More Than Friends

Chapter 17: Mornin' Tension

The next mornin', Nicole woke up feelin' a little better, but the fear was still there, lurkin' in the back of her mind. She could hear Devin movin' around in the kitchen, so she rolled outta bed, throwin' on her slippers before headin' out.

When she walked into the kitchen, Devin was already makin' tea, steam risin' from the cups he set on the counter. The smell of somethin' cookin' caught her attention, and she noticed he was fryin' up some eggs and toastin' bread for breakfast.

"Morning," Devin said, flashin' her a small smile, but she could still see the tension in his eyes.

"Morning," she replied softly, her hands wrappin' around the warm tea cup. She took a sip, feelin' the warmth ease some of the anxiety that had been sittin' on her chest.

"You sleep okay?" he asked, turnin' back to the stove.

Nicole shrugged, takin' another sip. "Not really, but it's better than it's been."

Devin nodded, flippin' the eggs onto plates and handin' her one. "You need to eat somethin'. You ain't been eatin' enough."

Nicole took the plate and sat down at the table, starin' at the food for a moment before pickin' up her fork. She appreciated how much Devin was lookin' out for her, but it was hard to focus on anything with the threats hangin' over her head.

"Did you hear anything back from the people you reached out to?" she asked, glancin' up at him.

Devin sat down across from her, shakin' his head. "Not yet, but I'm expectin' a call today. We gon' get to the bottom of this, Nic. I promise you that."

Nicole nodded, but the fear in her chest wouldn't let go. Every day felt like they were runnin' outta time, and now, with the last message tellin' her that time was runnin' out, it was only gettin' worse.

Later That Day

Nicole walked to the corner store to grab a few things, tryna clear her head. She hadn't wanted to go alone, but Devin had some business to handle, and she couldn't just sit around all day. Still, every time she stepped out the door, she felt like somebody was watchin' her, and it was startin' to mess with her more than she wanted to admit.

As she reached the store, her phone buzzed again. Her heart skipped a beat as she pulled it out of her pocket.

You thought I wouldn't notice you out alone?

Nicole's breath caught in her throat. She quickly looked around, her eyes dartin' from person to person, but nobody seemed suspicious. How did they know she was out here? Her hands started shakin', and she rushed into the store, feelin' her heart poundin' in her chest.

She called Devin immediately, her voice panicked. "Dev, I got another message. They said they noticed I'm out alone."

"Where are you?" Devin asked, his voice sharp.

"I'm at the corner store. I thought I could just grab somethin' quick, but I didn't think—"

"Stay there. I'm comin' to get you," Devin said, his tone firm. "And don't leave the store until I get there."

Nicole nodded, her heart still racin'. She couldn't believe she'd let herself get caught slippin' like that, but whoever this was—they were always one step ahead.

Back at Devin's Place

Devin didn't waste any time gettin' to her. By the time they got back to his apartment, Nicole felt drained, like she was runnin' on fumes. The fear was eatin' away at her, and she hated feelin' so powerless.

"You okay?" Devin asked, lookin' over at her as they sat on the couch.

Nicole shook her head. "I don't know, Dev. I feel like I can't breathe half the time. Every time I go somewhere, I'm lookin' over my shoulder. I just don't know what to do anymore."

Devin leaned in, his hand gently restin' on hers. "We gon' get through this. I ain't lettin' them scare you like this."

Nicole looked up at him, feelin' the warmth of his touch, and for a moment, the fear eased. Devin had been her rock through all of this, and she didn't know how she would've managed without him.

But even with him by her side, the reality of the situation was clear. Whoever this was, they weren't lettin' up. And now, Nicole wasn't sure if they had any more time to figure it out.