Page 24 of Hearts Held

Her eyes go wide in shock and I don’t miss the pink tint in her cheeks.

“You wouldn’t dare,” she snipes, narrowing her eyes at me, trying to sound intimidating.

How adorable.

“Darling, my whole life is led by dares,” I retort, then hear the scuffle of her moving the furniture from behind the door.

I just made a split-second decision with this apartment business, but it isn’t anything that can’t be easily accomplished.

I own half of this town.

Chapter 7: Brielle

Here With You, coldrain

We walk into the omniscient evening air, his large silhouette eclipsing the night sky as I aimlessly follow him to my newhome.

Our footsteps pad in unison on the cobblestone road.

Occasionally I peer up to look at Everett, still contemplating if this is a dream—or have I lost my mind?

I reflect on how he came to my apartment just at the precise moment my landlord, Carlton, was drunkenly berating me from outside the door. Then, Everett ordered me to gather my belongings.

I packed what items I had, whichwasn’t much,and cautiously followed him.

I’ve brought my regular wardrobe and work uniforms, accompanied by footwear, and my beloved picture.

The picture of a sweet memory I saved before my house went up in flames. My brother and I, standing in front of our dear family pond, where we used to fish for hours at a time as children.

I tried to retrieve my soaps and shampoo, but Everett rudely smacked them out of my hands. “The shit soaps stay with the shithole apartment.”

I attempted to pick up my large duffel bags as we began to leave, but he swiftly grasped them without a word.

“Those are mine. I can carry them!” I muttered with attitude.

He said nothing and strode down the hallway.

“I have my own arms!” I protested.

He quietly commented, “That’s nice.”

Bastard.My thoughts cursed him as a deeper part of me fought feelings of appreciation for someone actually assisting me.

His words repeat in my mind:company nurse.

When did that happen? I simply thought I was helping them for some pocket money. Now all of a sudden I’m on their regular payroll?

We turn toward the south end of town, toward the Den, his large silhouette marching in front of my small frame. He walks with such confidence, long, sleek strides, his head on a swivel as he carries my two bags over his shoulders.

In the corner of my eye, I note a few figures that have been traveling the same direction as us since the beginning of our journey.

Maybe it’s a coincidence?

Or maybe it’s not.

I glance around again to see one man with a flat gray cap pulled low. On the opposite side of the street, keeping pace, is another man in similar attire. He’s directly behind us, sixty to eighty paces away.

“Everett…” I whisper.