 19th century. She was about to give him another nasty look when he stopped her.

"Just let me carry the damn bags woman."

"Don't give me sass Alec Brigham, I will kick your ass all the way back to Arizona if you don't watch it."

Alec smirked at her and she just rolled her eyes before walking up the steps and into their hotel. The doorman politely greeted her, holding the door open for her. At least she didn't bite off his head for being a gentleman. Alec followed her up the steps, nodding to the doorman as he passed.

"She's something isn't she?" He inclined his head toward Luce, who was inside and waiting impatiently for Alec to join her.

"You don't know the half of it..." He mumbled as he walked through the door. Immediately the bags were taken from him and he was ushered to the front desk to check in. It wasn't the most glamourous hotel, but it was close to where Renesmee and her friends were staying so it would have to do.

After they checked in Luce and Alec made their way up to their suite, both of them falling down on the bed the minute they entered.

The room had the basics, two beds, a bathroom, a small kitchenette and a small living room. It wasn't anything to write home about.

"So what's the plan?" Alec asked as he turned to face Luce. She smirked, leaning over to tell him. When she was finished he sat up, a devious smile on his face. "You're a psychopath."

"I prefer creative."