The continuous screeches of the alarm resound in the space, forcing me to cover my ears.
I bolt through the shattered window and out onto the sidewalk, running into an older couple.
“Oh my God, dear! Are you alright?” The elderly man exclaims.
“Call 911!” My desperate plea is immediately obeyed, and police sirens reverberate in the distance.
Turning back, I find the store empty. The only evidence that anyone was ever there is the destroyed window, but even that was done by me, not him.
For a moment, my stomach drops, making me think I made the whole thing up. But once the adrenaline starts to wear off, the cold settles into my bones, and the throb from the bump on my head pulses, the reality of what just happened makes me feel queasy.
The old man gives me his coat, and he and his partner wait with me until the police and first responders arrive.
My breathing doesn’t slow when the NYPD turns up.
My muscles don’t relax when the EMTs wrap me in a blanket.
My heartbeat doesn’t lessen when evidence is found that I’m not crazy and I actually was attacked.
Nothing brings me relief. Nothing provides comfort.
I can only think of one thing that would make me feel safe right now.
Or maybe three.
CHAPTER 20
RORY
This is my new happy place. Sal’s pizza in bed while I watch Savannah through CCTV footage.
My stalking has reached new heights. Not only am I tracking her when I’m home in bed, but I’ve also hooked up the feed to my phone. So now, no matter where I am, I can get my dose of Savannah whenever I want.
If I’m an addict, then Savannah is my drug of choice, and I don’t plan on being sober ever again.
My bedroom door bangs open, and I startle so hard that I almost fall out of bed.
“What the hell?” I catch myself wrapped up in the sheets before my ass meets the floor.
“What’re you doing?”
Glancing up, I find Luke in my doorway with his head leaning to the side, and he’s shirtless.Shirtless.
When Luke’s brows furrow, I realize that my mouth hangs open, displaying my undigested pizza.
I swallow the pizza whole and clear my throat. “Can I help you?”
Luke takes a fortifying breath, straightens his shoulders, and steps into my room. “I think it’s time we talk.”
“We talk every day.” My cheeks feel warm.
“That’s not what I mean,” Luke returns.
“Then why don’t you clarify for me?” I don’t actually need an explanation. I know what topic he’s trying to address.
Luke moves to stand at the foot of my bed. “We’ve been dancing around this, and it’s not working. Things have been weird.”
“Yeah,” I admit.
