𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 (on hold)

| 𝟎𝟕 |

It was 10:30am and I was trying to pack as many knives on my person as physically possible. I had a razor blade in my shoe, a penknife in my back pocket, a little knife hidden under my jumper and another razor blade in my bra.

I'd probably hurt myself more than anyone else if I tried to get either of the razor blades out during a fight, but I was better safe than sorry any day.

I turned on my phone tracker and made sure Niamh had access to it before I even dared step out of my apartment.

I'd worn the most solid boots I owned— good for running or stamping on things— and dark baggy clothes to hide me just in case. I had leggings and a crop top on underneath my clothes, so if I had to change appearance at short notice it should be easier.

I was quite proud of myself as I stepped out of my door, multiple layers of protection on me. I wasn't stupid, but I still thought I was quite clever to had thought all of this out.

I just had to hope I didn't get stopped by the police on my way there.

I arrived at the back alley with five minutes to spare, and decided to shoot Niamh a quick text:

Meeting a date for the first time— I'm sharing location with you. If I don't message you in the next hour, call the police. xx

I figured it was a safe bet, and I trusted Niamh to get it sorted if something did go wrong. I was beginning to think I should have sorted out my will when I heard movement in the alley.

I decided to risk it, and slid my phone into my back pocket before walking down the alley. I didn't spot anyone, and I was glancing around in confusion when I was slammed into the wall to my left, a hand immediately coming down over my mouth.

I kept my eyes wide open, and it was Matthias that towered over me. He didn't smile— in fact he looked more scared than me.

I pushed his hand off my mouth,
"Are you okay?"

He ignored me,
"Were you followed?"

I shook my head,
"I took a different route than usual."

"Think, Juni! Were you followed?"

"No! For God's sake, Matthias. Don't worry."

He stepped back for a second, and then his relaxed body tightened again,
"What's in your pocket?"

I stuttered a bit, trying to think of a lie to make me seem like less of a weirdo,
"Uh— my phone?"

He snapped out,
"Is that a question or an answer?"

I blinked quickly, attempting to understand what was going on,
"An answer."

"Wrong answer. What's in your left back pocket?"

I shrugged, refusing to give him what he wanted. He grabbed my arm to spin me around and immediately pulled the penknife out of my back pocket.

He didn't move for a few moments, and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up, not sure what he was about to do.

I was thrown back against the wall and the knife found its way to my neck in mere seconds. Fucking hell, this man had anger issues. I pressed away, trying to escape the sharp blade. Matthias didn't let me,

"What the fuck were you thinking? Why did you bring a knife, Juniper?"

I stared at his belt line, noting the bulge of his gun,
"Why did you bring a gun, Matthias?"

"Protection." He said firmly.

"Protection, then."

"What?"