Chapter 031

***~Michelle~***

I stood at the entrance, trying my best to ignore the stares from neighbors as they passed me on their way to the elevator. Night had fallen, and the cold seeped into my bones despite my coat. I wrapped my arms tightly around myself, trembling—not just from the chill, but from the realization that my sanctuary was no longer safe.

He was here. Somehow, he’d gotten into my apartment. I didn’t know how, but it didn’t matter. My home, my one place of refuge, had been violated.

My first instinct had been to call Jaxon. He was the first person who came to mind. After hanging up, I’d called the police too, my voice shaky as I explained the situation.

All I wanted tonight was to collapse into bed after a long day at work. Instead, I’d come home to find my apartment door unlocked.

That was impossible—I was meticulous about locking it before leaving. Panic had set in instantly. I didn’t check inside; I couldn’t. Instead, I’d raced to the elevator, heart pounding, hands trembling, needing to get away from that door. Now I stood in the lobby, watching the stream of people coming and going, wishing someone could tell me this was all just a mistake.

A car pulled into the garage, and relief swept through me. It was Jaxon. I recognized his sleek, black sedan, and the sight of him stepping out, calm and collected as ever, grounded me in a way I hadn’t expected. His eyes scanned the area, searching. When they landed on me, he strode over with purpose, his eyes locked on mine.

Tears stung my eyes, and I blinked them away quickly. I hadn’t expected him to come—not really. Somewhere deep down, though, I’d hoped he would. But at the same time, I couldn’t shake the thought that no one ever cared enough about me to show up when it mattered.

When he reached me, I shifted on my feet, unsure of what to do. Should I hug him? Keep my distance? My hesitation didn’t matter. He closed the space between us and pulled me into his arms.

I sank against him, my arms wrapping around his waist. He was solid and warm, his embrace radiating safety in a way I didn’t know I needed.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice soft as his hand brushed my hair.

God, that felt nice. Comforting. Familiar.

I nodded, unable to speak. My throat was tight, and my thoughts were a tangle of fear and relief.

The sound of sirens broke through my haze, snapping me back to reality. I pulled away reluctantly, the loss of his touch leaving me colder than before. My hands dropped to my sides, awkward and empty, as he stepped back to give me space.

His eyes scanned me, head to toe, as though checking for injuries. His brows furrowed, his concern unmistakable. I hated that I’d pulled him into this. Worse, I hated that I needed him now more than ever. After what had happened with Jake, I’d distanced myself on purpose. I couldn’t bear the thought of him seeing me at my weakest and thinking less of me. And yet, here I was, relying on him again.

“Ms. Lee,” a deep voice called, drawing our attention to the police officers approaching us. Jaxon stepped to my side as I faced the officer, his presence steadying me.

The man gave Jaxon a once-over, then extended his hand. Jaxon shook it firmly.

“I’m Jaxon, her neighbor,” he said.

The officer nodded and turned back to me, his expression professional but kind. “Can you lead us to the scene?”

I nodded, my throat dry. Together, we all entered the elevator. I stood close to Jaxon, the heat of his arm brushing mine. It was terrifying how much comfort I drew from him. Trusting him felt natural—too natural.

When we reached my floor, I stopped outside my door, heart hammering as the officers entered my apartment. Jaxon and I stayed behind, waiting in silence. His arm came around my shoulders, a simple gesture that kept me grounded as the minutes dragged on.

Finally, the officers emerged. One of them held a small, folded note in his gloved hand.

“The apartment looks untouched. Nothing is out of place,” the officer said, his voice calm but serious. “But we did find this in your bedroom.”

My stomach twisted as he extended the note toward me. My hand shook as I took it, my breath catching in my throat.

I unfolded it slowly, dread pooling in my chest as my eyes skimmed the words.

***Guess who is here for you, princess?***

The note slipped from my fingers, and my knees almost buckled. Jaxon caught it before it hit the floor, his jaw tightening as he read the message. He held it for a long moment before handing it to the officer.

“This is creepy,” one of the cops said, looking at me with sympathy. “You’ve got a stalker, ma’am?”

I nodded, my voice barely a whisper as I explained everything I knew. My words spilled out in a rush—how it started, the strange calls, the feeling of being watched. Jaxon stayed silent, but I could feel his eyes on me, his expression darkening with every word.

The officer sighed. “If the note wasn’t there earlier, then…” He trailed off, and Jaxon finished the thought grimly.

“It means he broke into her apartment.”

The words sent a shiver down my spine. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to hold myself together.

“You’ll have to move out, Ms. Lee,” the officer said firmly. “Staying here isn’t safe.”

Move out? The thought hit me like a slap. Where would I go? I couldn’t risk staying with Barbara and putting her and her boyfriend in danger. But the idea of leaving my home—the one place that was supposed to be mine—made my chest ache.

“She’ll stay with me,” Jaxon said suddenly, his voice steady and resolute.

I looked up at him, startled. He drew me closer, his hand resting protectively on my shoulder as he turned to the police.

“This is my apartment,” he said, gesturing toward the door across the hall. “She’ll be safer with me.”

The officers nodded, their expressions softening. After a few more questions, they left, promising to keep me updated.

Once they were gone, Jaxon nudged me gently, his gaze searching mine.

“Ready to move in with me?” he asked, his tone light, though his eyes were serious.

I looked away, nodding reluctantly. It wasn’t a choice—it was survival. But even as I agreed, a strange unease settled over me. Moving in with Jaxon felt safe, yes. But it also felt like crossing a line I wasn’t sure I was ready to cross.

What would happen now?