As Chase's unspoken words hung in the air, I felt a shiver run down my spine. His eyes locked onto mine, and I could see the sincerity burning within them. I tried to look away, but I was trapped in the depths of his gaze.I waited for him to say the rest of the words, and my heart thumped loudly in anticipation, but he seemed to be having an internal battle within himself as different emotions flashed through his eyes.Just as I was about to say something to break the awkward silence, the waitress interrupted us, her soft voice piercing the tension. "I've got your orders ready. We've got a lot to get through, so let's start with the appetizers."I pulled my hand away from Chase's, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.The tension in the room was suffocating, and I knew I needed a moment to gather my thoughts.The waitress began to unload a barrage of dishes onto our table, each one more delicious-smelling than the last. My stomach growled in anticipation as I took in the spread befo
Chase's pov As I drove away from the diner, my mind was a jumble of emotions. Elodie's questions had stirred up a hornet's nest, and I knew I had to tread carefully. The last thing I wanted was to drag her into the dark part of my life.My phone buzzed again, and I glanced at the screen. Alex's name flashed, and I knew I couldn't ignore it. I answered, my voice low."Chase, we have a problem," Alex said, his tone serious.I frowned, my grip on the wheel tightening. "What is it?"“The Coastals were here. They were asking questions, and they looked determined,” he informed me.“I know,” I said, through gritted teeth, trying to keep my responses as vague as I could, knowing Elodie was watching me like a hawk.“I guess they've come there already,” he breathed out.My gut twisted into a knot. This was the last thing I needed. "Take care of it," I growled."Already on it, but we need to get Elodie to a safe house. You can't take her back to the house. There's every possibility you're being
Chase's pov“What was that?” I heard Elodie's shaky voice filled with fear. “What happened to their eyes?” Their eyes were back to there normal colors, but dread poured out of Elodie's voice, and as much as I wanted to comfort and reassure her, I knew this wasn't the time.“Alex, take Elodie inside,” I said, not turning around to look at them.“I'm not going anywhere with him,” she said defiantly. “You have to tell me who these men are and why they're after you and….”“Elodie!” I yelled, my body vibrating with anger.She jumped, but the defiant glare in her eyes remained.“This is important. Alex, take her inside,” I said more firmly, my voice leaving now room for arguments.Her nostrils flared, and she balled her hands in fists before turning on her heels, and I was left to face the Coastals.I stepped out to the night till I was in front of the four men who were once like family.I stood tall, my eyes locked onto the Coastals' leader, Victor. His eyes gleamed with a malevolent ligh
I lay in bed, my mind racing with thoughts of the night's events. Chase's sudden departure, the sound of fighting, the way he had come back injured... it all felt like a mystery, a puzzle I couldn't solve.But one thing was certain - something was bothering Chase. He had been distant, cold, and dismissive since the moment he walked back into the restaurant.I thought about the way he had growled at me, the way he had pushed me away and shut me out when I tried to help him with his wounds. It was like he was hiding something, like he was afraid of letting me in.I felt a shiver run down my spine as I remembered the look in his eyes, the fierce intensity that had burned within them.I didn't know what to make of it all. Part of me was scared, scared of what Chase might be hiding, scared of what he might do to me even though deep down, I had the conviction that he wouldn't hurt me.But another part of me, a part that I couldn't ignore, was drawn to him. Drawn to the power and strength th
The ride back home was excruciatingly awkward. Chase and I barely spoke a word to each other, the tension between us thick and heavy. I stared out the window, trying to process everything that had happened. Chase's secrets, his lies, his sudden change in behavior... it all swirled together in my mind like a toxic storm.Chase tried to break the silence a few times, but I shut him down. I didn't want to hear his excuses, his justifications. I just wanted the truth, which he obviously wasn't ready to give.As he rounded the corner to the house, Chase turned to me, his eyes softening. "Elodie, can we talk?"I shook my head, not looking at him. "No, Chase. We can't."He sighed, frustration etched on his face. "Elodie, please. I need to explain-""No, Chase," I cut him off, my voice firm. "You had your chance to explain. Now it's too late."I got out of the car, slamming the door behind me. Chase followed, but I didn't look back. I didn't want to see his face, his eyes. I didn't want to fe
Chase's pov I stood in there, my eyes fixed on Elodie as she descended the stairs, and time seemed to stop.She looked up, and her eyes locked on mine. I saw the momentarily hesitation, but she quickly masked it, concealing all emotions in her eyes.“I didn't think we were expecting someone,” she said, and I felt a jab in my chest.“Elodie!” Her mother scolded, while Daniel chuckled.Elodie shrugged, and walked past us."I'm sorry about that. She can be really cranky. Come join us for dinner," Meredith said, her smile radiant. "We're having your favorite, grilled turkey with garlic bread."The aroma of roasted turkey and freshly baked bread hung heavily in the air, making my stomach growl with hunger. But my appetite was dampened by the awkwardness that hung between Elodie and me like a challenge.As we sat down at the dinner table, the silence was palpable. Elodie's eyes avoided mine, her gaze fixed on her plate. I tried to make small talk, but her responses were curt, her voice ba
I stood frozen at the window, my heart still racing from the sight of the glowing eyes. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched, that something was lurking just out of sight.And then, I heard the soft creak of my door opening. I spun around, my heart leaping into my throat."Chase?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.He stood in the doorway, his eyes fixed on me with a mixture of concern and longing."Elodie, I couldn't sleep," he said, his voice low and husky. "I had to see you."I felt a flutter in my chest, despite myself. I didn't want to feel this way, not after everything that had happened.“Are you okay?” He asked, looking past my shoulders, his brows knitting with concern.It must have been weird to see me standing by my window by well past midnight, but what was worse was probably my pale face.“Elodie….” He started, taking a step closer to me when my silence stretched out for too long.“I thought I….never mind,” I stopped myself, squaring my shoulders.Ther
Chase's pov I walked out of Elodie's room, feeling like I'd just been punched in the gut. I couldn't believe I'd let things go this far. I'd pushed her away again, lied to her again. And for what? To protect her from myself?I couldn't shake the feeling that I was losing her, that I was driving her away with my secrets and my lies. But what choice did I have? I couldn't tell her the truth, not yet. Maybe not ever.“Chase?” A voice from behind had me snapping my head back. Daniel.He looked between me and Elodie's room where I just walked out from, and a crease formed on his brows.Fuck.“What are you doing here?” I asked him.His cautious eyes turned to me. “I was thirsty,” he said, an edge in his voice. “Were…..were you coming from Ellie's room?”“No, I….I was just coming from downstairs,” I said firmly.His eyes flickered to the door again, and I wasn't entirely sure he believed me, but he didn't say anything further.As I walked back to my room, I couldn't help but think about th