Page 8 of Scary Suitor

Dinner carries on with her pink cheeks and my blithe smile. I can’t imagine a better way to end the night than a tender kiss in front of her apartment door. We’ve crossed the stranger’s distance, coming closer to a more personal relationship.

Friendship is somewhere in there, and it’s expected to be difficult when detangling from enigmatic emotions. Alina is more confused with this progress while I’m navigating my own muddled feelings.

We didn’t start the meshing of our lives with clarity, nor did we follow the common guide: strangers, friends, then lovers.

There are misunderstandings between us, no doubt about that. I pursed her with too much intensity, effectively scaring her, but I love the thrill of seeing her so scared of me.

I saw her one day, nothing remarkable when I drove past her walking towards campus, but my world exploded with butterfly-induced stomachaches and headaches from constantly thinking about her. I swear she had a halo or wings, sent from heaven to banish the demons taunting me to scorch her innocence.

It’s love at first sight; I’m rarely wrong.

She thinks it’s stalking, but I know it’s observing from a distance. Semantics are a pain in the ass.

I gave her thoughtful gifts, never signing them to keep the chase fun. I kept her safe by following her home and crushed the vile intentions of those who would take advantage of my sweet girl.

The courting attempts were out of order, but it’s the thought that count.

Now, we have a chance to do things differently.

It ripped parts of my soul to convince myself to give us a fresh slate and restart the pursuit for her sake.

Alina should savor this taste of freedom while she still has time.

I won’t be able to hold back from snatching her into the night, locking her inside my home, and helping to calm her sobbing because I’mmean.

“Sir,” the waiter returns with my black card and receipt.

I take the card and leave the white paper, ignoring Alina’s grumbling about paying for her own meal. I dismiss her concern, offering the option to repay me with another date, which she shoots down tersely.

“Let me walk you home,” I say as I drape the coat around her small shoulders.

“No, thanks,” she blurts, making it a point to step away from me.

I frown at the distance. Snagging her hand in mine and squeezing the fingers harshly, I maintain a tight smile as a decoy to quell people’s concerns. Her body language is clear, and nobody can mistake the hostility reeling off her in waves.

“Thanks for dinner, I guess,” she mutters under her breath and practically flies out the entrance.

My legs are longer than hers, so it takes four steps to hold her hand again. I lace our fingers together for good measure. Her hand is soft but cold, fingertips nearly icicles as she digs her nails into my knuckles.

Seeing I won’t let go, she switches to wiggling her hand. My grip is akin to a serpent clamping onto its quarry. It’s suiting, considering she is my little prey.

“Let go, or I’ll scream.”

“Go ahead,” I mull, promptly telling the valet to hold the car. “It’ll look like a tantrum. I can handle your humiliation. Can you?”

With red ears and glaring eyes, she seethes in silence and accepts the dilemma. She doesn’t trust me, that’s fine, but she will have to take a leap of faith and convince herself I won’t hurt her when I walk her home.

A car ride makes sense when it’s dark and cold outside. Discomfort is worth the exchange for more time with her. Alina still fights to free her hand, feeble strength making me chuckle as she huffs grudgingly.

I choose the brightest street, the busiest during this time, and the longest route back to her apartment.

“You can let go now,” Alina sneers, defeat slumping her hand in mine. “It’s not like I can outrun you.”

Shecanbolt in the middle of the street for help. It’s something she would do—impulsive and reckless.

What do I say? I’m protecting her from accidents, holding tightly to not let cars run her over. I’m clinging onto her dainty fingers like a lifeline to the malevolent temptation drowning me.

“I want to hold your hand,” I say the truth.

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