I didn't sleep last night. I couldn't bring myself to. Even within the confined walls and under security, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. This wasn't how I imagined to start the week. Looking like a sleep-deprived zombie and dark circles. Everything felt mechanical, brush, shower, dress.
And to add pain to my misery, I had to walk to and forth from classes all day. Pulling my hair in a high ponytail, I wrapped a red scarf around my neck. The clothes I wore did nothing to stop the chills running down my spine and strangely it had nothing to do with the weather.
I took a deep breath and reminded myself it was day. Not night. Not last night when I was being chased. It was a bright, crowded, and harmless day. At least that's what I made myself believe, because the alternative was as terrifying.
It was just a normal day. People all around. Sun shining. No shadows lurking. I was safe. I had to be. But the fear was still there, whispering it was not over. I had to keep going and act normal. Just get through today.
A cloud of unease rolled down the pit of my stomach as the chills worsened. It took several seconds to realize-no-feel the eyes on me. Someone was watching. The feeling was too strong, too real. It was not just my imagination. I was being watched.
Calm down. Breathe.
It was just paranoia. But what if it was not? What if he was still here? I scanned the street, trying to appear casual, but my heart raced. I had to act normal.
Slowly, I took a deep breath, my senses on high alert. Adrenaline was coursing through my system now, and everything in me stilled for a second.
Whoever it was, no one would be insane enough to attack me in broad daylight with people all around. And even if they did, I could scream and yell. I could use my fist to knock them down-a lie I had been telling myself lately. Even if it didn't work, I'd fight. There was no way in a living hell I'd submit or let someone take advantage of me.
The alternative was too terrifying to consider.
The stories of these thugs were not new, but the experience was.
So, I kept walking, keeping my eyes open and wide. A part of me contemplated going to the nearest police station and filing a report against two of the people who had been haunting me these past few days.
The stalker who seemed to have some kind of evil intentions, and a snake aka Judas Romanovski. He never walked, but glided with smooth and deliberate movements.
But after a lot of pondering, I realised I didn't have any proof against any of these two. Police would demand it and when I'd say Russia's precious billionaire harassed me, I fear if they'd even believe it.
Not like I wanted to get in any legal trouble with the corporation. So I decided instead of reporting, I'd simply resign. And I had. Just waiting for Kyle's confirmation.
I sent a text to Kyle this morning right after waking up from my unsuccessful slumber.
I resign.
The brooding man had seen my text but he hadn't replied yet. And I wondered if it meant anything. Was he ignoring me? Whatever it was, I was not going to go into that mansion ever again. The memory of its shadowed halls and suffocating silence still clung to me.
God ruin my soul if I let that sarcastic, narcissistic, self-righteous blind demon come in front of me ever again. His piercing eyes and twisted smirk haunted my thoughts. No, never again. My sanity depended on keeping my distance from him and that accursed place.
He had a way of getting under my skin like no one else ever could.
I was walking down the street, my mind lost in a haze of thoughts, when I took a sharp turn and collided with something, or rather someone. The impact was jarring, and I nearly lost my balance, bracing myself for the inevitable kiss with the dirty pavement. But before I could fall, a strong hand gripped my arm, pulling me into a warm, solid body.
Blinking in surprise, I found myself staring into a pair of bright green eyes, sparkling with amusement. My heart skipped a beat as recognition set in.
"Well, well, I wasn't expecting you to run into my arms, Sera," Ivan teased looking into my eyes. "Two times in a week."
My eyes widened and I pulled myself away and cursed myself for embarrassing myself for the second time this week. "O-oh, I-I am so sorry, I didn't mean-" I was a stuttering blushing mess.
"I don't mind though," he interrupted, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. He reached out and lightly brushed his thumb across my lower lip. "You got something... on your lips."
My breath hitched, and I stared at him. "Oh, thanks..." I rubbed harshly at my lips feeling something I shouldn't feel. It was too uncharacteristic for him, he never touched me this... boldly. Or was I being over dramatic?
His hand lingered for a moment longer before he pulled it away, his gaze softening. "Had a rough night?" I noticed concern in his green eyes and felt guilt tripping me for doubting him.
"Couldn't sleep..." My eyes dropped to the ground to his brown leather boots too shiny and polished, and something uneasy crept up my neck as I felt the eyes on me again, more unsettling.
I looked around but there was no one except us and a few other students.
He pushed his hands into his denim jacket and bobbed his head at the cafeteria. "You look like you could use a break," he continued. "Want to grab a coffee?"
I hesitated. Despite the warmth in his voice, I couldn't shake the unease that had settled in my chest.
"Sure," I nodded with a stretched smile.
As we walked together, his hand lightly touching my arm to guide me, I eyed him and frowned. Was it just me, or did he look a little different today? I observed his neatly styled hair, casual clothes, and unusual smile. I shook my head. I was being paranoid. I should sleep the whole day tomorrow and then...
"Sera?" My thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice. Turning around, I found Alina sitting behind me with a cup of espresso in her hand, her usually smiley face contorted in a deep frown, her eyes fixed on something behind me.
"Alina." I smiled and walked to her, but her gaze didn't waver. When I touched her arm, she finally tore her eyes away from the man standing next to me and looked at me, her features hardened. "You're early."
She gulped, her eyes flickering back to Ivan before she nodded curtly. "Yeah, I had a workshop to attend." I frowned, noticing how her eyes seemed distant and dark as she grabbed my arm. "Um... do you mind?"
My mind buzzed. And I let my gaze move between the two, Ivan seemed unfazed and all smiley when my eyes met him, but Alina looked disturbed. I nodded and she pulled me away from Ivan.
"How do you know him?" She asked, I frowned, not understanding what was the deal.
"Know who? Ivan? Oh, we just share some classes. He's a good friend."
"Stay away from him."
My body stiffened. "What?"
She took in a shaky breath but I failed to read her. Her voice lowered and she suddenly sounded concerned. "You heard me. He's not a good news. He comes from a.... different family background."
"What do you mean? He seems harmless to me." I looked over my shoulder at Ivan, he was still looking at us with a smile, but something had shifted I couldn't put my finger on it.
She ran her hand through her long dark hair and I frowned at her dishevelled stare. The girl I deemed to be the epitome of perfection was looking fragile. "Just... stay away for your own good."
I swallowed. She let go of my arm, my arm still in the air and lips pursued as I watched her rush out of the cafeteria.
"Your friend?" Ivan asked, and I stared at the door Alina walked out of, her presence lingering on my arm as I slowly turned around to face him.
Something cold and unsettling crept up my arm. I yelped when Ivan tugged at my jacket, his face suddenly inches from mine, close enough for me to see the unexpected unsettling intensity in his bright green eyes, eyes which seemed too kind last night. A small smile played on his lips, but something about it seemed off, almost voracious to the point I wanted to run away.
"Yes, my roommate." My voice wavered as I tried to steady myself. "I-I have to get some books from the library. I gotta go." I nodded, attempting to pull myself away from him discreetly, but he sensed my unease. His smile dropped instantly, the brightness in his eyes dimming, turning a shade darker as if a shadow had passed over them. Then, just as quickly, he smiled again. This time, the expression sent a chill through me, and I sucked in a sharp breath.
"I can tag along." His voice was smooth, almost too smooth, like the calm before a thunder.
"You... don't have to. Your friends are looking for you, I guess." I glanced around nervously, hoping to spot a familiar face in the crowd, but it seemed as though the cafeteria had emptied, leaving me alone with voices ringing in my head.
"You'll meet me after classes?" he stepped closer and I gulped hard, too hard I felt my throat constricting.
"I-I don't know, I have things-"
"I thought you'd want to know." He leaned in even closer, his breath warm against my ear. His hand on my arm tightened slightly and he towered over me.
"Know what?" I whispered. Dread pooling in my stomach.
"About the man who was following you last night." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "I'll wait."
I stumbled a step back, and then another before I looked at him wide-eyed. My heart pounded in my ears, the memory of footsteps echoing behind me in the dark flashing through my mind.
Ivan's eyes bore into mine, unblinking, and I could feel the cold sweat forming on my brow.
And he smiled. "Don't make me wait."
******