Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

#Chapter 59: Stay Away
The city lights blur past us as Karl drives, the tension in the car so thick I could slice it with a knife. My

mind is still spinning from the events of the last hour—the creepy guy on the subway, the group of

leering men, and then Karl, showing up like a storm, sweeping everything away.

My eyes shift to him for a moment, taking in his stern profile, the jaw set in a hard line. His knuckles are

white on the steering wheel. It’s clear he’s still riled up.

“Hey… Thanks for picking me up,” I finally manage to say, breaking the oppressive silence.

“You don’t have to thank me. It’s the least I could do,” he replies, his eyes never leaving the road. The

words hang in the air, laden with unspoken emotions and thoughts neither of us is willing to navigate

right now.

Soon enough, we pull up in front of my apartment building, and Karl kills the engine. We both sit there

for a moment, contemplating the space between us, both literal and metaphorical.

“Let me walk you up,” he finally says, a subtle softness creeping into his voice.

I hesitate, weighing my options, but then nod. After everything that’s happened so far tonight, some

company up to my apartment door would be appreciated.

“Okay. Thanks, Karl.”

We step out of the car, and as we walk to the building, I can’t help but notice a dark red stain on his

pristine white shirt. It’s blood. My stomach churns at the sight.

“You’re hurt,” I blurt out.

He glances down, a wry smile pulling at his lips. “Don’t worry. It’s not mine.”

Despite the churn of emotions and the image of Karl punching that guy square in the jaw flashing

through my mind, relief washes over me. “Even so, you should get that cleaned before it sets in.”

We reach my apartment door, and I unlock it, pushing it open. The familiar scent of home envelops me,

offering a much-needed sense of normality after what just happened. I gesture inside. “You could come

in for a minute. Let me clean that for you.”

The tension between us is palpable as we stand in the threshold of my apartment. For a moment, it

as if we’re both teetering on the edge of something undefined

cliff and

sure?” Karl finally asks, breaking the moment, his eyes scanning my face

meaning.

say with a soft chuckle, even though the feelings inside of me are rolling

get me when I really needed

my

just a moment longer, as if

him inside, closing the door softly behind us. The apartment is still, the silence

as we head toward the

counter, I gesture for him to sit. “Take a seat. I’ll get

It should help

I rummage through the cupboard under

it, I straighten up and grab a clean cloth from

him, the atmosphere in the room changes subtly, becoming charged, electric. With

nerves, I reach for his shirt, gently dabbing at the dark stain.

under my touch, a palpable reminder of the strength that lies just

he says, his Adam’s apple moving as he speaks. His voice is deep

I remember

when he would first wake up in the morning. And for

just a moment, I think about what it would be like to wake

I quickly push those

nice shirt. I’d

“I could just buy another. But

close, too close, and my thoughts betray me, drifting to places they have

through my mind—the feel of his arms around me, the heat of his lips, the

deep voice. My heart starts

little too casual as I try to steer my thoughts back

party early tonight without saying goodbye.

his eyes meeting mine for just a second before

about.”

vagueness of his answer hangs in the air, like a puzzle missing crucial pieces. I want

expression stops

risk

a heavy silence between us, punctuated only by the sounds

he’s just as affected by my closeness as I am to

to close the distance

in the air, the cloth now forgotten as we lock eyes. It’s

more than words ever could.

suddenly aware of how dangerously close we are to crossing

complicate everything.

lowering my hand. “Wash it when

back, his hand lifts to my chin, gently but firmly turning my face to meet his