Chapter 5

Third-person p.o.v

a car comes to a halt with a loud screech from the tires ensuite. Saffron's body jolts at the sound, waking her from her slumber. She lifts her head in a sleepy daze, eyes wandering aimlessly. Lifting her body from the ground she stood sluggishly on her feet. a groan slips from her lips as an ache runs through her body at the new weight on her feet. She moves slowly to the table sitting in the middle of the room, grabbing her phone off of it.

Just as the phone rests loosely in her hand she jumps in fright, dropping her phone in the process. She averted her gaze to the source of the sound, not being able to see anything from her position by the small window in the break room, she advanced forward. She found herself in the main part of the diner. Her eyes wandering cautiously around the space. She strained her vision, peering with the little light that the outside brought.

From the glimpse of her phone she caught before she dropped it, it was about 4 in the morning.

She stumbles back as a silhouette appears at the glass door at the front of the diner. She grimaced as the sharp edge of the countertop brushed roughly against the angry contusion that hugged her back. The form knocked at the door. As the tapping went on it became rougher, hands hammering into the door. She could feel her heartbeat pulsing through her stomach, it was pounding through her ears with pumping adrenaline. She cautiously makes her way around the counter, grabbing for something; anything to protect herself if need be. Her ears perk as a baritone voice bellows through the door, realization dawning on her at his words. "Hun it's me, Ezra, ya know your soulmate. Can you open the door please." his deep voice comes through muffled by the door. She cautiously moves closer. She grips the door handle with hesitation. slowly she undid the door with a resonate click of the lock.

She recoiled as he engulfed her in his embrace. shrinking back at the proximity. Her muscles went ridged as electricity flowed across her skin at his touch. She soon let her tension go, melting into his touch as he runs his hands around her back soothingly. His arms were wrapped around her protectively, his chin resting atop her head. She pushed back on his chest, he let her pull back slightly but not enough for her to be completely free of his embrace. Gazing up at him she noticed the dark circles that played under his emerald eyes, contrasting his soft, pale complexion, and the bruise that splotched his cheek. A small cut meeting it. Cerulean clashed with jade as they gazed at each other. Butterflies fluttered around her stomach as a gorgeous smile grazed his lips; Pink dusting her cheeks. She didn't think people were made this handsome. A chill ran down her spine at his deep silky voice resounding through her ears. "pinch me." he said. She looked at him confusion clouding her features, but non the less went with it. She pinched his arm, a yelp following. "it was a metaphor." he chuckled. "well you told me to, so I did." she said blankly. "ok fair enough but I didn't expect you to do it." he exclaims, his brows furrowing to a pout. He grinned as a giggle left her lips, the sound was like a beautiful symphony that was played masterfully. "are you ready?" he asked her with a yawn. She hesitated before answering. "yeah." he offered her a small smile as she brought him to the back to gather her things.

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A quiver rolled through her body as the cold, early morning air washed over her. Ezra led her to the car, gripping her hand gently. He pulled open the passenger door for her, gesturing for her to sit. she smiled at him softly as a silent thank you. She got in the car letting the warm air enveloped her as he gently shut the door behind her. He got in a few moments later after putting her stuff in the back. settling himself in the seat, he latched his buckle before turning his attention to her small frame securely buckled in. He pulled the car out of the parking spot slowly. putting it in gear he drove out of the lot. As they pulled into the road he intertwined their hand causing her to stiffen, ignoring the immediate urge to pull away, she instead let herself relax into his gentle hold hesitantly, seeing as it seemed to bring him some sort of satisfaction.

As the drive continued her eyes got heavier and harder to keep open, the soft rhythm of the car and the soft heat that was embracing her wasn't helping. Soon her eyes got to heavy to keep open. she let them flutter closed, the darkness of sleep welcoming her ever so sweetly.

Ezra soon pulled the car into a hotel parking lot. The long drive finally taking its toll on his body, he yawned as he put the car in park his gaze drifting over to the girl next to him. A smile wormed its way onto his face looking at her adorable sleeping form. An accomplished sigh left his lips as he stared at the woman he was already falling for.

He leaned over and kissed her temple before leaving to check them in.

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He sighed heavily, sitting on the bed. After he came back out he didn't have the heart to wake her so he carried her in, up the elevator to the top floor, to the end of the hall. He now sat on the end of the bed, her sleeping peacefully behind him. He sat there, mind a mess, having finely sat down and given himself time to process what just happened. He had been ready for this day his whole life but.. he was still absolutely terrified. Scared he'd mess this all up, that she'd not want him. But one look at her face and all that melted away. It was amazing the power she held. It both scared him and relieved him.

He decided to think more on it later but for now, he needed sleep, it was about a 6-hour drive with no stops. Luckily he had a full tank.

He crawled in the bed next to her slowly so as not to disturb her sleep.

He wrapped his arms around her bringing her to his chest protectively

Leaving a lasting kiss on her head.

"goodnight love." The words fell from his lips as sleep overtook him.