Dangerously Close (Aris x Reader)

18) Paranoia

Aris’s P.O.V

I was actually kind of caught off guard when Y/N agreed to come with me, but I’m definitely excited about it. I was also a little nervous that she would change her mind in the morning but still thankful she was up and said she was ready to go when I was.

She still seems paranoid about something though. She just keeps looking over her shoulder every other second. She also wouldn't tell me why so my only guess was that she was adjusting to yet another new place.

“You okay?”I still checked.

“Fine,”She said simply.

“You sure? You look nervous.”

“I’m fine. I just didn't sleep.”

“You know, Mary could probably help you with that? She might have some sleeping meds?”I suggested.

“No thanks. I don't want her help,”She shrugged.

“I could say it's for me and give it to you? If you're worried about asking?”I offered.

“No. I have to stay awake,”She said firmly.

“Are you keeping watch for something?”

“Just forget it,”She pushed.

“If you are, we could take turns. I’ll stay up for a little bit so you can sleep comfortably.”

“You can't sacrifice your rest for my paranoia. That's mine to deal with,”She shrugged.

“I don't mind,”I promised.

“Well, I do.”

“Well, if you change your mind-”
“I won't,”She insisted.

“Okay. Whatever you say,”I nodded.

“I do so-”
“Hey,”a familiar voice greeted.

“Hey Sonya,”I smiled, waving to her.

“You're the famous Y/N we’ve heard so much about?”She asked, holding her hand out. She looked her up and down, as though she was going to turn on her at any second now. “Okay. Good to meet you too.”

“Yeah. So you're Aris’s friend?”

“One of them. You're his new one that he's always going on about?”

“Where is Harriet anyway?”I interrupted, my face starting to burn at Sonya’s not so subtle hints.

“She’ll be here any minute. She had something to take care of really quick,”She shrugged.

“So what's the plan when she gets here?”Y/N checked.

“We’re gonna have some breakfast and then head out to the woods.”

“Like outside of the Safe Haven?”She asked quickly, her face losing color.

“Yeah. Just for a little bit,”She shrugged, not seeming to notice.

“Just to go exploring for a bit,”I assured her.

“I’m gonna use the bathroom,”She rushed out, standing up.

“Do you know where-”
Before she could finish her question, she scurried off, her ponytail swinging behind her. Her head was held high, as though she had something specific to look out for. Or someone?

“Does she not like me?”

“She's just nervous about being here. She’ll warm up to you,”I promised.

Nervous does not seem to be the right word though. She looks terrified, as if something's out to get her, like someone's always watching.

“Hey,”Harriet greeted.