Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier)

Chapter 52

Chapter 52

"Terence, drive safe,"

Terence got out of the car and opened the trunk. He took out a small box and handed it to her.

"I heard that the stones from Crownridge Peak are said to ward off bad luck. I picked up...two of them along the way, one for you and one for Maryanne."

Lily had heard that superstition before, though she didn't quite believe in it.

Still, the thoughtfulness behind Terence's gesture touched her, and she took the small box with a grateful smile.

"Tha-"

"I told you, don't be so formal with me," he interrupted.

As he stood by the car, Terence's short hair ruffled in the breeze. The light from the street lamps was reflected in his obsidian-like eyes.

Thanks to Maryanne, Lily knew she would be spending more time around Terence, and being overly formal would only make things more awkward. "Alright then. Be safe on your way home." She stepped back to stand on the steps and make way, but her foot caught on something

backward and

forward. He caught her with one arm around her waist and the other holding

her, and she found herself in the warmth of

sensitive to pain, and even the smallest bruise would

thoughts before the fear in her eyes

was still recovering from the scare, Lily didn't notice how close they had just been. "I'm fine, but thanks for saving

He asked, "So, how are

was teasing her, and the playful atmosphere

Rarely, Lily bantered back.

you need in the future, just say the word. I'll do anything for

two people standing under the glow of the

they looked like a young couple

who was hiding in the shadows. He

made her way inside the building after Terence's chivalrous

last glance at Lily's windows. When he saw

was circling back through the neighborhood, he noticed a shadowy figure lurking near the bushes. The figure was snapping

his car, Terence's eyes narrowed as

only taken pictures before leaving,

Lily showered and went straight to