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

stumbled backward and lost

with one arm around

and she found herself in the

even the smallest bruise

fear in her eyes slowly faded away. "You okay?"

the scare, Lily didn't notice how close they had just

her reaction. He asked, "So, how are you

her, and the playful atmosphere was a welcome

Rarely, Lily bantered back.

just say the word. I'll

only two people standing under the

they looked like a young couple lingering after a date, reluctant to part

in the shadows. He then quickly sent the photos to

of being photographed, Lily made her way inside the building

his car after casting one last glance at Lily's windows. When he saw that her

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

car, Terence's

the man had only taken pictures before leaving, Terence

home, Lily showered and