Stuck with the enemy

Chapter 23: Everything goes According to...

When I walked into the café, the familiar scent of Alya's special blend of coffee hit me, mixed with the subtle aroma of freshly baked pastries coming from the open kitchen at the back. The place was warm as always. Soft jazz drifted through the space, creating an atmosphere that felt more like home than most places.

Alya was behind the counter, focused on adjusting the coffee grinder, her brows furrowed in concentration. Her café was her pride, every inch of it reflecting her style and care. She'd worked hard to make it the heart of the neighborhood—a place where people gathered not just for coffee but for warmth and community. That was exactly what I needed.

She spotted me as I approached, her face breaking into a welcoming smile. "Deniz! Finally, you're here! I was just trying to get this stubborn grinder to cooperate," she said, wiping her hands on her apron. "One of these days, it's going to drive me mad."

"You say that every week," I replied with a grin, trying to hide the nervous energy buzzing inside me. "But it's still standing."

She laughed, unaware of the weight I was carrying with me. "Yeah, it's tough, like me."

"So, what did you want to talk about?" Alya asked, setting her work aside, her curiosity obvious.

"Let's wait a bit. Do you want a coffee?" I asked, trying to stall.

"Shouldn't I be the one asking you that? It's your day off," she replied with a smirk.

"What, am I a stranger here?" I said, moving behind the counter to make us coffees, keeping my eyes discreetly on the café, watching for any signs of movement.

Once the coffees were ready, I motioned toward a spot with a good view of the entire room. "Let's talk now. Here's the perfect spot for this conversation."

I raised my voice slightly, making sure "Alya" could hear every word.

"So," I began, letting suspense hang in the air. "I've decided..." I trailed off, my attention still scanning the room. "I'm going to tell Derek everything."

"You're serious?" Alya asked, her eyes widening. "What about the threats?"

"Don't interrupt me," I said, feigning impatience. "I'm in love, Alya, and if Derek feels the same, I'll tell him everything. Why else would he have kissed me?"

I glanced around the café again. The plan was working.

"You're... in love?" Alya said, looking even more confused. "Weren't you the one who..."

"No, no, I never said anything!" I protested, feigning surprise. "I was scared before, okay? But I'm not anymore. Derek will protect me."

I sipped my coffee, glancing over Alya's shoulder to see if anyone reacted, waiting for the next part of the plan to unfold. And it did.

After a few seconds, my phone buzzed, I glanced at the screen knowing exactly what I had to do. A familiar rush of anxiety mixed with anticipation surged through me. I tried to play it cool, but a small smile crept onto my face.

"Did you get another message?" Alya said very concerned.

"No, just Aras checking in on Tommy," I replied casually, trying to downplay my excitement. "I have to go."

"Already?" Alya asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

"Yeah, I just remembered something important I need to do." I gave her a quick smile. "Thanks for the coffee, though. I really appreciate it."

"Anytime!" she replied, but I could see the curiosity in her eyes.

"I'll catch up with you later, okay?" I added, making my way toward the door.

As I turned to leave, I quickly slipped a small note under my coffee cup before heading out. I can't believe it really worked.

I stepped out of the café, my heart racing with a mixture of nerves and adrenaline. This time, I was the one doing the watching. I sent a final message—a reply to the one that had just come through. Everything was going according to plan.

Outside, I stopped briefly, taking a moment to swap the jacket I'd been wearing for a different one I'd stashed in my bag. I pulled on a pair of glasses, clipped my hair up under a cap, and did a quick scan of my reflection in a nearby window. Unrecognizable. Just how I needed to be.

The street felt eerily familiar, every step taking me closer to Derek's neighbourhood, just as I thought. My mind raced through each detail of the plan, every possible risk, every word I'd practiced saying.

After a few blocks, I spotted him—the messenger I'd been tracking. He was moving at a steady pace, seemingly unaware of my presence. Quickening my steps, I sped up until I was close enough, then called out in a slightly altered voice, adopting a polite, almost hesitant tone.

"Excuse me!" I called after him, keeping my voice pitched just a bit lower. "Could you tell me where to find this address?"

The man turned, giving me a once-over with curious, narrowed eyes. I could see his face now. I was that close. But he didn't recognize me, he was in a rush.

"What address are you looking for?" he asked, his tone careful, his gaze flicking between me and the path ahead.

"This one," I said, pulling out the exact address for Derek's house and holding it up. Then he looked directly at me, and in that instant, recognition flickered across his face. But now, I knew who he was, too.

"Hi, Leo!" I said, bracing myself, every nerve on high alert. "So good to see you again."

"You shouldn't have done this," he said, his gaze darkening with anger. I could practically feel the rage rolling off him, his frustration at being caught sharpening his glare. "You have no idea who you're dealing with."

"Why don't you show me?" I challenged, dropping into a fighting stance.

In a flash, he lunged forward, his movement fast and forceful trying to grab me. I sidestepped just in time, my fist swinging out to connect hard with his ribs. He staggered back, his face tightening with pain and frustration.

"Why are you following me?" I screamed to him.

But Leo only sneered, dodging my next punch. "You should have stayed away from Derek. That's all you needed to do. But no, you couldn't help yourself."

Without hesitation, he aimed a punch straight at my stomach, but I ducked, letting his fist swing past me. I countered with a sharp jab to his shoulder, feeling the satisfying crack of impact.

He was kicking, I was blocking all his tries.

Then I saw Leo clenching his jaw, frustration turning into something sharper, something darker. He swung again, this time faster. I blocked the first hit, but his next strike clipped my arm. The force jarred me, sending a dull ache radiating through my shoulder. I shook it off, catching his wrist and twisting. throwing him off balance. I kicked out, landing a blow to his thigh, forcing him back.

For a heartbeat, I felt the tide was turning in my favor. But then, just as I pivoted to launch another hit, something hard hit me in the back of my head. The world spun wildly, my vision blurring as I fell on the ground, his laughter echoing in my ears..