Page 96 of Colton
She walks in, and the bell above the door chimes softly. The café is quiet, but she moves towards the counter with a wide smile for the man working behind it. I tense when his eyes light up. She shouldn’t be there without me. But I can’t deny her this small piece of normalcy, this attempt at a life she deserves.
Colton, you’re a coward, my father’s voice hisses.You can’t even protect what’s yours.
I clench my jaw, refusing to let his words sink in. I’m not a coward. I’m doing what I have to, keeping her safe even if she doesn’t want me near her. It’s a delicate balance, a fine line between obsession and protection. One I’m determined to walk.
The night progresses, and I watch her chat to the other customers, chat with regulars, her eyes never showing the strain, the fear that must be there. She’s strong, so strong. And I’m proud of her, even if it tears me apart to see her like this.
Eventually, she leaves and steps out into the night. I’m already moving, preparing to follow her, to keep her safe on her way home. But she doesn’t head straight home. Instead, she takes a detour, walking towards the park. My heart rate increases, a mix of anticipation and dread coursing through my veins. The park at night is not safe, but Luella isn’t one to be deterred by fear. She walks with purpose, her steps echoing in the still night.
I follow her, keeping a safe distance, my eyes scanning the surroundings for any potential threats. The park is deserted, the silence interrupted only by the rustling of leaves and the distant hum of the city. Luella finds her usual spot by the old fountain, sitting down on the edge, her reflection shimmering in the water.
She looks up at the sky, her breath visible in the cool air. She’s so fucking beautiful, silhouetted against the moonlight, her hair cascading down her back in waves. I want to go to her,to wrap my arms around her, to tell her that she’s not alone. But I stay hidden, watching, protecting.
Luella reaches into her pocket and pulls out something small. It’s a folded piece of paper. She unfolds it carefully, her eyes scanning the contents. I can’t see what’s written, but I know it’s something important. Her expression changes, a mix of sadness and determination flickering across her face.
What the fuck is that?the voice in my head growls, demanding to know what has her so captivated. I push it aside, focusing on Luella. She folds the paper back up and tucks it safely into her pocket. She stands up, her resolve strengthened, and starts walking back towards the path.
I follow her, my heart heavy with the weight of my obsession. I want to be the one she turns to, the one she trusts. But I know I can’t be that person yet. I have to earn her trust, prove to her that I’m not the monster she thinks I am. Even if I am a monster, I’mhermonster.
Luella makes her way back to her apartment, her steps quick and determined. I keep pace, my eyes never leaving her. As she approaches her building, she pauses, her gaze flicking to the spot where I’ve left another black rose. She bends down, and picks it up, her fingers brushing gently against the petals. A small smile plays on her lips, and she looks around, her eyes scanning the shadows where I stand hidden. She knows it’s from me.
Go to her. Take her. Make her yours.
The voices in my head urge me forward, but I resist. I won’t take her like that, not again. I want her to come to me willingly, to choose me despite the darkness that surrounds us both.
Luella enters her apartment building, the door closing softly behind her. I wait a few moments before following, my footsteps silent on the stairs as I make my way to her floor. The hallway carries her familiar scent.
Delicious.
I approach her door, my heart pounding in my chest as I lean against it, listening for any sign of her presence. I hear the soft rustle of fabric, the quiet hum of her voice as she moves around inside. She’s so close, yet so far away.
Claim her. Make her yours.
The voices grow louder, more insistent. I clench my fists, fighting the urge to break down the door and take what I so desperately want. But I know that’s not the way. Not with her.
I step back, my breath coming in ragged gasps as I try to regain control. I can’t force her, can’t make her want me. I have to be patient, have to wait for her to come to me on her own terms.
But fuck, it’s hard. It’s so fucking hard when every fiber of my being screams for her, aches for her touch, her warmth, her love.
I turn away from the door.
As I make my way back to my own apartment, the voices in my head continue their relentless assault. They taunt me, mock me, urge me to give in to the darkness. But I hold onto the image of Luella, her strength, her defiance, her beauty. She is my light in the darkness, my hope in the chaos. And I will do whatever it takes to protect her, to earn her trust, to make her mine once again.
Chapter 7
LUELLA
The note is still tucked safely in my pocket as I pace around my apartment, my day off stretching out before me like an endless, empty road. I pull it out, unfolding it carefully, reading the word that has been haunting me since last night.
Mine.
No signature, but I know who it’s from. Colton. Always Colton. He’s been watching me, leaving me these fucking notes, these roses. Black roses, like the darkness he wants to pull me into. I crumple the note, tossing it onto the coffee table. I should be furious, terrified even, but all I feel is a sick, twisted thrill.
I’ve tried to live a normal life here in Meadowgrove. I’ve got the job at the café, the cozy apartment, the friendly neighbors. But normal isn’t working for me. Not when I know Colton is out there, watching, waiting. Not when I crave the darkness he promises.
I spend the morning cleaning, trying to keep my hands busy, my mind distracted. But it’s not enough. I’m restless, my skin too tight, my body humming with an energy I can’t shake. I need something more. I need him.
God, I hate myself for feeling like this.
