Instead, something feels very fucking wrong because this isn’t Piper.
Piper would argue. She’d tell me to put her down. She’d fight me every step of the way, remind me for the thousandth time that we can’t be seen together, and when I’d ask why, she’d give me the same answer she always does.
I can’t tell you.
Stay away from me.
The usual bloody nonsense.
But now she simply lets me carry her.
By the time I make it back to the dorms, she’s fast asleep.
That dark feeling refuses to loosen its grip.
I push my door open, take her straight to my room and set her down on the bed as gently as I can.
She doesn’t stir.
Instead, she tucks her knees in and folds into herself.
The sight leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
I remain where I am for a moment, watching the subtle rise and fall of her breathing.
She looks too fragile, and I have the sudden, overwhelming urge to lock the bloody door and not let her out of my sight.
Slowly, I bend down and press a brief kiss to her forehead.
Then I straighten and leave the room.
Because if I stay, there’s a very real chance I’ll start breaking things, wake her up, and demand answers she has no intention of giving.
And then we’ll end up right back where we always do.
Nowhere.
Just her running from me again.
The moment I step into the living room, I rake a hand through my hair and pull out my phone.
Me: I need you to dig up everything you can on someone.
The reply arrives almost immediately.
Harry: Send me the name.
I do.
Then I place another call. Isaak answers on the third ring.
“I need a match tonight.”
“Done.”
I end the call and walk over to the window, my eyes lift to the dark sky beyond. Heavy clouds roll overhead, promising rain before long.
The air carries that strange weight that comes before a storm, and I recognise the feeling because it’s not unlike the one currently clawing at the inside of me.
