Chapter 46: FORTY-SIX

J A D E

The days flew by. Each one seemed to blend into the next, a surreal feeling. I went through the motions, working my shifts, smiling politely at customers, keeping my head down and my mouth shut.

No more threats. No more scary nights or strange faces. I was falling back into routine. Having a schedule was comforting, predictable.

And yet, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, of being followed.

It was the little things at first. A feeling of unease, a prickle at the back of my neck, like someone was staring at me. But every time I turned around, there was no one there. Just the usual hustle and bustle of the city.

But I realized I was probably agitated, and that was why I was feeling that way. It was probably due to the lack of sleep. I had been getting maybe three or four hours a night, and it was starting to catch up to me. My eyes were heavy, my movements sluggish. I was a walking zombie, and no amount of caffeine or sugar could bring me back from the brink.

But even though I felt like crap, my shifts were easier than before. Maybe because I was too tired to be scared. Or maybe because there was no sign of the strange women or her gang. Maybe they had lost interest, moved on to other prey.

Whatever the reason, I was thankful for the reprieve.

It was finally weekend, and Amy was coming to visit me. I was looking forward to seeing her. Maybe her energy would help me out of this funk I was in.

"Jade!" Amy's voice was a welcome sound, cutting through the silence of the apartment.

"Hey," I said, giving her a hug. "It's good to see you."

"Are you okay? You look like shit." She frowned, her eyes raking over my face.

I shrugged, not bothering to sugarcoat it. "I'm tired."

She sighed, shaking her head. "I know, and I wish there was something I could do. But I'm here for you. Always."

Her words made me smile. She was always there for me, and I was lucky to have a friend like her.

"Come on, let's go grab some lunch," she said, her tone light. "My treat."

We walked to a small diner near my place, chatting about everything and nothing. It was nice, to feel normal for a change. To have a conversation that didn't revolve around the supernatural, or my psycho ex-boyfriend, or the creepy woman who wanted to turn me into her pet.

Our meal passed quickly, the food and conversation lifting my spirits. I felt a little better, a little more human.

"So," Amy said, leaning forward. "Have you heard from your hotshot ex boyfriend?"

I sighed, pushing my food around my plate. "No. And I'm glad. I don't need him hovering over me."

She studied me, her eyes searching. "You don't seem angry anymore. More... sad."

"Yeah," I admitted. "I'm just... tired, I guess. It's hard to be mad when all you want to do is sleep."

She nodded, her expression sympathetic. "I know. I'm here if you need to talk, okay?"

"I know."

The conversation moved on, shifting to more neutral topics, but I could tell she was still worried about me.

After lunch, we walked around the city, enjoying the sun and the fresh air.

"Oh, I almost forgot," she said, rummaging through her purse. "I got you something."

She handed me a small paper bag, a smile on her face. "Open it."

I pulled out a small vial of liquid, the color a deep, vibrant red.

"It's a potion," she explained, her eyes bright. "It will help you sleep. The ingredients are hard to come by, but the effect is worth it. Just a few drops under your tongue and you'll sleep like a baby."

"Amy, I can't—"

"Yes, you can," she interrupted, her voice firm. "You're going through a lot, and you need your rest. Please, just try it. For me."

I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Thank you. I appreciate it."

"Of course," she said, giving me a hug. "Anything for you."

We parted ways, Amy heading back to her apartment, and me to mine.

As soon as I was home, I took a few drops of the potion, just as she had instructed. It tasted sweet and bitter, with an underlying earthy flavor. I wasn't sure what the ingredients were, and frankly, I didn't want to know.

Within minutes, I was out like a light, sinking into a dreamless sleep.

The next few days were a blur. I spent most of my time working and sleeping, barely registering the world around me. I was living on autopilot, going through the motions, my mind a foggy haze.

My coworkers were starting to notice, their concern evident in their eyes and their hushed whispers. But I couldn't bring myself to care. The only thing that mattered was sleep. Sleep and escaping the ever present sense of dread and fear.

But I could feel myself slipping further and further away, the real world growing more distant with each passing day.

"Jade, are you sure you're okay?" It was my boss, a look of concern on her face.

I blinked, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little tired."

She pursed her lips, not believing me. "Why don't you take the rest of the day off? Get some rest."

I opened my mouth to protest, but the words died on my lips. Part of me wanted to stay, to keep busy, to keep my mind occupied. But another part of me was grateful for the reprieve, the chance to catch my breath, even if only for a moment.

"Okay," I said, nodding. "Thank you."

"Just take care of yourself, alright? We're all worried about you."

I nodded, my expression blank. I was starting to get annoyed. People were always telling me how worried they were, but no one ever did anything. No one ever tried to help me. They just wanted to feel like they were doing something, even if it was as useless as worrying.

I clocked out, making my way back to the apartment. It was quiet, the afternoon sun streaming through the windows. I walked over to the couch, collapsing onto it. My eyes drifted closed, exhaustion pulling me under.

I woke up in a cold sweat, my heart racing, the images from my nightmare still vivid in my mind.

I rubbed my eyes, trying to banish the memory. It was always the same, the woman and her minions, chasing me through the city, their hands reaching out to grab me.

I shivered, pulling the blanket closer around me.

A knock at the door made me jump, my nerves frayed. Who could that be?

I hesitantly got up, making my way to the door. My heart was pounding, my body tensed.

"Who is it?" I called out, my voice shaky.

"It's me."

That voice.

I knew that voice.

My stomach twisted in knots, the air leaving my lungs.

I took a deep breath, composing myself. He can't see me like this, scared and pathetic.

I opened the door, and there he was, as handsome and commanding as ever. His dark eyes seemed to bore into me, seeing right through me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice strained.

He leaned against the doorframe, his expression soft as he searched my eye. "Can I come in?"

I hesitated, but finally nodded.

He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. He was close, so close.

I could smell him, that intoxicating scent of sandalwood and musk. My heart fluttered, my body responding to his presence.

"Why are you here?" I repeated, crossing my arms.

"You haven't answered any of my texts," he said, his voice laced with concern.

I looked away, not wanting to admit that I hadn't read them.

"Please, Jade. I just want to talk."

"I don't want to talk," I said, my voice firm. "I don't have anything else to say to you."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just wanted to see you. Jade, I’ve missed you. It’s not easy on me, not being able to hear your voice or see your face. Can't we just talk?"

I felt a flicker of sympathy, but I pushed it down. "We can talk. But that doesn't mean I've changed my mind. I'm not coming back."

He looked defeated, his shoulders slumped. "Fine. Let me stay a few days. And I will leave you alone, for good. If that's what you really want."

"I can't let you stay here. It's inappropriate. We are not together anymore, Markov."

He stepped closer, his eyes flashing with determination. "Jade, please. I can't leave you, I can’t stop thinking about you. Just do this one thing for me, please? Act like we don’t have issues, just for a little bit."

I hesitated, torn between my desire to send him away and my desire to spend time with him.

Finally, I caved, sighing in defeat. "Fine. But only for a few days. And you have to sleep on the couch."

He smiled, his relief evident. "Thank you, Jade. I promise, you won't regret it."

"We'll see," I muttered, already regretting my decision.