Bound To You: Inevitable

Chapter 2

~Ari~

    I checked into the hotel late as my flight was delayed. I was grateful that they had rooms available. It’s been a year since everything went down. I did stop breathing but was brought back by the paramedics when I was placed inside the EMS. Agent Briggs sent me to Barcelona where I discovered a life-changing event. And because of it, I had to become better. This is my first assignment as an agent and I only accepted this position because of him. Riley doesn’t know that I’m here yet, but I will go see her tomorrow. “What can I get you, beautiful?” The bartender asked. “A shot of tequila, please.” I watched as he made my drink in front of me. As soon as he was finished, I downed it. I pulled out my phone and sent a quick text to Briggs, letting him know that I’m settled in. 

Good. Get some rest and I’ll check in tomorrow. 

I closed my screen but it lit up again and Camilla’s name popped up on the screen. 

    “Hey,” I answered. 

“Hey, so everything is here, right?” I laughed because she hasn't been in this predicament before.

     “Yes, it is. I’ll come by in the morning. I have to go to the office early anyway.” Camilla and I met through Zane at the diner. I shook my head trying to forget the night I told him I was his as I slept with both him and her. I contacted her a few months ago because I needed someone outside of Riley to help me come back here. 

“Okay, cool, I’ll have breakfast ready for you, so no need for you to stop and get any food,” she said. 

    “How is everything going?” I asked her. 

“Good. So far. But get some rest, I know you’re tired. That was a long flight.”  She was right. I just needed a little drink.

    “I will. And thank you for everything.” I really appreciated that she went out of her way for me. 

“No problem. Have a good night.” 

    “You too.” I hung up the phone, took out some cash from my wallet, got up, and left. 

    I went into my room on the eighth floor and kicked off my heels. I changed into one of Zane’s t-shirts, climbed into the bed, and let sleep take over me.

Bang..bang...bang… The shots rang and I saw myself on the floor bleeding. I gasped for air as my throat began to close up. I can see Zane’s shimmering eyes on me as he frantically tried to stop the bleeding. He put me in his arms and rocked me back and forth. “Help is on the way. Please stay with me,” He begged. 

    I jolted out of my sleep covered in sweat and hyperventilating. I took several deep breaths to gain my composure. This isn’t the first time I had this nightmare. I jumped up and went into the bathroom to clean myself up. Once I was finished, I checked the time to see that I woke up earlier than I anticipated. I decided to dress for the day and scroll through my phone. I don’t know how Riley is going to react when she finds out that I’m alive. She deserves to know. She’s been my best friend since we were kids and it wouldn’t feel right leaving her in the dark any longer. She and Jacob moved in together and she had a little girl who is almost two years old. I texted Cami and told her that I was on the way. I left the hotel room and headed towards the lobby but stopped when I heard that voice. I didn’t have to turn around to know that it was him. But I did and my heart dropped. He was with another woman. She was beautiful with light brown eyes and blond hair. She kissed his lips and then began towards the elevator. The same elevator I was getting on. I had to hold back the tears. He deserved to move on. He doesn’t even know that I’m alive. I stepped in and right before the door closed, she ran right in. I tried not to look at her, but she spoke to me. 

“Good morning.” She flashed a gorgeous smile. 

    “Good morning, how are you?” I asked, knowing that she probably had the time of her life. 

“I am great.” I bet you are. The elevator dings and the door opens. Yes, thank you! I walked out and towards my car. I stopped by Cami’s place and ate some breakfast.

     “This is really good,” I said.

“Awww, thank you.” She paused and I knew what was coming. “Are you ever going to see him?” 

I basically did this morning. Ironically, he was a few doors down from my room with his new girlfriend. I shrugged my shoulders.  

    “No, at least not right now. Besides, he probably moved on.” She rubbed her forehead. 

“Girl, that man loves you. He didn’t move on. If he is seeing someone, I’m sure it’s just casual.”

 I groaned as I finished my bacon. “I should’ve stayed in Spain.” 

“No, you did right coming back. It’s only your first day, settle in a little more before you try to see everyone,” she advised. 

    “Gosh, you’re right. But I have to at least see Riley. I have to tell her everything.”

“Fine, but I’ll invite her and Jacob over.” My eyes nearly popped out of my head. 

    “Not Jacob. He will tell, Zane.” Cami nodded in agreement. 

“I’ll be back,” she said as she rushed out of the dining room. When she came back, my face lit up with excitement.

 “Look who’s awake,” she said as sat him in my arms. His tiny fingers began to grab at my shirt.

     “Hi, mommy’s baby.” I peppered him with kisses. “I love you so much, Jaxon Christian Knight.” My son. I had him in Barcelona alone with just a live-in midwife and he is the best thing that happened to me since I “died”.