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.

Yet he wanted to protect me? I wasn't naive enough to believe

suppressed

and

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

going to

he got nearer, my fear

that?" His smile in the

my preparation, my hands were shaking. But I resolved to stab him with my car key

him, a cold breeze brushed my cheek. With a bang, the man flew back like someone hit by a force in a martial arts drama. He slammed into the hallway wall, bounced off,

and rebound

a familiar voice sounded beside

It was Brandon.

I could answer, I heard him coldly say to the man sprawled on the stairs, "Leave now. If you're still here after a minute has

sound. He was clearly in pain, but he managed

I wasn't sure where he'd gotten hit.