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.

and we hadn't even agreed on anything. Yet he wanted to protect

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

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

clear. I gripped my keys even tighter and refused, "It's too late. It's not

stepped closer, "You're going to date me, so

got nearer, my fear

that?" His smile

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

crash and rebound

familiar voice sounded beside me. "You went

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 passed,

was clearly in pain, but he managed to get up after a few

sure where