Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

There was no response. My scalp tingled with fear.

But I couldn't back down now. I mustered my courage and demanded, "Who is it?"

"It's me!" Two words echoed.

Then came footsteps and an explanation, "Your blind date from the café this evening." Him?

I couldn't believe it. We'd met only once, and now he was following me. It was terrifying.

The hallway was pitch dark. Even with a bit of moonlight seeping in through the windows, I could only make out the shapes a couple of paces in front of me. He wasn't close enough for me to see him yet.

I gripped my keys tightly and was ready to defend myself as I asked, "Why are you following me?"

"Don't misunderstand. I mean no harm. I just wanted to protect you. It's not safe for a woman to walk alone at night," he explained. Then, he finally stepped into view. I nearly laughed at his explanation.

Following me like this scared me to death, and he thought that made me safe.

we hadn't even agreed on anything. Yet he wanted to protect me? I wasn't naive enough

safety. I suppressed my anger and said, "Thank you for your concern.

came up from the stairway corner and said, "I'm a bit thirsty. Could I have

lousy excuse made his intentions clear. I gripped my keys even tighter and refused, "It's

going to

nearer, my fear

What's inconvenient about that?" His smile

shaking. But I resolved to stab him with my car key if

stair, I lunged with my keys. But before I could reach him, a cold breeze brushed my cheek. With a bang, the man flew back like

crash and rebound looked

familiar voice sounded beside me.

It was Brandon.

answer, I heard him coldly say to the man sprawled on the stairs, "Leave now. If you're

clearly in pain, but he managed to get up

where he'd gotten hit. He looked