Shadows of Redempthion

Chapter Ten

The morning after my coffee with Luca, I couldn't stop thinking about him. His smile, his voice, the way his eyes seemed to soften when he looked at me—all of it lingered in my mind, making it hard to focus. I had promised myself to keep a safe distance, to protect my heart from getting hurt again, but Luca was making it increasingly difficult.

As I sorted through a new shipment of books at the store, my thoughts kept drifting back to our conversation. He had been so attentive, so genuinely interested in what I had to say. It felt nice, more than nice, really. It felt like I was slowly falling for him, despite every warning bell going off in my head.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I had to stay focused. Falling for Luca would only complicate things. I had a new life here, a fresh start. I couldn't risk it.

As I arranged the books on the display, the bell above the door jingled, signaling a customer. I glanced up, ready to greet them, but the words died in my throat. Standing just outside the window, staring directly at me, was my ex-boyfriend, Michael. His sinister smile sent a chill down my spine.

My body froze, every muscle locking in place. I couldn't move, couldn't breathe. Panic began to bubble up inside me, making my vision blur and my heart race. How had he found me? I had been so careful, had done everything to disappear, to escape him. And now, here he was, looking smug and triumphant.

I could hear my boss, Mrs. Whitaker, calling my name, but her voice seemed distant, muffled. The walls of the bookstore closed in on me, the shelves towering like prison bars. My chest tightened, and I struggled to draw in a breath. The room spun around me, my legs giving way beneath me.

"Elena! Are you okay?" Mrs. Whitaker's voice broke through the haze, and she rushed over to me, her face a mask of concern.

"I... I can't..." I stammered, gasping for air. "He's... he's here."

Mrs. Whitaker looked around, confusion clouding her features. "Who's here, dear?"

I pointed weakly towards the window, but when I looked, Michael was gone. The street outside was empty, the only movement the rustling leaves in the wind. My heart pounded in my chest, still reeling from the sight of him.

"I don't see anyone," Mrs. Whitaker said softly, her brow furrowing. "Are you sure?"

I nodded, tears welling up in my eyes. "He was there. I know he was."

Mrs. Whitaker's expression softened with sympathy. "Come sit down, Elena. Let's get you some water."

She helped me to a chair, her touch gentle but firm. My body trembled uncontrollably as I tried to calm my racing heart. The panic attack was overwhelming, dragging me under its relentless tide.

Minutes passed in a blur. I was vaguely aware of Mrs. Whitaker speaking to someone on the phone, her voice urgent. I couldn't make out the words, too consumed by the terror gripping me.

Suddenly, the door to the bookstore flew open, and Luca rushed in. His eyes found me immediately, and he crossed the room in a few quick strides, dropping to his knees beside me.

"Elena, hey, look at me," he said softly, his hands gently cupping my face. "It's okay. I'm here. You're safe now."

I forced myself to focus on him, his presence anchoring me. His eyes were intense, filled with worry and something else—something that made me feel secure. Slowly, my breathing began to steady, the panic receding.

"He was... he was outside," I whispered, my voice shaking. "I thought I was free of him."

Luca's jaw tightened, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "You are free, Elena. He's not going to hurt you again. I promise."

I clung to his words, letting them soothe the remaining fear. Luca helped me to my feet, keeping a protective arm around me. Mrs. Whitaker watched from a distance, her expression relieved but still puzzled.

"Thank you," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Luca nodded, his grip on me firm but gentle. "You don't have to thank me. I'm here for you, Elena. Always."

As we walked out of the bookstore, Luca's presence beside me, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. The terror of seeing Michael again was still fresh, but there was also a growing sense of gratitude and warmth towards Luca. He had come for me when I needed him most, without hesitation.

Maybe, just maybe, it was okay to let someone in. To let him in. But for now, all I could do was hold onto the promise of safety he had given me and take one step at a time.