I Still Love You

[Serenity’s POV]

I watch in horror as Maverick buries his head in his hands. They shake as he does so, as does his body, and before I know what I’m doing, I rush forward and grab his wrists.

“Maverick!” I call as he repeats the same thing again and again. “What’s wrong? Talk to me!”

It’s like he is somewhere else and not even here with me as he continues to ignore me and the world around him.

“What did you do?” I demand, turning my gaze toward Gretchen. “What did you do to him?”

“I didn’t do anything.” She responds. “Whatever inner battle he is having has to do with him and only him.”

Fighting the urge to punch her, I turn my attention back to Maverick and pull at his wrists as hard as I can until finally, he lifts his gaze toward mine.

“Maverick,” I whisper, taking in his sweat-covered skin and pale face. “You’re here.”

“Serenity,” he murmurs, like he isn’t quite sure if I’m real. “You’re… Let go!”

Eyes widening, I watch Maverick yank his wrists from my grasp.