Kidnapped

Chapter Ten

Not bothering to turn on the light, I flopped onto my bed, letting my ringlets spread around my head like an auburn pool. Reaching up, I pulled my locket out of my shirt and traced my finger over the carved designs. It hadn't even been two days yet, and I already missed him like heck.

There was a soft knock on my door, and Skylar poked her head in. I didn't even bother to hide my locket.

"Hey," she said, stepping in and closing the door behind her. "You okay? I saw you leave and thought I should check on you."

"Yeah," I said, which was technically a lie. "I'm fine. It just got really loud, so I'm just...um..." I paused and thought for a second. "...thinking about some things."

"Well, is it ok if I stay in here?" Skylar asked, leaning back against the wall.

I nodded, and went back to staring at the ceiling. But when I stole a glance at Skylar, I could tell she knew something more than the noise was wrong.

I fingered my locket, knowing Skylar would find out there were parts of the story I hadn't shared, but not caring in the moment.

I pictured Jake in my mind, reliving all of the fun we had had in just one week.

One week.

I clutched my locket tighter.

Had I really fallen in love in that short of a time?

Yes. I had. The ache in my heart told me there was no denying it.

I would give anything to see him again.

For the circumstances to be different.

For his situation to change.

Maybe even for my heart to come to its senses and realize I would never see him again.

But something in me knew I was never going to get over this. Not anytime soon, anyway.

I glanced at the open glass door that led to my balcony; the only balcony that our apartment had. I thought about going and sitting in the rocking chair in the cool night air, but I didn't feel like getting up.

I sighed. Why did everything have to be so complicated?

"Aubrey," Skylar whispered in a tense voice.

"What?" I asked, snapping out of my thoughts and looking at her.

She pointed toward my balcony, and I looked up just in time to see a figure climb over the rail and start towards my room.

"That's what," Skylar whispered.

I swung my legs over the side of my bed as my heart started racing. Was it Victor, back for his revenge?

But no. This man was tall. Strong. And when he stepped farther into the rays of moonlight, I could see how incredibly handsome he was. His messy brown hair. His big, warm eyes. And his radiant smile.

"Jake?" I whispered.