Daria
Three months later.
"Are you sure that you want to do this?" Brooklyn asks, meeting my eyes in the mirror before us. She appears concerned. "You can still back out until we have found you a wig in case you're uncomfortable going bald."
"I'm sure," I nod from my chair, fierce determination bubbling up within me. "Since it will happen, I rather it is on my terms—shave it off, all of it. Leave nothing left, and don't turn back; only flicker your eyes forward. And I don't need a wig at all. I want to be bald and live with the truth, not hide that I'm ill."
For the first time in my life, I'm not running from my condition anymore. I might not survive through my treatment, but thanks to the support and love of my friends, I no longer live in denial. I can talk freely about cancer now, not afraid of death.
Brooklyn giggles with pride swelling in her eyes. "I think you're going to be badass with that black turban we bought. Add some makeup, and y
Killian When Daria didn't want to stay the night with me, I knew it was her way of rejecting me. The girl I had fallen deeply in love with didn't feel the same way about me—sure, Daria felt attracted to my body, but the emotions I wished to be there were non-existent. In the beginning, it hurt to think about her name, but now, almost four months later, I'm over Daria. I'm not in love with her anymore. Okay, she is constantly on my brain, but so what? It doesn't necessarily mean that I still love her! And only because it hurts whenever she calls me, probably to say she is sorry for rejecting me, doesn't mean that my heart still belongs to her! I'm fine. I've been seeing another woman—Jenny, one of my co-stars on The Dragon Throne, and we are out shopping for Halloween right now. We are walking down the street, followed by a handful of bodyguards. "I love what they did to the fountain!" Jenny chirps and smiles at the water splashing in front of
WilderIt's been a long time since the last time I saw Daria. She looks good, even without hair and a stricter, more found expression on her face. Yes, this isn't the same woman who kissed me. The Daria before me has grown during our time spent apart.Daria moves her teacup to her lips, smelling the rich scent before tasting it on her tongue. She has spent a lot of time with Smith, and I guess some of his characteristics rubbed off on her.I'm surprised she said yes to letting me drink tea with her. Brooklyn is working at The Parlor, and we are currently sitting in her apartment that suspiciously looks a lot like Smith has decorated it. I have this suspicion he might resign soon if that tiny bump on Brooklyn's belly isn't from late-night meals.I'm happy for Smith, but right now, my mind is set on the silent lady who hasn't said a word since I stepped into the apartment.Eventually, Daria catches my eye, daring to smile. The turban suits her, and s
Killian For almost two weeks straight, Daria spent every night keeping up with the Bachelor with me on my couch before I left to film The Dragon Throne. In those two weeks, I bonded and got to know her on a deeper plane until I knew her better than some people I've known for years. There is something special about that girl. Talking with Daria is so natural. She seldom judges a person, and she always intently listens and hangs on to every word I say, which makes me feel like I'm the most critical person in the world, like she only has eyes for me. But more than that, she is a girl who sees the light even when the world seems so dark. The first time I heard Daria's beautiful voice, she sounded like an angel, and she immediately became my beacon, the special girl leading me back into the light. And when I met her again, I found out her humor and laughter are two addictive things. Sure, I knew Daria loved my brother, but that still didn't stop me from ga
DariaKillian is watching me like a predator, smirking and observing me as I eat my ice cream. I spilled some earlier, which caused that smug expression on his handsome face. But now, I'm trying to pretend I'm calm, act as if there isn't a swarm of rioting butterflies inside my belly.But whenever I meet those gorgeous blue eyes and see Killian's beautiful face, I heat into a billion freaking degrees."I don't believe you," I tell him, even if I wish I could. Killian is sexy and lovely, but he ran away once—how could I ever trust him to stay when I'm in this state?I have cancer, and chemotherapy is making me weaker and weaker. There are days when I'm too exhausted to move, and the last thing I need is Killian watching me wither like a flower until deciding I'm not worth the trouble to stick around.My heart would break if that happened."Why won't you believe me?" Killian questions. "I like you, Daria, and I know we could be great tog
KillianEating pizza with a silent Daria and a smirking Brooklyn felt awkward, so I left to go to the bathroom, wash my face with cold water to calm my bouncing nerves. But somehow, I ended up wandering into Daria's bedroom instead.I want to punch myself. Hard. With a rock. Her scent lured me here, and like a fool, I let my pulsating cock take me further into her room.I'm such a horny idiot—a slave to that woman sitting in the kitchen with those doe-eyes and sleek pants, hugging her ass.Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.Why did I waltz into here?I shouldn't be sitting on her bed, and I definitely shouldn't be holding her dirty underwear in my right hand. My heart is beating a mile per minute, head screaming, "What the fuck are you doing, mate?" into my ear, and yet, I press the fabric to my nose and inhale.Am I a desperate, horny bastard pinning for the woman who wants nothing to do with him? Yes, I find myself guilty as charged.Bu
Daria When I enter my room, scan the grey walls and the white pillows on my bed, I can tell something is wrong. That feeling, like someone has been in my room uninvited, drapes over me like a blanket. Without thinking twice about it, I begin scanning the area, check if anything has been stolen. Killian spent a lot of time in the bathroom—perhaps he grabbed a souvenir? I search under every pillow, let my eyes dart from shelf to shelf, from book to book, but everything seems to be in order. Groaning, I brush my fingers through my hair, spinning around when I hear approaching footsteps. "Daria?" Brooklyn is behind my door. "Do you want tea before you're heading to bed? Smith made an entire can." The door opens without Brooklyn even asking for permission. I'm staying in her apartment, though, so I can't complain. "No, I'm good," I sigh heavily at the sense of something missing growing inside of me. "I don't know why, but I have thi
DariaI pinch my cheek by the door, reality checking when I see a black car park right outside the apartment. The glass on the door is painted and not see-through, yet I spot the gigantic shadow coming for the door.Killian is outside.Big, menacing Killian with his charming smile, broad shoulders, and dreamy blue eyes—I'm already swooning.I slap myself inwardly, reminding myself to keep my brain functioning, even though the memory of Killian naked probably could send any woman to the ER.For a moment, I question if this night is a hallucination or sweet, realistic reverie, but then there is a knock on the door, and I have to pick up my jaw from the floor.Shit, this is happening!Brooklyn is fully awake and clapping her hands in excitement, thrilled about my late-night date."Oh, Daria! He is here! Killian is finally here! I packed a bag with some stuff for your special night!" With teary, motherly eyes, Brooklyn hands
DariaKillian's apartment is downright luxurious, with a new white couch that makes me worry I'm dirtying it by simply sitting in its corner. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling above us, and his loud TV takes up the entire wall. The big man has spoiled me too—his antique coffee table is filled with bowls: popcorn, dip, and chips are all there, tempting me.Yet I'm perfectly happy with the hot chocolate in my hands. I'm blowing on it while trying to focus on the documentary about sharks we are watching rather than pay notice to my fluttering nerves.Killian is munching on popcorn. He fills his entire paw with buttery treats, and my cheeks redden at the crunching sound that I'm paying way too much attention to—I'm super conscious around him, probably because I like him so much.Will he notice if I steal a glance?I cautiously glance to my left, then quickly sip on my chocolate with my heart turning savage. One look at that gorgeous face,
Daria I gap at Killian with blinking eyes, whispering. "You were my first crush! The sexy voice on the other side of the confession booth!" Killian snorts and then throws a fit of laughter. He seems massively amused by my statement. "The sexy voice on the other side of the confession booth? And wait, I was your first crush? Really? You weren't into someone famous like the rest of us?" Snorting, I shake my head. "No, you were my first crush! I'm not lying!" "I don't believe you!" Killian's lips are tightly knit in a smile. "You're only saying that to make me happy, and it's working, but I rather not have you lie to me, Daria!" "Killian, I'm not lying to you!" I slap his shoulder in excitement, smiling until I swear my face is about to break from nostalgia. "I used to lie down on my back late at night when the other nuns were sleeping, and then I would remember that sexy voice and touch myself—I came hard every goddamn time!" My words ar
DariaThe first time Killian open his eyes is on a Tuesday. His eyes flit through the room, and I drop a flower vase, staring at him until those familiar eyes once more close.At first, I thought I had imagined it, but the next time Killian opens his eyes, there are doctors there. He can barely talk and open his mouth without a sound coming out.But there is intelligence in Killian's eyes, a type of remembrance, and the doctors tell me he will need to learn how to walk, talk and eat again after so many weeks in a coma.Those words fill me with even more hope because I had it even when he wasn't awake. Now I'm always giddy, and when I'm left alone with Killian, I'm almost bursting from the seams.I take a seat next to his bed, and a small smile curls his lips. His blue eyes scan my face, and I giggle—I'm so bubbly."Good morning," I say, barely able to contain myself. I want to jump the man, plant kisses all over his face. "How are you?
DariaI'm holding Killian's hand. It's been days, and he still hasn't opened up his eyes, but the flowers in his vase are exchanged. I thought yellow daisies would suit him and plucked some from outside."The yellow color makes me happy," I'm speaking, hoping Killian can hear my voice even with his severe head trauma. His room is filled with flowers from various fans, but mine are the ones on the table. "And even though you've received more expensive flowers from your fans and Wilder, I think you would prefer the ones directly taken from the street."I glance down at his long, dark eyelashes, fanned out over his cheeks as he breathes. Without meaning to, I shed a tear but immediately tell myself to brighten up. I squeeze his hand and peer out through the window behind his hospital bed.For days, I've cuddled up to his lifeless body when no one has been watching. My soul misses him, so I talk with him as if he can hear me, not caring if I'm mad. I brush hi
DariaWhen I wake up from surgery, I can tell something is wrong. There is a knot inside my chest that won't go away. No matter how hard I try to tackle my worries away, it's gnawing me alive.Now isn't the first time I open my eyes—I've done it twice already but fallen straight asleep after a few breaths. My limbs are tired and heavy, feeling like they belong to someone above the age of eighty and not a woman still in her early twenties.I glance to my left and right, tilting my head when I'm faced with the hesitant smile of Brooklyn. She doesn't look happy to see me, more like she is sheltering a secret, and now it's evident that something is wrong.My heart pounds against my ribcage, and I suck in a deep breath, asking myself twice if I'm ready to hear the answer to my question. I don't know why, but I think Brooklyn's response will break me from within."What has happened?" I ask her, entirely serious. I'm not wearing a smile or even cele
KillianThe day I've feared for has come, and every minute seems like an entire year.Daria is getting prepared for surgery. There is a heavy cloud hanging low over my head, raining and making the scene seem grey. If anyone can survive this operation, then it's Daria. Yet, I'm still worried and barely slept tonight.I held on to Daria for dear life, holding her close until she eventually fell asleep to the beating of my heart. It was sweet, but I regret not telling her how much I love her.I'm a weakling for not being able to say it. My brain seems to believe losing her won't be as painful if I haven't spoken the words burning at the tip of my tongue.I love her so much.I need her.I want a future with her.Why are those things so hard to put into words?I stare down at the floor, inhaling deeply at my phone acting up again. Ava hasn't left me alone all day. She sold the story about me dating Daria to the media without
DariaMy current state can only be described as pain. It's as if the blood in my veins has been replaced with lead, and every movement leaves me feeling exhausted. My head is a fuzzy cloud of migraine, and every breath that I take seems forced.I'm so tired.My eyelids are extremely heavy, barely open when Killian storms into the hospital. His hair is a pure mess, and his disguise has been thrown out the window. There isn't a fake beard, only his gorgeous face and widened eyes I'm met with—gosh, I want to kiss that face.The first thought that enters my head is "beautiful" because there is no better word to describe the man before me. Inside and out. The man has a heart of gold, and when his arms wrap around me, it gets a little easier to breathe.I love this man so much. Please, god, make him stay by my side. I need him right now, his humor, laughter, and incredible light pouring out from his soul with every octave spoken from his mouth.
Killian When I wake up the following day, the loss of Daria's warm body by my side is the most obvious. Part of why I went to bed with a smile is the fact that I knew I could cuddle her in the morning. Did she change her mind about us and leave me? Why? Everything was so perfect with her yesterday, and the sex was amazing. Dread circles around my chest, making it harder to breathe, until the bedroom door opens and Daria walks in. She carries a tray with orange juice stacked on top. There is also fruit, toast, yogurt, and bacon, and I stare at her smiling, rosy face. "I made us breakfast!" She announces, beaming at me. Beyond surprised, I sit up in bed, taking the tray from her hands as she climbs back into bed. "Gosh, it's cold in here!" She shudders vocally and pulls the thick blanket over her thin, milky legs, digging her frail shoulders into the large pillow behind her that seems to swallow her. Beautiful, emerald ey
Daria I can already tell that having sex with Killian tonight will be much different from our first time. His lips are more demanding, while his eyes are kinder, more receptive to what I want. It's like we are dancing, moving in rhythm while making out with each other. Killian is above me, pinning me to the bed with his sheer weight. His biceps, each one far thicker than any of my body parts, are on full display, bulging as he moves to nibble at my neck. "Your scent is so delicious, sweet like nectar." I tip my head back, inhaling in surprise when he presses his warm tongue against my skyrocketing pulse, kissing a rugged trail down to my naked, full breasts. He adds more pressure once he is there, licking my nipple until I'm squirming underneath his tongue. I'm desperately trying to put one leg over the other to fight the pulsating going on between my legs. I'm so turned on. A moan slips out through my lips, and I heat to a mil
DariaKillian's apartment is downright luxurious, with a new white couch that makes me worry I'm dirtying it by simply sitting in its corner. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling above us, and his loud TV takes up the entire wall. The big man has spoiled me too—his antique coffee table is filled with bowls: popcorn, dip, and chips are all there, tempting me.Yet I'm perfectly happy with the hot chocolate in my hands. I'm blowing on it while trying to focus on the documentary about sharks we are watching rather than pay notice to my fluttering nerves.Killian is munching on popcorn. He fills his entire paw with buttery treats, and my cheeks redden at the crunching sound that I'm paying way too much attention to—I'm super conscious around him, probably because I like him so much.Will he notice if I steal a glance?I cautiously glance to my left, then quickly sip on my chocolate with my heart turning savage. One look at that gorgeous face,