The moment the small red-wrapped box touches my palm, something cold slithers down my spine.My fingers tremble as I thank him.
Inside the elevator, Samantha's voice breaks through my unease."Alisha!"
I stick my arm out reflexively, catching the doors."Thanks," she says, slipping inside.
"No problem, Sam."My fingers tighten around the package, that cold feeling refusing to leave.
"Oh, wow, are those new?"She points to my heels, momentarily distracting me.
"Yes, aren't they gorgeous?"
"Oh my god, I love them."
My lips curl, and I catch myself thinking,I hope Cole likes them too."So, what were you doing out so late?"
Samantha shrugs, then bites her lip."Okay, a boy from school asked me to hang out, and we went for a milkshake," she rambles."Please don't tell Cole."Her eyes beg while she twists a blonde lock around her finger.
I chuckle, grateful for the momentary distraction from the weight in my hands."What's his name?"
Her eyes widen with relief."Leo."A blush creeps across her cheeks as she tucks the strand of hair behind her ear.
"And what did you tell Cole?"
She gives a shy smile."That I was meeting with a girl to do homework while drinking a milkshake."
I chuckle.He has a lot to learn."Cole has been very grumpy these last few days.I think it has to do with his mother coming this Sunday to meet me."
"Are you coming to dinner tomorrow?I'm making spaghetti bolognese," she says, pride lighting up her face.
"Absofuckinglutely.I love those carbs."
Her snicker follows me as the doors close.
Inside my apartment, I throw my key on the side table and place the package on the dinner table.After freeing my feet and giving them a quick massage, I head to my bedroom.The hot shower helps ease the tension in my muscles, but that nagging feeling about the package remains.
Wearing workout pants and a red spaghetti strap top, I grab one of Emma's relaxing herbal tea bags.As the water steeps, my eyes keep drifting to the red-wrapped box.These must be the scented candles I ordered online.
I pull the package closer, remove the glitter paper and tape, and flip the box open.My body jerks back violently."No!"
With my heart hammering against my ribs, my eyes dart over the contents.A photo and a note lie beside each other on a bright coral piece of clothing.Bile rises in my throat as I read the words.
Red looks so good on you.See you soon, doll face.
Violent shivers rack through my bones as I stare at my image.Oh my god, he's been following me everywhere.This is a close-up from last week - I recognize my new lipstick.Jesus, he's photoshopped it, making it look like blood runs from the corners of my eyes.Is this his way of saying he wants to hurt me again?
A loud knock on the front door makes me scream.
"Alex?What's wrong?Open the door."
I'm frozen, but when my brain registers Cole's voice, my feet move on autopilot.The moment I open the door, he storms inside, ready to fight.His eyes scan the space, but when he sees I'm alone, he asks, "Alex?What's going on?Why were you screaming?"
Unable to speak, my shaking hand points to the table.As Cole strolls over, memories of the attack flood back.His face, his touch.I scrunch my nose, remembering the bitter smell of him and his alcohol breath.It was disgusting, and it makes me feel dirty all over again.The sensations are so real that when a hand touches my elbow, fear takes complete control.
He's back to hurt me.My vision blurs as memories of the sharp pain and his sinister smile make me launch my fist at the figure in front of me.But it's like hitting concrete.I have to get away.I try to run, but my legs turn to cooked spaghetti, and I drop to the floor.No, I have to escape.He's going to hurt me again.Knowing it's too late, I curl into a fetal position."Please, don't hurt me, please."Tears stream down my cheeks as the pressure in my chest becomes unbearable.
But then a deep, familiar voice cuts through the suffocating clouds of panic."You're okay.No one will hurt you.Please, Alex, open your eyes and look at me."
My lashes part, and as my foggy mind clears, I see Cole kneeling beside me.My gaze travels up his black pants, white button-up shirt, and when our eyes connect, his name escapes my trembling lips."Cole?"
