After I wash up, I crawl under the quilt. The sheets smell like laundry detergent and cedar. I close my eyes and picture Ava’s face when I finally see her. The thought makes me smile, and the smile hurts.
I thought I’d already be with her by now.
Saint called her earlier. I know she knows I’m safe.
I also know Ava worries like breathing.
My phone buzzes on the nightstand.
I reach for it, expecting my sister’s name.
It’s a number I don’t recognize.
My blood goes cold as I read the message.
Unknown:Did you think you could run, little bird? I have friends everywhere. You won’t make it far.
My throat closes.
No.
He’s in jail. He’s supposed to be in jail. He’s not supposed to have a phone. He’s not supposed to reach me.
My fingers go numb around the device.
Panic claws up my chest and I shove off the bed, yanking the door open like I can outrun the fear with motion.
Saint is in the hallway, phone to his ear. He turns instantly, the whole of him snapping into focus like a weapon being raised.
“What’s wrong?” he asks.
I hold my phone out with a hand that won’t stop shaking.
“He knows,” I whisper. "My stepfather."
Saint takes the phone. His eyes scan the screen. A muscle ticks in his jaw, once, tight enough to hurt.
He hands it back and cups the back of my neck, anchoring me without pulling me closer than I choose.
The contact steadies me in a way I hate needing.
“He doesn’t know where you are,” he says, calm as stone. “This is a scare tactic. He’s reaching for you because he can.”
“But he can’t,” I say, and it comes out like a plea. “He’s locked up.”
Saint’s eyes flicker. Not doubt. Not fear. Something colder.
“Men like that have long arms,” he says. “Jail doesn’t cut them off. It just changes their methods.”
My stomach drops. My mind sprints, searching for reasons. For mistakes.
Besides Ava, only my former roommate knew I was on the move. No one else.
“Go back to bed,” Saint says. “You’re safe here.”
“Saint—”
“I’ll handle it,” he repeats, voice brooking no argument. Not control for control’s sake. Control because the world is trying to tilt again and he’s refusing to let it.
