Countdown Romance

Chapter 13: 13th Floor Threats

"Hey. There's been a problem in the cover. I'll explain when we get to the studio." Brooks ended the phone call. I wanted to let out a sigh, but now was not the time. We were not in the clear yet. Honestly, we might not be in the clear ever. It all depends on this meeting with Mr. Han.

My lips pressed into a thin line as I looked away from Brooks and towards the road. The silence between us held until Brooks slid his hand into mine. He gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"We'll be fine, beautiful."

He was trying to be helpful, but I could tell even he didn't believe himself. However, I smiled despite everything. The world could be burning around us and, I'd still smile at him.

"Of course."

💗💗💗

The tall tower seemed darker than before. Its ominous shadow over us made my stomach twist and my head dizzy. Inside the tower a man waited for us. I wasn't sure of his power, but I had a feeling I would know after this meeting.

"A-" Brooks, a few steps ahead of me, looked back. "-you coming?"

I nodded, and quickened my pace. I shifted my jacket around me wrapping it to where I was on the verge of suffocating myself.

A hand pulls my hands away from my jacket. Brooks readjusted it back to its original place. "I won't let anything bad happen. I promise," Brooks said. He didn't look up at me. His head hung from his shoulders. He might be scaring me more than anything else.

I looked at the doors of the building before entering. We made it up to the studio on the 13th floor.

Mr. Han was waiting for us. His head jerked up from his gold watch when we walked in the door.

He wore a grim expression. "Ms. Allie." He nodded his head in acknowledgement. I wish he hadn't. I wish I wasn't here.

Mr. Han turned to Brooks. "What happened?" He questioned, but it sounded more like a demand, or a threat.

"Allie and I were out to frozen yogurt. We kissed, and that is when we heard a camera go off. A photographer got our picture." Brooks didn't manage to look Mr. Han in the eyes. His posture remained slumped over, and his hands were shoved into his pockets.

Mr. Han grabbed a fistful of Brooks raising his head. I flinched at the sudden reaction. Brooks didn't react. He looked... reserved, like he deserved it. How could he think he deserves this?

"What did I tell you, Brooks? What did I tell you?" For being a short man compared to Brooks, he could still scare someone easily. Mr. Han continued his rant to Brooks under his breath. I could only make out "government" and "hear about this".

"Please," Brooks whispered, "don't do this."

Mr. Han released Brooks. "I will do what I want to, and you can't stop me." Turning towards me, Mr. Han gave a sickly smile. The insincere one to let you know you're on the edge. One step and you would plummet to your death.

"Allie, since you were only seen with Brooks once, we will have to play it off as you being just one of his one-night stands. This means Brooks will have to be seen with another girl and quickly."

I nod my head. "It'll only be for the cameras, so it shouldn't be a problem, right?"

"I can't promise what or what-not they do in front of those cameras."

My stomach dropped. I didn't let my uneasiness show. I nodded once again. "Okay. Whatever it takes."

This makes Mr. Han smile. "It's settled then. You too are not allowed to be seen in public, and if this happens again, there will be consequences."

Brooks takes my hand saying a goodbye to Mr. Han and leads me back to his car.

The drive back to my house was silent.

When we arrived at my house, I got out of the car. Brooks didn't follow.

I leaned my head back into the car. "Are you coming?"

Brooks bit the his bottom lip. "Yeah, I'll be in there in a second."

I walked inside taking off my jacket and hanging it on the coat rack. I let out the long awaited sigh.

I walked up the stairs waiting to hear Brooks come in. I didn't hear anything, so I assumed he was taking his time. I opened my door and headed to the window.

The space once filled by his car was empty.

I felt tears brim at my eyes. I shook my head trying to control my emotions. I failed.

A tear fell down my cheek and many more followed. I felt hollow. Why did he leave? He said he would be right after me.

I sat on my bed. I tucked my feet into my chest letting the tears fall.

"Allie?"

I looked up hoping to see Brooks. Instead, Freddie Green stood before me. His eyes filled with worry.

"Are you okay?"

I gave a half-hearted smile.

"Faith mentioned you were sick. I brought ice cream."

"Strawberry?"

He holds up a tub of strawberry ice cream.

"You, dear sir, are a life saver," I joke.

Freddie shakes his head chuckling to himself. "C'mon, sickling. We have some movies we need to watch."

I bounce off the couch. Brooks would get an earful for leaving me when I see him next time, but for now Freddie is here. Plus, he brought ice cream.

Maybe, spending time with a friend for a while might just take my mind off the whole "evil Alan Han threatening Brooks and I" thing.

AN: Merry Christmas! Wanted to get another chapter out before the New Years. So... here we are!

I probably won't be publishing until 2020. Sounds so weird thinking a new decade will start.

This chapter is a little bit short, but I think it fit well. Btw, this chapter is dedicated to JTBarnes1 .

Once again Merry Christmas and Happy New Years.

Don't forget to vote and comment if you liked the chapter!