Page 93 of Unexpected

Well, fuck.

“What do we do?”

One corner of his mouth quirked up in a small smile, and my brow furrowed in confusion. Why the ever-loving hell was he smiling in a time like this?

“You said we.” He said, explaining his smile. “I’ve been going back and forth with what to do, and there’re only two options I can think of. Your safety is my number one priority, and with that being said, the first option is that we both move on.”

Before he could expand on the first option, I was already shaking my head, which he still had cupped in his hands, making it harder for me to move.

“Let me explain before you start arguing. If we go our separate ways, it’s more likely that she’ll give up on going after you, seeing as you’d no longer be in my life.”

“But that’s not foolproof, right?”

“No, it’s not. But it’s the only option that has the greatest possibility of keeping you safe. We at least do it until I can figure out how to get her out of my life forever.”

“What’s the second option?”

He dropped his hands from my face to grip my hands between us. “We keep living our lives and don’t let Valerie’s threats stop us from this.” He motioned between us. “If we do, then I’ll do everything in my power to protect you, and we should be more vigilant about watching our backs. I’ve already spoken to the detective that helped me with my restraining order, and I’m going to keep him updated on anything that happens. But it’s possible she’ll do whatever she can to make both of our lives a living hell.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could say anything, he clamped his hand over my mouth. “Before you say anything, I want you to think about what you’re going to say. And seriously think about your response.”

When I didn't do anything, he tilted his head to the side and raised his eyebrows, silently asking me to acknowledge his request. Begrudgingly I nodded, and he slowly removed his hand.

I contemplated ignoring his request and just blurting out the first thing that popped into my head, but he was right. I should take more than a second to think it over, so I quickly ran through the pros and cons of all two options.

Based on everything Luke told me, the possibility that Valerie would just let me walk away seemed unlikely. Between her previous treatment of him and his friends, along with the fact that she stole Josh’s phone, meant this chick was actually obsessed.

And after hearing Luke’s story and the abuse he also endured at the hand of a partner, I felt even more pulled to him. No wonder he understood me in ways I didn’t think possible. He was cautious when I needed him to be and pushed me when necessary. He read my facial expressions and posture like he was actually in my head, probably because he had gone through some of the same things.

The first option may have sounded like the best option for my self-preservation. But I kept going back to the same two thoughts: I had survived Michael, and I wanted Luke in whatever way I could have him.

“I’ll take the red pill,” I said confidently.

“Did you… did you just quoteThe Matrix?” he spluttered.

I laughed, extremely glad he got the reference. “Yes.”

He shook his head. “So, I’m assuming the red pill is option two.”

I nodded as he shifted and gripped the back of my neck with one hand and forced me closer to him by wrapping the other around my waist. He buried his head in my neck and took a deep breath as I said, “I’m not ready for our story to end.”

He chuckled against me, and I felt the warmth of his breath against my neck. I could feel his relief in his deep sigh and the way his entire body relaxed into me. My fingers automatically ran through his thick, black hair and he shivered before he kissed my neck.

“I’m so selfish, but that’s what I wanted you to say,” he groaned. “I will protect you, Hazel.”

“I know you will.” I knew he would try, but I hoped, for both of our sakes, that he wouldn’t have to.That we were done with the curveballs and the unexpected.

THIRTY-FIVE

Hazel

When I wokeup early the following morning to find Luke and I had fallen asleep on the chair in my living room, I contemplated asking him to move with me to my bed. But I realized that would require digging through a box to find sheets and putting them on. So instead, I snuggled back into his chest, and we both slept soundly for another few hours until the shrill ringing of his phone woke us both with a start.

Josh actually had an issue this time; his car wouldn’t start, and he was supposed to pick up Zach earlier that morning. So, Luke rushed out with the promise to be back later and help me unpack.And with the reminder that I should be careful.

I was counting down the minutes until I saw him again like a freaking crazy person.

Having taken the day off work, I had the day to myself and time to organize my new space. I also wanted to do anything to keep my mind occupied and hopefully far away from the topic of Valerie.

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