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I groggily stumbled into the kitchen, still feeling the weight of the strange morning. The smell of breakfast filled the air. He was busy at the stove, flipping pancakes and sizzling bacon with practiced ease.
Taking a seat at the table. Damien glanced over, his expression softening into a warm smile.
“I figured after the commotion this morning, you might need a decent breakfast. Hope you're hungry.”
I nodded, trying to shake off the lingering embarrassment from earlier. Damien served up a plate of pancakes, bacon, and eggs, placing it in front of me. The food was as comforting as it was delicious.
As I dug in, Damien sat down across from me, his demeanor casual yet attentive. After a few moments, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a phone and a credit card, sliding them across the table toward me.
“Here, take these,” he said, leaning back. “Use the phone if you need to get in touch with anyone, my number is already saved in there, and the credit card’s there if you need to buy anything. Don’t hesitate.”
I raised an eyebrow, setting my fork down. “Damien, seriously? I’m already staying here. I don’t need your phone or your credit card. It feels like too much.”
Damien sighed and gave me a pointed look. “Blake, it’s not about me wanting to control things or anything like that. It’s about making sure you’re comfortable and that you have what you need. It’s necessary. Don’t make a big deal out of it.”
I felt a pang of irritation at his dismissive tone. “I’m not making a big deal out of it. I just don’t want to feel like I’m imposing even more. I appreciate the offer, but it’s a bit much.”
“Look,” Damien said, his voice softening but still firm, “it’s not about you imposing. It’s about making sure you’re safe and taken care of. It’s practical. Just accept it for now. We’ll discuss it more if you really want, but for today, just take it.”
I begrudgingly accepted the phone and card, not entirely happy but recognizing his sincerity. “Fine. I’ll take them. Thanks for breakfast.”
Damien’s face relaxed into a smile. “Anytime. I’ve got to head to work now, but if you need anything else, just let me know. And seriously, try to keep things simple.”
“Got it,” I said, though my irritation lingered. I watched as Damien gathered his things and headed for the door.
Once he left, I finished my breakfast and decided to go to my old apartment to retrieve some of my things. The mission would keep me at Damien’s place for a while, and I needed a few essentials.
I texted Damien, keeping him informed as he’d requested for safety purposes:
*“Heading to my old apartment to pick up some stuff. Should be back in a few hours. Just updating you as you suggested.”*
With my bag in hand, I left Damien’s apartment and made my way to my old place. The walk was uneventful at first, but a sense of unease began to settle over me. I kept feeling like someone was watching me, though every time I turned around, there was no one in sight.
Mybe i'm just losing my mind.
As I approached my building, the feeling intensified. I hurried inside, trying to ignore the unsettling feeling. Inside the apartment, I quickly packed up a few items I’d need.
I scoped a handfull of hoddies, jeans and T-shirts, a bunch of toiletries and ofcourse my books.
I glanced one last time at my so called home, no matter how much i loved it, it lacked a sense of comfort and warmth. It lacked someone's presence.
Just as I was about to step out, I noticed a shadow moving outside the window. My heart raced. I peered through the blinds but saw nothing definitive. I couldn’t shake the feeling of being followed.
I huried to the kitchen to get a knife, the closest thing i had as a weapon. I flinched as i heard footsteps getting closer. Tucking my knife inside my jacket, i tried catch my breath.
Get you're shit together blake, but my instinct tell me to do one thing that my ego will regret.
I fumbled for my phone and dialed Damien’s number, my hands shaking. “Damien, I think someone’s following me. I’m not sure who, but I definitely feel like I’m being watched.”
Damien’s voice was urgent on the other end. “Blake, get out of there right now and come back to my place. I’m on my way too. Don’t wait—just go.”
“Okay,” I said, hanging up quickly. I grabbed my bag and left the apartment, moving as fast as I could towards the street. Every step felt like an eternity as I glanced over my shoulder, the oppressive sense of being watched never leaving me.
When I reached the street, Damien’s car was already in view, pulling up in the distance. I rushed towards it, feeling a wave of relief as Damien jumped out of the car.
“Get in,” he instructed, opening the passenger door for me. I scrambled into the seat, and Damien quickly got in behind the wheel, his face set in a determined expression.
As we drove back to his apartment, I tried to calm my racing heart. “Thank you for coming,” I said quietly, glancing over at Damien.
“Can't afford to lose you again, can i?” he said, his voice steady. “But for now, let’s get you somewhere safe and sort this out. No more risks.”
I nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and lingering unease. Damien’s presence was a reassuring shield against the anxiety that had gripped me, and I clung to that sense of safety as we drove back to his place, hoping that the worst was behind us.
