Stole My Heart 💕

7 - Accident

The night air was crisp as the group stood outside the theater, bathed in the faint glow of streetlights. As everyone exchanged their goodbyes, Candice did her best to avoid Nick. It was difficult, though, with his unwavering gaze fixed on her, the intensity of it making her pulse race. She despised how easily he could unsettle her, how just a look from him could send her thoughts spiraling into confusion. Why did she feel this way? Why did Nick always have this effect on her?

Hanna, ever perceptive, noticed the way Nick's eyes lingered on Candice, the way his jaw clenched slightly when she spoke to Blake. Curiosity sparked in her expression as she leaned in toward her cousin. "Nick," she said, her voice teasing but knowing, "why do you care so much about who Candice goes home with?"

Nick scoffed, looking away as if unaffected. "I don't," he muttered, but his stiff posture betrayed him.

Hanna arched an eyebrow. "Oh, really? Because you look like you're ready to murder someone every time Blake speaks to her."

Nick exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulders. "It's not about her," he insisted. "It's about Blake."

Hanna crossed her arms, unconvinced. "Right. And what exactly is your problem with Blake?"

"I don't trust him," Nick said flatly. "He acts too smooth, like he's got everything figured out. He doesn't know Candice the way I do."

Hanna smirked. "And you do?"

Nick hesitated, his jaw tightening. "She deserves better."

Before Hanna could pry further, Blake's phone buzzed with a call from his coach, interrupting the tension-filled silence. After a brief conversation, he turned to Candice, insisting on dropping her home. "It's really no trouble," he said firmly, his dark eyes filled with concern. "I'll feel better knowing you got home safe."

Before Candice could respond, Nick spoke up, his voice calm but laced with an edge. "Actually, I'm headed that way too. I can drop her off."

Candice's eyes widened slightly at his sudden offer. There was something in his gaze—something almost possessive. Her heart skipped a beat before she quickly shook her head. "It's fine, Nick. Blake's got it covered."

Nick's jaw clenched, his frustration evident, though he kept his expression carefully composed. "Are you sure? It's really no problem."

Blake smirked slightly, stepping in, sensing the tension. "Don't worry, man. I've got this."

Nick took a step closer, his stance firm. "I don't think it's up to you. Candice should decide."

Blake chuckled, shaking his head. "Relax, Nick. Why are you so worked up over this?"

Nick's expression darkened. "I'm not worked up. I just think she'd be better off going with someone who actually cares about her safety."

Blake's eyes gleamed with amusement. "And you think that's you?"

The tension thickened, the air between them almost electric. Nick's fists clenched at his sides, but before he could snap back, Candice sighed, stepping between them.

"Enough," she said firmly. "I'm going with Blake."

For a second, Nick looked like he might argue, but then Candice turned away, effectively ending the conversation. Blake's lips curved into a triumphant smirk as he winked at Nick, a silent declaration of victory. Nick glared, but there was nothing he could do.

As Nick finally relented and drove away, Candice found herself watching his car disappear into the night. She stole one last glance through the rearview mirror. He was still looking at her, his eyes dark with something she couldn't quite place. The intensity of it made her breath hitch, but she forced herself to look away.

Once Hanna, Andrea, and Nick left, Candice and Blake lingered under the streetlights. Blake turned to her, his expression soft. "Do you want to stay here a little longer before heading back?" His voice was gentle, but there was a probing curiosity beneath it.

Candice shook her head. "No, I think it's best we leave."

But the truth was, she couldn't stop thinking about Nick. His gaze haunted her, the way it had burned into her, filled with emotions she couldn't decipher. It unsettled her more than she wanted to admit. She had always been in control of her emotions, but lately, she felt like a stranger to herself. And it was all because of him.

Before she could get lost in her thoughts, Blake's phone rang again. He answered, his expression shifting into confusion. "Who was that?" Candice asked, curiosity breaking through her inner turmoil.

"My coach," he replied. A brief pause. "Come on, let's get moving."

She studied his face. "Why did he call you this late?"

Blake hesitated before answering, "It's about a meeting with a sponsor. It's not a big deal."

Candice raised an eyebrow. "Not a big deal? Blake, this sounds important. You should go."

Concern flickered in his eyes. "What about you, baby doll? How will you get home alone?"

Her heart warmed slightly at the endearment, but she waved him off. "Don't worry about me. I can manage. This is more important. You should go."

He still looked unsure, but her insistence finally won. "Fine," he relented, his reluctance evident. "But promise me you'll call once you're home."

"I will," she assured him, offering a small smile.

Blake walked away, glancing back over his shoulder as if second-guessing his decision. Candice waved him off, watching as he disappeared into the distance. As soon as he was gone, an unsettling quiet settled around her. She had never been out this late before, and the darkness felt heavier than she expected. The flickering streetlights cast eerie shadows, and every small noise made her jump. Still, she pressed forward, refusing to let fear control her.

The subway station loomed ahead, empty and silent. She hesitated, staring at the dimly lit tunnel leading to the bus stop. A chill ran down her spine, but she had no other choice. Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside. The sound of her own footsteps echoed against the concrete walls, sharp and lonely.

Then she heard it—another set of footsteps, mirroring hers.

Her breath caught. She quickened her pace, and the footsteps behind her did the same. Panic clawed at her chest. She clutched her bag tighter, her heart pounding. The sound grew louder, closer. Someone was right behind her.

Then—

A tug on her bag.

Fear overtook her, and she broke into a run. Her pulse roared in her ears as she sprinted out of the subway, bursting onto the street. For a brief moment, she thought she had escaped.

Then, from the corner of her eye, she saw it.

A black SUV, speeding toward her.

Her body froze. The headlights blinded her, and time seemed to slow as she stood rooted to the spot. Before she could react, before she could even scream—

Everything went dark.