Afterlight (Fanfiction) ✓

chapter twenty-three

Chloe

     THE relentless banging on the front door jolted me awake, each pounding echoing louder than the last. It was like a drumbeat, steady and unforgiving, making my temples ache with each blow. I blinked against the dim light of the room, my head still foggy from sleep. Justin lay beside me, his face serene, chest rising and falling in the rhythm of soft snores. His arm was wrapped firmly around my waist, his body curled protectively against mine, his nose nestled in the crook of my neck. The warmth of him, the steady security of his presence, was almost enough to lull me back to sleep—almost.

But the banging persisted, breaking the spell.

I hesitated, not wanting to move from his grasp, but the noise demanded attention. I reached down and shook his leg gently. "Justin," I whispered, my voice hoarse with sleep. He stirred but didn't wake, his grip loosening only slightly. I gave his leg another shake, this time more insistent.

His arms unwrapped from around me as he stretched, legs shifting beneath the blankets. His eyes opened suddenly, sharp and alert, and his gaze immediately found mine.

"There's someone at the door," I said, stifling a yawn.

He groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Too early for this," he muttered, already swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. He stood, tugging on a pair of jeans that had been discarded on the floor.

Curiosity tugged at me. Whoever was pounding on the door at this hour couldn't bring good news, and I wanted to know what was going on. So, I tiptoed after him as he made his way down the stairs, careful to keep my steps silent. The banging drowned out any sound I might've made, but caution was a habit I couldn't shake.

At the door, Justin hesitated for just a moment before pulling it open. Standing on the other side was Damien, his older brother. The sight of him made my stomach twist. His face was flushed with anger, his expression as sharp as a blade.

"Changing the locks and installing security systems now, are we?" Damien's voice was loud, cutting through the stillness of the house.

"Yup," Justin replied flatly, utterly unfazed by Damien's fury.

"Why did you do it?" Damien demanded, stepping closer, his tone a low growl.

Justin leaned against the doorframe, his expression calm but his body tense, ready. "Oh, I don't know," he said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Maybe because your gang fucked up my house."

Damien's scoff was loud, his body shifting like a predator about to strike. His arms flexed as he stepped forward, his intention clear. But before anything could happen, his gaze lifted—and locked onto me.

I froze, half-hidden behind the wall, but it was too late. Damien's eyes darkened, and a slow, unsettling smirk spread across his face. "Hello, Romano," he greeted, his tone almost playful, though it sent a chill down my spine.

I took a step back instinctively, but Damien wasn't deterred. Justin immediately moved, stepping between us in a protective stance.

"Come on, Romano," Damien continued, his voice coaxing, mocking. "You don't have to be scared of me. No need to hide."

Before I could react, Damien brushed past Justin and approached me. His presence was overwhelming, suffocating, and when he took my hand in his, it felt like ice against my skin. Slowly, deliberately, he brought it to his lips and pressed a kiss to my knuckles. The contact made my stomach churn.

His eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I couldn't breathe. There was something in his gaze—something sharp and calculating—that made my mouth dry and my throat tighten. He released my hand, letting it drop to my side as if I were a doll he was done playing with. I backed away, my movements jerky and unsteady, until my back hit the wall. I pressed myself against it, wishing I could sink into it and disappear. Justin was at my side in an instant, his hand firm on my arm as he pulled me behind him, his expression dark with rage.