"Hello?" Karson's loud voice echoed throughout his house. He still had one of his hands wrapped around the door handle as he peeked inside to check where everyone was.

He grunted, opening the door wider as Jace and I stood close behind him. The door shot open, revealing an empty foyer. We all walked into the house, our shoes creating loud thuds against the floor as it broke the unsettling silence.

"Pretty girl!" I heard Braxton yell, his voice scaring the shit out of me as my body flinched. I looked to my left to see Colton and Braxton at the top of the stairs as Colton held Olivia against his chest.

I grunted, narrowing my eyes Braxton as he practically ran down the stairs. He immediately wrapped his arms around me, squeezing me as tight as he could. I heaved into his chest, my breath getting lodged in my throat as I tried to let my chest expand.

He finally let me go, stepping back as I inhaled a deep breath. I glared at him as I placed a hand over my chest. "Dickhead."

"I heard what happened," Braxton sobered up, his face contorting with worry as Colton slowly walked down the stairs. Karson stood next to me as Jace was slightly hidden behind my figure. "I'm so sorry, Dakota."

"You heard?" I asked. I didn't tell him.

"Karson gave me the rundown," he frowned, his eyes swimming with pity. I guess Karson told him while Dawson and I were talking in the corner.

"What did he say exactly?" I raised one of my eyebrows as I glanced over to Colton. His eyes softened as he lightly ran his fingers through Liv's curls. Her small snores filled the room as she briefly squirmed in his hold. She was asleep.

"Your mom got arrested and you, Jace, and Olivia were going to stay the night," he told me as his eyes flickered between Jace and I.

I almost breathed a sigh of relief when I heard that was all Karson told him. I wasn't ready for everyone to know about what my mother has done to us. One step at a time.

I briefly broke my gaze away from Braxton and turned my head to look at Karson. I noticed his eyes were already on me and his jaw was locked. He raised one of his eyebrows in concern, but I gave him a small smile in reassurance.

"Shit happens," I shrugged, immediately regretting it because of how insensitive I sounded. My body tensed as I heard Jace snort behind me.

Braxton's mouth was hung open as he rapidly blinked at me. I had to choke back a laugh as I looked between Colton and Braxton's shocked faces.

"Jesus, Dakota," Karson mumbled, only loud enough for me to hear as he lightly shook his head. It was obvious he was trying to fight back a smile as he bit down on his lower lip. Hot.

Stop.

"I don't want to talk about this right now. I just want to forget, only for tonight," I forced a smile onto my lips as the lie easily slipped off my tongue. Braxton hesitantly nodded his head as Colton blankly stared at me.

I noticed that both Braxton and Colton saw the bruise covering my jaw, but neither of them said anything. I was grateful because I really wasn't in the mood to talk about any of the events that went down today. I'm glad they let it go. For now.

"Dakota," Karson warned in a hushed voice. He looked at me with concerned eyes as a glint of uncertainty flashed across his face.

"Just for now," I choked out, giving him a knowing look before he clenched his jaw. He briefly shut his eyes before slowly nodding his head.

"Okay then," Braxton started as he dragged out the end of his sentence. "Let's watch a movie! I was thinking 50 Shades of Grey-"

"Absolutely not," Colton interrupted, his eyes boring into Braxton's as his eyes flickered to Olivia. His eyes remained on Olivia, then Braxton, then Olivia, and back to Braxton.

"Fine," Blondie rolled his eyes as he trudged towards the living room. We all stood still until Braxton realized we weren't following behind him. "I guess that movie isn't appropriate for a five year old or whatever."

I bit the inside of my cheek as I tried not to give him the satisfaction of making me laugh. I heard Jace snicker behind me as I shifted on my feet.

Braxton stopped right in front of the couch, about to sit down until he abruptly turned around. He narrowed his eyes, flipping us off as he dramatically turned around.

"Fuck you guys!" He yelled as the couch devoured his body. "I'll just watch this movie by myself while you four stand around like idiots."

Jace and I glanced at each other as a smirk made it's way onto both of our faces. Before anyone had time to say anything, we both sprinted towards Braxton.

Braxton's eyes almost shot out of his head as he watched Jace and I race to the couch. I took in deep breaths as I ran as fast as I could to beat Jace. I heard him grunt as Braxton dramatically screamed. He flailed his arms around in the air before cupping his cheeks in horror.

Before either of us made it, I heard someone's footsteps pound against the floor behind us. We almost made it to Braxton, but someone grabbed my waist from behind and immediately pulled me into their chest.

I squealed as I felt someone's forearms rest against my stomach as they held me in place. I cursed as Jace plopped down to Braxton before sticking his tongue out at me. Jace won goddamnit.

I elbowed the person behind me, already knowing who it was from the musky cologne that I smelled with every breath I took. I quickly turned on my heel, glaring at Karson who had a smug smirk plastered on his perfect lips.

"You ass!" I hissed as I rolled my eyes sarcastically. "I almost beat him!"

"Oops, I slipped and grabbed the first thing I saw," he shrugged his shoulders as Colton calmly walked next to us before sitting next to Jace with Olivia still sleeping in his arms. This girl sure does sleep a lot. How the hell does she not wake up from all this noise?

I blankly stared at the gorgeous boy in front of me as my lips pressed together in a thin line. He smirked, biting his lip as he tried to fight back the genuine smile that threatened to replace his signature smirk. "Ha-ha. Go fuck yourself."

I sarcastically smiled before turning around and finding an open seat on the couch. I glared at every single person in this room, except Olivia, as I noticed their smug smirks. Jace tried to hold back a laugh as he held a shaky hand above his mouth. His forehead was creased and his eyebrows pinched together, indicating he was smiling under his hand.

I huffed, flipping them off as I sat down on one of the empty couches. Braxton and Jace shared a look before they both burst into laughter. Their laughter echoed off the walls causing Liv to squirm in Colton's hold.

Colton gave them a stern look before softening his gaze when he looked down at Olivia. My heart fluttered in my chest as I watched Colton gently rub his hand down her back as her small snores began to fill the air once more.

Their laughter eventually died down as I locked eyes with Karson. He stood by the doorway, leaning against the frame as his eyes remained on me. He gave me a flirtatious wink before a real smile tugged at his lips.

I swear the breath was almost knocked out of me. I will never get tired of seeing his smile. His eyes lit up with a glint of amusement as his broad figure continued to lean against the wall. He crossed his arms over the other as I watched his hands morph into something.

I furrowed my eyebrows together as I watched him move his hands in front of his chest. I bit back a smile when I watched his hands morph into a heart. I playfully rolled my eyes as a smile stained his lips.

I let my smile breakthrough as his hands remained in the heart form. I playfully huffed before discreetly morphing my hands into a similar heart. I mirrored his hands as we both held up a heart for each other.

We smiled at each other as we both tried to fight back the laughter that threatened to slip out. I lightly shook my head as he playfully winked at me. I felt my cheeks redden as my heart hammered in my chest.

Emerald Eyes was going to be the death of me.

~•~•~

"Goodnight bitches, I'm out!" Braxton yelled, his voice echoing throughout the house as he ran up the stairs, skipping every other step.

I rolled my eyes as my eyes darted to watch Colton gently lay Olivia down on the couch. He covered her with a blanket, lightly tucking the blanket under her petite figure as he lifted her head and put a pillow underneath for comfort.

I smiled as his gaze traveled up to meet mine. He gave me a slight nod as a small smile lit up his face. Karson was already upstairs, probably masturbating in his room or something. I snorted, making myself laugh as my little brother eyed me suspiciously.

I waved my hand in the air in a dismissive manner as my body leaned against the wall. The movie we ended up watching was some movie that starred Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. I didn't really pay attention because I was too focused on trying to keep my eyes off of a certain green-eyed boy.

My eyes were focused on Colton as he turned off the overhead light and walked towards us. "When Olivia was awake, I told her about what happened with y'all's mother. I hope you don't mind. I'm sorry, I just didn't really know what to say to her."

"Thank you for telling her. I couldn't be more grateful for you two, I hope you know that," I thanked as Jace hummed in agreement beside me. "Thank you for also taking care of her today."

"Of course," he smiled as he gently ran one of his hands up and down his arm. He briefly glanced over his shoulder to see the young girl that slept peacefully on the couch. "I love her."

My heart hammered in my chest as a smile easily morphed it's way onto my face. I watched as his eyes lit up with a glint of admiration. It was obvious he loved her and I couldn't be more grateful for him.

"I'm going to bed," Jace huffed, his voice cutting into the silence. I watched as he walked into between Colton and I, walking slowly up the stairs and towards one of the guest rooms.

"I put an extra toothbrush and extra clothes for both of you in the guest bedrooms," he told me as Colton and I slowly made our way up the stairs. Jace was further ahead of us, so he was already in his room as we walked up the remaining steps.

We both stopped at the top of the stairs, facing each other as I slowly wrapped my arms around his waist. I felt him stiffen under my touch, but his body slowly relaxed as his arms slowly crawled around my shoulders.

"Thank you for everything," I mumbled into his chest as I heard his heart beat loudly in his chest.

I felt him nod his head above me as I gently pulled back. His muscles twitched as he gave me a genuine smile before slowly walking backwards.

"Goodnight, Dak," he gently muttered as he turned on his heel and walked to his room. I felt my feet sink into the floor as I watched his retreating figure walk inside his room. He closed the door behind him, leaving me alone in the dark hallway.

I immediately felt my shoulders slump as I tugged at my hair. I felt my hands begin to shake as I released a shaky breath. I squeezed my eyes shut as I stood at the top of the stairs. Everyone was asleep. I was alone, so all my thoughts finally came tumbling down on me.

My mouth went dry as I forced myself to trudge towards the room I was staying in. I felt tremors shake down my legs as I placed one foot in front of the other. My hand reached out to grab the door handle as I gently twisted it open.

My body immediately flung to the bed, not bothering to change into the clothes Colton put on the dresser. The room was dark, but it was the same room I stayed in last time I was here, so I was able to find the bed. I crawled under the covers, curling into myself as I tried to get my body to stop shaking.

I finally let go. I held a hand against my lips, trying to fight back the sobs that escaped. I bit my thumb to keep myself from screaming out. The salty tears easily fell from my eyes as it streamed down my cheeks. I felt the sticky tears graze my lips before they fell onto the sheets under me.

My thoughts went to my mother. I still couldn't process that she was going to jail. Our life was already difficult and my mother just had to get arrested to make our lives harder than it already was.

My eyes were squeezed shut as I tried to force my negative thoughts out of my mind. My eyes almost shot open when a certain pair of emerald eyes flashed through my mind. I needed him.

As if my legs had a mind of their own, I swung them off the side of the bed as I walked towards the door. My breathing began to increase, nerves flowing through my body as I scanned the hallway. I didn't know what I was doing, but all I knew was that I didn't want to be alone with my thoughts.

I subconsciously walked to Karson's room as I lightly turned the door knob. When I slowly opened the door, my eyes squinted to try and make out anything in the dark. I walked inside and closed the door behind me as I took short steps.

When I found his bed, I slowly sat down on the left side. He was laying down on the right side as he faced the ceiling. I heard him release a deep breath as the bed moved. I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the wall in front of me even though I couldn't see anything.

I knew he was awake. He was awake the whole time, ever since I stepped foot into his room.

"I didn't want to be alone," I whispered, my voice small as I glanced down at my lap. I felt my hand anxiously trace over my stitches, guessing where they were because I couldn't see.

"I figured," he replied as his bed squeaked under his weight. I felt his body move on the bed as he gently tugged my waist. I sighed, scooting further onto the bed as I turned around to face him. "That's why I waited to fall asleep. I knew you would come in here, so I waited."

I frowned, feeling guilty even though he couldn't see my face. I was now sitting butterfly style on his bed as we faced each other. When I inhaled, the only scent I could smell was his overpowering musky cologne.

"I'm sorry," I whispered as my voice broke towards the end. He fully sat up, his body facing me as he grabbed my hand. He gently pulled me towards him, and I let him.

His rough hand wrapped around my waist as he tugged me into a lying position. We both moved slowly, no words shared in between us as his head hit the pillow. He was lying face up, staring at the ceiling above him.

He gently pulled me against him as I lay on my side, facing him. His arm was stretched out against the other pillow as my head rested against it. My head was buried into his chest as I tried to take deep breaths.

I squinted, noticing that his other hand was resting against his abdomen as he held me with his other. Our legs were tangled together as he easily pulled the sheets over both of our bodies. I felt his body heat radiating off of him, causing me to calm down as I let my muscles relax.

My head slightly rested on his shoulder and chest as his arm wrapped around my body. He lightly rubbed my waist and moved up to my back. I gently raised my hand and placed it on his chest, feeling it slowly rise up and down.

He pulled me closer to him as we lay in silence for a few moments. The tears that were once streaming, stopped, my mind only focused on the body next to me. My breathing had finally gone back down to its normal pace as I let myself snuggle further into his chest.

"Don't be sorry, princess," he finally whispered, breaking the comfortable silence that was shared between us.

"I didn't even think, I just came to you. I didn't want to be alone," I blabbered in a small voice as I felt his jaw clench over my head.

"Shh," he soothed as he continued to gently rub up and down my back. I felt goosebumps rise against my skin as he lightly lifted my shirt and trailed his fingers against my bare skin.

I bit the inside of my cheek as I closed my eyes. His cologne was filling my nostrils, calming me down as I took deep breaths. I kept my mouth shut as I focused on his chest rising up and down underneath my hand.

"Try and go to sleep, Dakota," he gently advised as his hand firmly rested against my bare skin. His hand slowly traveled down until he stopped on my lower back. I sucked in a sharp breath as shivers ran down my spine. "Just close your eyes, yeah? You need rest my love, it's been a long day."

I nodded my head against his chest as I felt his lips gently press against the top of my head. A light smile grazed my lips as our bodies stayed pressed against each other.

I didn't want to be alone with my thoughts. They were the one thing that truly haunted me wherever I went. When I'm with Karson, they completely go away. He made my horrid thoughts disintegrate.

He's made me feel so many different emotions all at once. When I first met the boy laying next to me, I couldn't stand him. And now? I couldn't stand being away from him.

All this time, I tried convincing myself that I hated Karson, but in reality, I just hated the front he put up. From the outside, he was an asshole who didn't care how he treated people. But on the inside, he was the most genuine person I knew.

My cheeks felt hot as it finally hit me that our bodies were pressed against each other. My mind raced with a million thoughts, but they weren't bad ones this time.

As I finally let myself fall asleep in his arms, I came to another realization. I had feelings for the boy who held me in his arms every time he knew something was wrong. I liked Karson more than I'd ever want to admit.

I always thought I'd never find a guy who I could trust, or eventually love. But now, as I felt Karson's heartbeat underneath my palm, I never stopped and took a second to realize that he was right in front of me the entire time.

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Hi loves!!
How did you guys like this chapter??
I literally can't believe how close we are to 200k...like WHAT?!? Absolutely insane, thank you so much!!!
I love you guys

-Lauren <3