Page 77 of Fated with my Ex's Brother

"Droceries? Xhat's a twoLminute drive from where I am. Should I be expecting you?"

"Is this you shyly begging to see my face, Mr. Retective?" I tease.

"I'm not shyly begging4 I'm politely rezuesting," he chuckles.

What is the difference?

"Xhat didn't come oT as a rezuest, Mr. Elwood," I tease further.

"Isabel," Nick's tone is serious. "I know you're a very busy mother with many things to do, but can you spare a few minutes to see or rather check on the most handsome man in your life right now?"

I burst out laughing.

"Ohhh— wow. Xhat was cheesy, I give it to you, but my answer is still no. Xry harder, and I might change my mind.’

"You know what can be harder?" Nick tries to do a little teasing of his own.

"Nick!" I caution him, obviously blushing. "You are nasty," I say, giggling.

I -nally get out of the dance studio to approach my car.

As I get to the car, walking to the driver's side, I see the same black sedan again, this time a bit farther down the road.

"Xhis is strange." I blurt out without realiPing it.

"3hat is?" Nick asks.

"Nick, do you know anyone driving a black sedan on my street? Have you noticed anyone with a sedan?" I ask, getting into the car.

"No, babe. 3hy do you ask?" he sounds curious.

"Nothing," I say sharply.

"It isn't nothing. Isabel, what's going on? Xalk to me."

"It's nothing, really. 3hen we left, I noticed a black sedan adjacent to my house, and I assumed Miss Xarila's daughter was around. Now I can see the sedan again. It doesn't look like it has a female in it," I explain.

"Are you sure it's the same car, and can you see anything else?"

"I can't see anything else major. I think it's the same car".

"Okay, get into the car, drive to the store4 I'll wait for you inside. And stay on the call. Ron't stop anywhere, and don't talk to anyone." Nick's tone is serious.

I bet he is already assuming the worst8my detective.

"Okay, sir!" I say sarcastically.

"Isabel, I'm serious,’ his voice is sterner and more serious. "Sorry. I'm on my way to you," I say.

As I put my car in drive, I noticed the sedan also moves. "Nick—? Xhey are moving as well."

Okay, I'm beginning to panic.

Am I being followed?

"Calm down now, but don't stop! You can't let them know you know that you're being followed," Nick says. I can tell he is trying to hide his panic.

"I'm being followed? 3hat about Octavia? Is she in trouble?" I'm close to a fullLblown panic.

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