PART 3 - CHAPTER 144

PART 3 - CHAPTER 144 JESS

The rhythmic slap of my shoes against the pavement echoed around the nearly empty campus. My body hummed with energy, every muscle and tendon firing like clockwork, propelling me into the run. I loved this.

The solitude, the way my thoughts could scatter like the leaves along the path. No one to judge me. No questions. No missing pieces.

As I rounded the corner by the library, I almost screamed when someone stepped into the path from fucking nowhere!

I swerved to avoid them, my heart hammering wildly in my chest, and before I knew it, I was on my knees, gasping for breath. My hands pressed into the cold pavement, trying to regain control of my racing heart Shit.

"Jess!" A voice cut through the pounding in my ears, and I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up, still panting, and found Aiden crouching beside me, his face twisted in concern. "Are you okay?"

I blinked up at him, still trying to catch my breath, confused by the panic on his face. My breath came in sharp bursts, but I wasn't injured, just scared shitless for a second. I stood up and

PART 3 CHAPTER 144

296 Wouchers

brushed the dirt off my knees. "Am I okay? You scared the shit out of me," I wheezed, shaking my head, laughing at my

ridiculous response.

Aiden stepped back awkwardly, his brow furrowed, and scratched the back of his neck. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sneak up on you. My bad. I forgot about... Anyway."

He trailed off, his words hanging in the air.

asked, frowning at how

muttered, turning to leave, but I wasn't about to let him off

fingers were wrapped around his wrist. I quickly let go, the awkwardness between us thick in the air. "What

let me in on the secret. His shoulders sagged slightly, and after a long pause, he finally spoke. "You used to get

process his words. "Panic attacks?" I repeated, the phrase feeling foreign in my mouth. I couldn't remember ever having one. But the way Aiden looked at me made it clear he'd seen me have

a step closer, his hand hovering near my

205

PART 1 CHAPTER 144

okay. You don't have to remember everything all at once.

all felt like a

than Aiden. I wasn't even sure what "fine" meant anymore. But whatever this was, I had to

me as he stepped back, giving me space. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay.

feel his eyes on me, like he wanted to say something but wasn't sure

should really think about joining the track team again," Aiden said suddenly, breaking the

No," I

to walk away, thinking that was the end of it, but before I could take another step, Aiden grabbed

arms

22.05

PART 3 CHAPTER 144

expected-it felt different.

More intense.

caught in my throat as he pulled back just enough to look down at me, his eyes searching my face like he was

to my surprise, he brushed a strand of hair from my

gesture was intimate,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255