The Stranger✔

2

As the cool breeze hit me, a chill ran down my spine. I tightly wrapped my hands around my torso like a blanket trying to keep myself warm.

It was half an hour past midnight but I was used to being out so late. My job was demanding. I tightly gripped the pepper spray in my hand when I felt a moment behind me. A twig snapped and I heard some whisperings.

The area was not exactly what we call safe so I had to take precautions. I let my eyes roam around the area in order to locate any figure who could help me or keep me company, there was none.

This was getting scary now. My nails dug on the palm of my hand making bloody semicircles. My hand stung and the burning sensation kicked in. I tried to concentrated on my breathing.

Breath in.

Breath out.

Breath in.

Shit! It was not happening.

I increased my pace when the footsteps grew closer. I released my breath, I didn't realise I was holding when I saw that stranger in the bar at the end of the road. I pushed my legs further as the adrenaline kicked in. The need for escape was much greater than anything. My legs were getting heavy as my pace decreased.

I stumbled straight into his arms. The warm sensation filled my body and I felt my breath getting steady. I closed my eyes and gripped on his jacket like my life dependant on it.

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." I chanted like a prayer in mere whisper, still not losing my grip on him. My head rested on his chest and the height difference was felt which I failed to notice when he came to the bar. He was way taller than me.

The footsteps behind me slowed and I could feel them retreating. Hesitant hands wrapped themselves around me lightly.

"Are they gone?" My breathing seemed ragged. The pain in my legs was blinding.

"Yes." His voice was very low and hoarse. If I wasn't so close to him, I would have surely missed it.

My grip on him loosened and I felt like I could breath again.

I stepped back from his embrace and already missed the warm as soon as the cool wind hit me. "Thank you." Was all I could sum up.

"What are you doing here?" He said not meeting my eye.

Was he bipolar or something?

I just saw him in the bar 10 minutes ago. He didn't actually think that I lived there, right? And wasn't he suppose to be drunk?

"Going home." I shrugged after shoving my hands into my pockets in desperate need for some warmth.

"You shouldn't be out so late."

"I realise that, why thank you." He wasn't helping. I looked sideways to realise that I was only few minutes away from my house.

I should get going.

I took a step forward but went crashing behind against his hard rock chest when he grabbed my hand and pulled me back. "Don't talk to me like that, nandini." My heart skipped a beat as soon as my name rolled of his mouth. His breath near my ear felt warm and tickling. It was wrong to say that I wasn't enjoying his heat.

Should I say sorry?

"What do you want?" I said after separating myself from him. "You shouldn't walk alone. Call a cab or something." He voice was smooth.

"Ha! If I had the money for hiring a cab then I don't think I would have considered working in a bar you know," he raised his brow in an attempt to scare me. He clearly didn't appreciate my attitude. I cleared my throat before continuing," I just live two blocks away. I'll manage."

My legs started moving and this time he didn't stop me. I glanced at my wrist and gasped on seeing the time.

I could consider running but at this point after that small marathon with the goons slash kidnappers slash murders slash I don't know my legs were minutes away from falling apart.

I clearly should visit gym more often and pizza needs to stay sway.

I don't think our relationship is working. We need to take a break,pizza!

Pizza- Don't this to me nandini. We are meant to be!

I giggled at my thoughts before stopping in my tracks. "Are you following me?" I said still not turning.

"You are a weirdo, you know that?" He said and fell in step with me. I glanced side ways to find his lips twitching.

"Why are you following me!"

"I can't leave you alone."

"What if you are a psycho, trying to know where I live to murder me." I said only to see the amusement lighting in his eyes. I had never seen such expressive pair of eyes in my entire life.

He stopped in front of me with a smirk that screamed trouble."You know if I want to kill you, I can do it right away." His face inched closer and fear settled in me. "There is no one around." He said in a whisper which was suppose to be a threat, I think?

"Will you?" I said closing my eyes.

What have I gotten myself into?

"Tone down on the murder mystery novels and movies, will you?" He patted my head and said, "It's affecting the little something left here."

Little something left!?

Is he making fun of me?

I rolled my eyes on his comment before pushing him out of my way and hurrying home.

"What does he thinks of himself! I never asked for your help!" I mumbled under my breath.

"You did actually!" He shouted from behind, making my cheeks red in embarrassment.

"Are they gone? I'm really scared. Save me!" He mocked.

"Shut up!" I barked.

"You are so hot! Save me! Please." He said in a high pitched voice that was suppose to be like mine.

I don't sound like that.

"I never said that!" His laugh was the only thing I heard for the rest of the journey and I was too embarrassed to even look his way.

This stranger was a bully.

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