falling for you again

n. Lily's heart raced in her chest, her mind racing with fear and doubt. The ominous message

ssion-something dark and intense that she hadn't seen before. The Max she had met in the bar had been charming and playful, with a mischievous g

from what

elt a chill crawl up her spine. The quiet hum of the car's engine was the only soun

to face her. His voice was softer now, his anger f

s arm wrapped protectively around her waist as they made their way to the elevator. The warmth of his bod

dragging its feet. By the time the doors slid open, Lily's nerves were frayed, her body buzzing with anxiety. She wasn't s

k, with minimalist furniture and large windows that overlooked the city skyline. But it didn't feel cold or impersonal-it felt l

er. His eyes were searching, his concern palpable as he stepped closer, closing th

r, gnawing at the edges of her resolve. She had been running from som

know what's happening. I don't know who's sending these messages,

was gentle, but his grip was firm, grounding her in a way that made her feel like she wasn't spiralling com

ad trusted someone completely, it had ended in heartbreak and betrayal. David's lies had shattered her

ek, pulling her from her thoughts. "Talk to

haky breath. "I'm scared," she admitted, her voice breaking. "Not just of whoever's s

d into him, her body trembling as she buried her face in his chest. His arms wrapped t

ily," he murmured against her hair.

ast to the chaos in her mind. She had spent so long-running, so long guarding herself against the world, that the thought of le

t maybe, she c

gaze. There was a storm of emotions in his concern, anger, and desir

n them, her lips meeting his in a soft, lingering kiss that sent a rush of heat through her body. Max's hands slid down her

n weeks, Lily felt l

own out the fear with the intensity of their connection. Max's hands roamed over her body, his touch igniting a fire in her

d back, his breathing ragged as he rested his forehead against hers.

e didn't want to think about the danger lurking outside, or the messages that had haunted her for w

tly, his thumb brushing lightly across he

out, a way to pull back if she wasn't ready. But the truth was, she didn't

uld respond, her

attered. Max stiffened, his eyes narrowing as Lily reached for her phone.

rt, but it sent a c

er than

to ice as the words sank in. Max leaned over her shoul

she whispered, her voic

ere," he said, his voice tight with urgency. He grabbed his phone from the counter and started diall

ll, there was a loud crash from t

froze, their eyes locking in shared terror. Whoeve

were