New bonds *

A good minute passed, just staring deeply into eachothers eyes. I had braced myself for another outburst, but he surprised me with a chuckle instead. "I can't deal with you, can I?" His voice held a hint of amusement, yet there was an underlying sincerity to his words.

"Truth is..." He seemed to be choosing what to say, deep in his thoughts staring into the haze. "When we first... took you, you were just a girl—a target to deliver to the boss. But, you saw what was happening, and instead of breaking down, you showed courage. It struck me, others would be begging for their life at that point. If the boss ordered us to end your life then and there, I don't think I could have carried out his command. Fortunately, that wasn't the case. You ended up becoming part of this world, working with us, and somehow, as much as I hate to say it, you warmed up to me."

He paused, "I know it doesn't make much sense," he admitted, "but hear me out. When you ran away, it felt like a piece of my heart shattered. I knew the day would come when you'd learn the truth about the kidnapping and what we truly are, but I didn't expect it to happen so soon."

I couldn't help but interrupt, seeking reassurance. "So, you're saying you don't hate me?" I asked, almost pleadingly.

An exasperated sigh escaped him. "Come on, were you not listening at all? How could you even ask that after I explicitly mentioned that you've grown on me?!" His frustration seemed to give way to something softer as he noticed the uncertainty still lingering in my eyes.

I maintained my gaze, silently urging him to say the words I longed to hear - to admit that he cared for me.

He met my stare, his expression deadpan, and finally, the words escaped his lips. "No, I don't hate you," he responded, the honesty in his voice unmistakable. I couldn't hold back my joy, and I pulled him into a tight embrace. At first, he seemed hesitant, but eventually, he yielded to the warmth of the hug.

As we held each other, I felt a smile spread across my face. I rested my head on Collins' shoulder, with my worries put to rest, I drifted into a peaceful slumber, secure in the knowledge that we were now bound by something deeper than before.

.

He couldn't help but chuckle. "Asleep in a situation like this? What are you, a baby?" he murmured, his laughter tinged with disbelief. Cradling Alice in his arms, he tried to make her as comfortable as possible.

"Just sleep for now, I'll do my best to figure out how to get us out of here as soon as possible," he reassured her in a hushed tone.

His eyes wandered to Alice's side, and he gently pressed his hand over it. After some time of excessive thinking he remembered something that he should have probably checked from the very beginning.

"Wait... fucking phone!"

.

Blake's POV- few hours earlier

The sun had set, casting the world in darkness. It was 10 PM when I returned home, perplexed by the absence of any calls or messages. "Perhaps they're exhausted and turned in early," I mused, knowing I had to be prepared for Colin's whining.

I shed my work clothes, took a quick shower, and slid into bed. The once-warm and inviting space now felt cold and empty. "Has the bed always been this big?" Fatigue overwhelmed me, and my eyelids drooped as I descended into a restless slumber.

My alarm blared, though it was utterly useless, as I'd been awake for hours, stuffing my mouth with food. "Time to get to work," I sighed, missing Alice and wondering when she might call. As I dragged my weary body to the office, the realization hit me that not only she wasn't home, but she certainly wouldn't be at work. My day was off to a terrible start, and I regretted agreeing to her plan. She could have stayed with me, but no, she wanted to have a bonding time with Colin. The day he crosses my path, I vowe to give him a fucking piece of my mind.

Muttering curses under my breath, I arrived at work, where the mundane tasks did nothing to distract me. Damn you, Colin!

Then, as if on cue, my phone suddenly rang. Speak of the devil.

"Colin! I told you to contact me as soon as you arrived," I blurted out with a mix of irritation and concern.

"Can you please calm down and listen?" His voice held an unusual gravity.

"What happened?" Anxiety tinged my words, as I braced for what he might say.

"Well, you see, we had an accident. The driver didn't make it, and Alice-"

"Where are you? Why didn't you call me sooner? I-"

"Just calm down, okay? Everything is under control. Just come pick us up and bring some medics. I'll send you our location.""Wait-" *beep beep beep* He hung up on me. That infuriating little knobend... revelation struck me, and I urgently called out, "Liam!" The door flew open, and a breathless Liam stood before me.

"Yes, sir? Do you need something?"

"Get the car ready and call for medical assistance. Something happened, and we need to leave now."

"Y-yes, sir!" Liam scrambled to action, and soon, we were on our way.