"Shouldn't we be helping Bella pack her stuff?" I asked as I stepped out of the car, shutting the door softly behind me.
"Nah," Elara said, hitting the lock button on her keys. "She said she'll call when she's done. Wants to spend time with her mom—been a while." She brushed some hair behind her ear and stared up at the front of the gym, the bright neon sign reflecting in her eyes. "Been a while..." she muttered, almost nostalgic.
I followed her gaze toward the entrance, where a group of huge, sweat-soaked women lounged outside like they owned the place, muscles swollen and glistening under the parking lights. Their laughter was loud, sharp, confident. Terrifying.
"I'm kinda scared, Elara..." I whispered, moving closer until my arm pressed firmly against her side. I didn't want even an inch of space between us.
"Everything will be fine," she said, giving me a gentle nudge with her hip. "Just stay close to me, okay?"
I nodded quickly. My stomach twisted. Glad I'm not the one working out 'cause imagine If I had shown up in something like workout clothes? They'd all probably stare like I was some exhibit animal in a zoo.
We entered the building and checked in, the loud clanking of weights and grunts echoing off the high ceilings. The air smelled like metal and sweat—raw and overwhelming.
Elara led the way through the lobby, heading toward the locker rooms. More women turned their heads as we passed, some curious, some... hungry. I swallowed hard, staring straight ahead.
"We're going to do great today," Elara murmured. Then she looked at me, serious. "Stay here."
"Y-yeah," I said, voice small.
She disappeared into the locker room, the door swinging shut behind her. I stood alone in the hallway, arms wrapped tightly around myself, fingers twisting together. I kept my eyes glued to the floor, trying not to make eye contact with anyone. The realization hit me like a brick:
...I had forgotten my phone at home.
Perfect. Just perfect.
I heard a few women mutter things as they passed—nothing more than whispers, but each one made my chest tighten. The worst was a low chuckle behind me, followed by a voice purring, "He looks like delicious prey." I pretended not to hear. Thankfully, whoever said it sounded occupied.
Until she wasn't.
A red-haired girl walked straight toward me, sweat gleaming across her freckled skin. She wore a black sports bra that barely contained her chest, and matching shorts hugging thick, intimidatingly muscular thighs. She stopped right in front of me, close enough for me to smell her perfume under the sweat—sharp and sweet.
"Hey, sweet cheeks," she said, voice dripping with confidence. "What's got you standing outside the women's lockers?" She leaned in, lips brushing my ear. "Oh—are you selling? 'Cause if so, I'll happily buy some time off you..."
I froze. My hands shook. "I-I'm waiting f-for my girlfriend..." I stammered, staring straight at the floor. I could feel sweat sliding down my temples. Don't look. Don't look. Her legs looked like they could crush me without effort.
"Aww, you're just a sweet little thing," she cooed mockingly. "You don't have to lie. I'm not a cop. Just trying to make you feel good..." Her hand came up and cupped my cheek, her thumb dragging across my skin like she owned it.
My heart pounded, every beat louder than the weights clanging around us. I prayed—begged internally—for Elara to hurry. Any second now. Please. I was convinced this was it, that she was going to take me and nobody would stop her.
And then the locker room door swung open.
Elara walked out, her expression shifting instantly the moment she saw me cornered. No hesitation. No questions. Just fury.
Her fist connected with the redhead's jaw before I could even blink. The sound echoed. The woman hit the floor hard—out cold—her body sprawled across the hallway. Gasps erupted around us. Even the strongest-looking girls froze in place.
Employees rushed over, demanding explanations. Once they heard what happened, they gave us a one-week ban. Honestly, could've been worse. Elara barely reacted; she just grabbed my hand and guided me out with a calm, deadly aura.
As we walked to the exit, every girl who had stared at me earlier looked away instantly, almost flinching. None of them dared make eye contact again.
I let out a shaky laugh, adrenaline finally fading.
Elara squeezed my hand.
She was the best—my shield against the world.
"Can't take my little guy anywhere..." Elara muttered under her breath as we walked across the parking lot. Her grip on my hand was protective, firm. "Gosh, I hate this world sometimes." The way she said it wasn't angry—more tired, like she was exhausted from always having to fight for me.
I slid into the passenger seat, still feeling my pulse in my throat. My hands shook as I clicked the seatbelt in place. The car door shut, muffling the outside world, and for a moment everything went quiet except for our breathing.
"So... what now, Elara?" I whispered, staring down at my lap. I wasn't sure if my voice was trembling from fear or relief.
She started the engine, jaw tight, eyes focused forward. "Guess we go help Bella," she muttered, pulling out of the parking spot a little faster than usual. "The sooner she's done packing, the better."
As she drove, I leaned back and let out a long, shaky sigh. My body was still recovering from the adrenaline, but sitting beside her always made me feel safe again. She rested her free hand on my thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"You're okay now," she said quietly. "I've got you."
I nodded, closing my eyes for a moment.
Yeah. She really did.
"What the FUCK do you mean you couldn't get him?!" I screamed, pacing back and forth so fast the floorboards creaked beneath me. My chest burned, every breath sharp like glass. I pay this bitch to kidnap Noah and she ends up trying to FUCK HIM?
My voice cracked from the force of it. Rage flooded me so violently my hands shook—god, I felt like tearing the whole world apart with my bare fucking hands.
"You had one job," I snarled into the phone, barely holding onto sanity. "One job. Knock him out, bring him to me. And you—" I choked on the words, fury choking the air, "—you couldn't control your little lust drive for five fucking minutes?"
The line was silent on the other side. Coward. She didn't even try to defend herself.
"Listen to me," I spat, voice low and trembling. "You fucked it up. So here's how this works now—you bring me every cent back, every cent, or I swear to God I will hunt you down until you have nowhere left to run. No friends. No sleep. No breath."
I ended the call so hard my thumb stung. The phone clattered against the wall, battery popping out as it hit the ground. I pressed both palms to my forehead, digging my nails into my scalp until I almost broke skin.
This was supposed to be perfect.
He was supposed to be here.
Warm. Scared. Mine.
And now? Gone. Completely fucking gone because this useless bitch couldn't control her impulses.
"Such valuable info... wasted," I hissed under my breath, feeling my throat tighten. I kicked the corner of my desk, sending papers and pens flying. I wanted to scream until my lungs bled.
I had everything planned. Weeks collecting schedules, habits, weaknesses—everything I needed to have Noah under my thumb, wrapped neatly in my hands.
I should have him right now.
I should be looking into his eyes.
I should be hearing him beg.
Instead I'm standing here empty-handed like some pathetic joke.
I sank onto the edge of my bed, gripping the sheets so tight they nearly tore.
"...I still have time," I whispered, voice shaking but steadying with every word. "I'm not done. Not even close."
A slow smile crept across my face, unhinged and trembling.
"They won't always be there to protect you, Noah."
My laugh echoed off the walls.
"Soon."
"Hey, you guys made it on time—was just about to call you, Elara." Bella said as she walked toward the car, arms full of bags. I got out and helped her with some of the heavier ones, Liz watching quietly from the doorway.
Bella stepped in front of me once everything was placed down, brows knitting together. "What's got you looking so stressed, Noah?" I guess I was making it obvious something had happened—I felt like I couldn't hide a single thing from her.
"Some bitch tried touching our man," Elara said bluntly as she swung a duffel bag into the trunk. "Don't worry—she's taken care of."
Bella's expression shifted in an instant, eyes sharpening, then softening as she looked back at me. "Well I'm glad you're okay, Noah..." she murmured, wrapping me in her arms and pulling me into her chest. My face pressed against her warmth and the scent of her perfume calmed the shaking in my bones. I exhaled slowly, losing myself in the safety of her grip.
Liz stepped closer, arms crossed, trying—and failing—to look composed. Her voice wavered slightly as she spoke.
"You'll still be visiting, right Bella?" she asked, pitched high like she was holding back tears.
Bella turned to her and smiled softly. "Of course, Mom."
Liz nodded, swallowing hard. "Good... good."
I watched the two of them—mother and daughter, both trying to be strong—and guilt pinched my chest. I was stealing her daughter away, even if she gave permission. I squeezed Bella's hand tighter, silently promising myself I'd make everything worth it.
"Let's get going," Elara said gently. "We've got a family to build."
I’ll be slowing down on updates since it’s close to thanksgiving, just a heads up if I only post once a day for the rest of the week