Page 41 of Together Is Where We Belong

“From time to time. Stress usually brings them on,” I said, immediately regretting letting the last part slip. Hopefully, Leo wouldn’t ask me to elaborate. I didn’t have the energy to explain tonight. Hopefully, I’d never have to.

“Why don’t you go back to sleep? I’ll make sure I lock the door on my way out,” Leo said as he looked down at me like he wanted to say something more but refrained. I nodded before he turned around and walked to the door.

After he put on his shoes, he opened the door.

“Leo,” I called out to him.

“Yeah.” He turned around, one hand on the doorknob, the other in his pocket.

“Thanks again for tonight. You’re great with him.”

He gave me a soft smile before he said, “You don’t have to thank me, but you’re welcome.”

I laid my head back on the couch and heard the door close softly and Leo’s footsteps as he walked down the front porch.

My phone buzzed in the pocket of my sweats.

I pulled it out thinking it was Lexi or my mom checking to see how Leo’s visit with Luke went.

Only when I looked down at the message app, it wasn’t either of them.

My blood ran cold at the sight of an unknown number messaging me.

Unknown number

You can run. But I’ll always find you. See you soon, beautiful.

twelve

Carolina

Icouldn’t get that message out of my mind.

Sleep evaded me last night as I tossed and turned from fear he’d find me.

My immediate reaction was to grab Luke and run again.

But I couldn’t do it.

There was more at stake now.

Leo knew about Luke, and Luke was overjoyed that his dad was in his life. I couldn’t take that away from him just yet. If ever.

I tried to hide my stress from Luke this morning, but I wasn't sure if I succeeded. He’d woken up his usual grumpy self but quickly rambled on and on as he ate his breakfast about the next thing Leo and he would do together. When I didn’t give him an excited reaction, he grew quieter as if he could sense my unease.

As I thought back on it, I hated that he could tell I was upset, but I couldn’t do anything to change it.

Another worry that crossed my mind was if Leo found out that I was in danger that he may insist on taking Luke from me to protect him.

I couldn’t risk losing my son, but I also couldn’t risk losing my life either.

I called the detective on my case on my way to work and left a message, but he’d yet to return it.

All day at work in between patients, I’d checked my phone but came up empty each time.

My frustration grew more as the day passed by. I hated that this was a waiting game. I hated that he couldn’t just leave well enough alone. I didn’t understand his fascination with me when I’d done nothing to warrant it.

I just knew that I needed to keep Luke safe.