I froze. My hand stayed on the doorknob, heart pounding so loud it filled my ears.
The voices outside grew quieter, but the stranger's words stuck in my head. They'll come for her.
I thought about opening the door, but my eyes caught the tall mirror across the room.
I looked… small. My hair was still wet, sticking to my face. My brown eyes looked too big, with black smudges under them from my mascara. My hoodie hung loose on me, the sleeves too long. The warm light made my skin look pale, and the small scar on my jaw was barely there—most people didn't notice, but Lukas had.
A knock came. The door opened a little, and Lukas stepped in.
He wasn't in his suit anymore. Just a black T-shirt and dark pants, but they still looked expensive. His hair was damp, and he smelled like cedarwood—the same smell in the room.
"You should shower and rest," he said. His voice was calm, but low.
I crossed my arms. "Who was that in the hallway?"
He paused. "Someone who works for me. Someone you don't need to meet."
"Because they think I'm in danger?" I asked.
His jaw tightened. "Because you are."
I stared at him, trying to read his face.
His phone buzzed. He glanced at it, and his expression changed—darker. "I'm staying here tonight," he said. "My room's across the hall. If you hear anything—anything—don't open the door. Call me."
Before I could reply, he stepped out, closing the door softly behind him.
I stood there for a long time, listening to the quiet, wondering if I'd just been given safety… or a warning.
I tried to rest, but the rain against the glass and the city lights kept me awake. At some point, my eyes grew heavy—until a sound snapped them open.
Footsteps. Slow. Heavy. Stopping right outside my door.
I held my breath.
The handle moved. Just a little.
And then… silence.