281

MAXINE

My throat felt tight and I felt like crying but I nodded. I removed my shoes and climbed into bed next to him. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into his chest, his chin on my head.

“Maxine?” He called, quietly.

“Hmm?” I asked, lifting my head just slightly.

“You're the best thing to ever happen to me.” He began, trailing off. I thought he was asleep until he said, “I love you.”

It felt like my heart was ripped out and stepped on. I didn't say anything back. I just couldn't.

I waited in his arms until his breathing deepened. The drug in the vial was working. Still, I waited. I could just stay here and forget about the plan. He was already asleep. What would it take me to sleep too?

But I had my part to play.

Slowly, I took his arms off of me and untangled myself. My eyes stung with tears but I ignored them. I kissed his forehead. "Goodbye, Ronan," I whispered, “I love you too.”

I walked out of his room, quietly. The guards were gone but I knew what to say if I ran int