PART 4-CHAPTER 175 JESS

I pulled on my oversized sweatshirt, the fabric hanging off my shoulders like a protective cocoon. It felt heavy and comforting, but underneath, my heart raced like a trapped animal. I barely had both my boots on when the door creaked open, and I froze.

Eric stood in the doorway, his silhouette framed by the dim light of the hallway. He was still without a shirt, and I could see his erection straining against his sweat. His eyes scanned the room, and for a moment, I thought I saw something like curiosity flicker across his face. "Hey, Jess," he said, his voice smooth like honey, but there was an edge to it. "What are you doing up here? Now that I think. about it, up here might be better anyway," Eric winked and stepped into the room. I had to think fast before he reached me.

"Uh, I'm just packing. This is such bad timing, but I need to get home," I mumbled, forcing a frown. I had to put on the best show now, but inside, my nerves were fraying. "My mom fell and hurt herself."

His brow furrowed slightly, but the grin returned. "That sounds serious. You okay?"

"Yeah, I just... I need to get there to find out what happened." My heart pounded as I walked toward him, stepping lightly on the carpet as if any noise would alert him to my anxiety. "Could you 0.00%

284 Wouchers drive me?"

"Of course," he said, moving over to the dresser while I threw things in a bag. "Mind if I leave a few things here? We will probably come back... I hope," I smiled at him, and Eric pulled me to him and kissed me. "Of course we will," Eric purred, letting me go. I brushed past h I wanted to scream, to run, but my feet felt glued to the floor. I forced myself to stay calm and to breathe, but my thoughts swirled like a storm.

"I'm happy you got a signal up here. Otherwise, you wouldn't have known about your mother," Eric said, watching me finish packing.

know," I replied, biting my lip. She just called and said she fell, and then the signal cut out." I prayed it sounded convincing, but as I-spoke, I felt the truth slip away from me. I wasn't sure what I was saying, only that I needed to

eyes darting to my phone as if it held the answers

said quickly, but he stepped closer, his

and I felt my breath hitch in

OR:52

PART 4-CHAPTER 176

down at the screen, curiosity etched across

a smooth drawl that sent chills racing through me. I fought the urge to reach for it, to snatch it away, but I felt frozen in place. My stomach churned, and panic clawed at my insides. Eric's grin widened as he read the name on the screen, the glow illuminating his features. "Oh, Jess," he said, his tone teasing yet filled

I asked, forcing my voice to stay steady despite the tremor threatening to break

looked up at me, amusement dancing in

dread crashing over me. Laura knew

I replied, trying to sound casual, but

it sent ice coursing through my veins. "You really think

as his gaze locked onto mine. The air felt thick, suffocating, and all I could think was how close

PART 4 CHAPTER 175

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

Comments ()

0/255