Page 41 of Stiletto's Savior

She’s scared. I get that.

The silence stretches between us, thick with unspoken feelings.

I can almost hear the racing thoughts in her mind, battling against everything she’s been through.

I want to reach out, to bridge that gap, but I hold back.

“Just... think about it, okay?” I finally say, backing off a little.

I don’t want to push her too far. She’s been through enough.

“Yeah, I’ll think about it,” she replies, her tone flat.

And just like that, the moment slips away, leaving tension lingering in the chill of the night.

CHAPTER TEN

Stiletto

I pace the small space of my room, my fingers tapping against my thigh.

The walls feel like they’re closing in on me.

I drag a hand through my red hair, frustrated.

I want to scream as loud as I can but I swallow it down.

The bed is unmade, sheets twisted and tangled, a reflection of my mind.

I shove a pillow aside, its softness mocking me.

All I want to do is stay tucked away. Yet, I can’t stay here forever.

The door creaks open slightly, and I freeze.

I don’t want to deal with anyone. Not today.

My heart speeds up, pounding in my ears like a drum.

“Stiletto?” A voice slides through the crack.

It’s familiar—too familiar. I clench my fists, angered at who they’ve sent to talk to me.

“Go away!” I shout, slamming the door. The words burst out harsher than intended.

“Really? That’s how we’re playing this?” Alexa’s voice is steady, unwavering. “You think hiding makes it go away because it doesn’t.”

I roll my eyes, turning my back to the door.

If I ignore her, maybe she’ll go.

Maybe everyone will just... vanish.

“Open the damn door!” She knocks again, firmer this time.

"Why can’t you just leave me alone?” I shoot back, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Because we care about you!” She’s persistent, like a dog with a bone. “And because you need help.”

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