There’s nothing suspect about his query, nothing mocking in his tone, however I nonetheless really feel like I sink in on myself. I don’t just like the depth of his gaze or the best way this consideration feels. He may not have given any signal that he has any thought who I’m, however I’m nonetheless afraid. This feels prefer it was a nasty thought; I don’t assume I ought to be right here.

“Err, yeah.” I dart my eyes everywhere, attempting to see if there’s anybody round. As a lot as I need to run, I would like meals, and I positive as hell don’t need to do that once more. “Yeah, I’ve every little thing I would like.”

He side-eyes me as he rings every little thing up. I’m positive I’m appearing like a loopy particular person, however that’s the least of my points proper now. I stuff every little thing right into a bag, already mentally planning to virtually run all the best way residence. The earlier I can get inside, the higher.

Not that I’ll really feel safer there, not if I’ve been doxxed.

I pay the person quickly and race again to my constructing, grateful to flee this nightmare. My coronary heart is completely thundering in my ears; my ideas are racing on the velocity of sunshine, and I’m in such a state of panic that by the point I truly attain my door, I’ve myself satisfied that one thing terrible is about to occur… Like I’m in a horror film, with no probability of getting secure.

However this isn’t simply paranoia.

There actually is somebody standing by my door.

This isn’t only a shadow. There’s a person there ready for me.

The procuring luggage fall out of my fingers as a blood-curdling scream flies out of my throat. I’m so terrified that each one my worst darkish nightmares are about to return to life proper right here and now.

I stumble backward, my breath catching in my throat as I search my escape, till a well-known voice cuts via the darkness. “Riley, it’s me.”

My eyes focus, and the determine comes into view. Reduction floods via me because the panic slides off my shoulders.

Alex.

He’s right here.

He saved promising me that he’d come however he didn’t. But, proper now, right here he’s. That actually is him. I’m in shock as I stare at him, ingesting him in.

“Alex, you scared me half to demise,” I handle to utter, my fingers nonetheless trembling. “I believed…”

I don’t know what to say. I don’t need to specific what I believed as a result of it feels so foolish, particularly as he steps nearer to me, concern etched on his face. “I’m sorry, Riley. I didn’t imply to startle you. I’ve been determined to see you.”

I exhale, the stress slowly releasing its grip on me. Alex’s presence is a grounding power, a reassurance within the midst of my spiraling fears. He wraps his arms round me, a gesture that provides consolation and heat—precisely what I would like.

“It’s simply… with every little thing happening, I can’t assist however really feel on edge,” I confess, my voice wavering as I murmur in opposition to his chest. “It’s been… rather a lot.”

He nods understandingly, his gaze mild. “I get it. We’ll determine this out collectively, Riley. You’re not alone.”

That is the primary time I’ve felt like I’m not alone, that I’ve felt a bit of safer. Alex’s presence is a lot nicer than I ever keep in mind it to be, if that’s attainable.

“Come on,” he tells me softly as he steps again from me, nonetheless staring into my eyes, checking that I’m okay. “Let’s choose up your meals. We don’t need to go away this mess behind.”

I attempt to chuckle, however nothing actually comes out. My God, I actually am a large number, aren’t I? How did I find yourself in such a state? I bend down together with Alex and seize all my groceries off the ground, grateful to have somebody beside me.

The extra I have a look at Alex as he’s serving to me, the hotter I really feel in the direction of him. He’s a ray of sunshine on this stormy day, the calm that I must hold me going. Perhaps Icanstay in New York Metropolis and survive this in any case—if I’ve Alex with me…

Chapter 18—Alex

I don’t fairly know what to say as we head into Riley’s residence. That response… my thoughts is blown. I knew the entire state of affairs needed to be arduous on her, which is why I’ve been feeling so unhealthy about not making it right here extra commonly, however now…

Now I’m in shock.

Riley is so freaked out. She’s not appearing like herself in any respect.

Her hand is trembling as she unlocks the door. She glances over her shoulders a few occasions earlier than we’re locked inside.

“What’s occurred, Riley?”

“Err, nothing, I simply…”

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