I Won't Fall For You | ✔️

▪︎\\Chapter Forty Two

I was shaken awake, my eyes fluttering open to find Mordechai staring down at me.

Relief hit me like a wave, and without thinking, I threw my arms around his neck. To my surprise, he pulled me even closer, his hands cupping my face as if he could check every part of me for harm.

His gaze fell to my wrists, noticing the faint marks there.

"Vanessa, please… tell me you're alright," he said, his voice tight with worry, his eyes dark with concern.

"I'm… I'm fine," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, exhaustion weighing me down.

I rested my head on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath me. His hands tightened around my waist, drawing me closer, as if he could shield me from everything in the world.

We stayed frozen like that, lost in the moment, until Kayleigh's voice cut through the quiet.

"The men are coming back. I think they know you're here. You have to go. There's a door around the back, it'll lead you out front," she said, her voice frantic. Mordechai grabbed my hand.

"Thanks for everything," I whispered, and he pulled me along with him.

I could only hope Zed didn't hurt her. I knew I would never forgive myself if he did. We reached the door she had mentioned, and as Mordechai pushed it open, the sharp night breeze hit us, carrying with it the sense of danger waiting outside.

"Let's go," he said, leading us down the sidewalk. We hugged the shadows, keeping close to the corners. Zed's men could be anywhere.

"How far is your car?" I asked, keeping close behind him. I knew this wasn't the time, but his hand in mine felt grounding, almost reassuring.

"Not far. Stay close," he said, his grip tightening slightly as we moved.

I watched as he released my hand and went off further into the darkness. The Café had see through windows so I hope he was being cautious.

I waited anxiously, scanning around the darkness. Something was off. There was no one out here. If Zed had suspected me being here he would've had men all around this area.

"Gotcha!"

A hand clamped over my mouth and another around my waist as I struggled to break free. I looked up and saw one of Zed's men.

Instinctively, I bit down hard on his hand. He yelped and released me instantly. I bolted, my heart hammering in my chest.

I collided with Mordechai, barely registering him before a deafening gunshot rang out.

My chest froze, and for a split second, the world seemed to stop

My mind flashed to Kayleigh, and I swore I almost faint. I didn't register what was happening until a fist slammed into the man's face.

Mordechai shook his wrist free and, without a word, scooped me up and carried me toward his car.

Even as he started the engine and drove off, my mind felt detached, like I was watching everything from a distance.