AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My heart skips a beat as my phone buzzes again, Gianna’s reply flashing across the screen.
Her: Spencer, your aunts received a threatening note at their home.
They’re really scared. You need to come back ASAP.
The words hit me like a tidal wave, and I can feel the panic rising in my chest.
My hands are trembling as I manage to sign the words. “Percival, my aunts… they got some sort of threat… I have to go back to the city. Now.”
“Whoa, slow down,” Percival says, concern etching his face. He places a gentle hand on my shoulder, trying to steady my nerves. “Tell me everything.”
I give him my phone to read the messages, my body shaking, remembering each word. As I finish, I look up to find Percival’s eyes filled with worry. “We need to do something. I can’t just sit here while my family is in danger. This is my fault.”
“This is not your fault.” The intensity of his response is so strong I can feel it. “If anything, this is on me. You did nothing wrong, do you understand?”
I watch as Percival paces back and forth, his shirtless torso glistening in the sunlight that filters through the windows. His concern for my safety is evident on his face.
“Spencer,” he finally says, stopping in his tracks and looking me straight in the eyes, “we can’t go back to the city until the police have resolved this situation. It’s too dangerous.”
“Are you kidding me?” I retort, my expression a mixture of frustration and disbelief. “This is my family we’re talking about, Percival! I need to be there for them.”
“Look,” he says, running a hand through his dark hair, making it stick up in all directions, “why don’t we wait it out here and work remotely? We can stay in touch with your aunts and the police, and we’ll go back as soon as it’s safe.”
“Safe? When will that be?” I demand, my hands flying through the air. My determination fuses with a burning sense of urgency, propelling me forward. “If we just sit here doing nothing, who knows what could happen to them? That people know where I live.”
“Spencer, I understand your concern, but we have to think about your safety too.” He pauses, searching my face for understanding. “If something happened to you because we rushed back into the city, I’d never forgive myself.”
“Then come with me,” I insist, my stance firm and assertive. “If you won’t take me back, I’ll go by myself. I’ll take the train or a bus if I must.”
“Spencer, please…” Percival begins, but I cut him off.
“No, Percival. This is non-negotiable. I’m going back to the city, one way or another.” My words are laced with steel, my resolve unwavering.
I can see the conflict in his eyes, weighing his concern for my safety against my determination to protect my family. I know he’s trying to protect me, but I also know I can’t sit idly by while my aunts face this threat alone.
As I stand with my chin up, arms crossed, and eyes blazing with determination. Percival sighs, finally conceding to my request. “Fine, we’ll go back to the city,” he says, his gaze tinged with reluctance. “But on one condition: you have to stay at my home for your safety.”
“What?” I blink, taken aback by his unexpected offer. The thought of staying in Percival’s home sends a thrill down my spine but also leaves me feeling vulnerable. It’s not something I ever imagined would happen.
“Look, Spencer, I’m worried about you, and I want to make sure you’re safe,” he explains, his charming smile softening the seriousness of his words. “At least at my place, I know you’ll be protected.”
I hesitate, my thoughts racing. The idea of being that close to Percival, sharing his personal space, is both exciting and terrifying. But more than anything, I need to ensure that my aunts are okay, and if this compromise gets me back in the city sooner, then maybe it’s worth considering.
“Okay,” I say slowly, the word feeling foreign on my lips. “I appreciate the offer, Percival. But promise me one thing: if we do this, you won’t treat me like some fragile doll that needs constant protection. I can take care of myself, too.”
“Deal,” he agrees, his grin returning as he extends his hand for a handshake, sealing our agreement.
As we begin to make plans for our return to the city, my mind fills with images of the past days. This journey will be unlike any other I’ve experienced, and though uncertainty lingers, so does hope. Together with Percival, I’ll face whatever challenges come my way—armed with courage and determination.
“Hey, are you okay?” Percival asks, noticing my hesitation. His concern warms me but also triggers my inner stubbornness.
“Of course, I am,” I snap, more sharply than intended. “Let’s just get moving.”
“Okay, okay,” he replies, raising his hands in surrender. “We’ll grab some takeout on the way back. My treat.”
“Fine by me,” I say, the prospect of food momentarily distracting me from the whirlwind of thoughts swirling through my head.
With that, we drive into the fading light, leaving behind the familiar in pursuit of the unknown. The future may be uncertain, but one thing remains clear: together, I’ll confront whatever challenges lie ahead. And perhaps, in doing so, we’ll find something even more valuable than safety or answers.
