Chapter 13

                                    

                                          
Emily's POV
I was sitting with her on the beach. It was a sunny morning, the waves were calm, and she had her arms around me. We smiled every time our eyes met.
She made me lay down and climbed on top of me. I could feel her weight on me, and it made me feel safe. I wasn't freaking out; she was gazing down at me with a look I had longed for. I closed my eyes, savoring the warmth of her body against mine. Everything felt perfect until I felt her warmth slowly slipping away.
I opened my eyes to see him. The sunny morning turned into a dark sky, the waves grew violent, the wind picked up, and a deafening buzz filled my ears. I looked around, panic-stricken, trying to find Alexandria, only to see Chloe by her side, holding her hands and preventing her from reaching me.
His hand wrapped around my neck, dragging me away from Alexandria. I screamed as loudly as I could, begging for her to help me.
I jolted awake, startled by my own screams. Looking around for Alexandria, I realized that my peaceful dream had become a nightmare the moment she left my side. I glanced at the clock—it was 2 a.m.
Hugging my knees, I gave in to my tears. It hurt that she had left without saying goodbye, even though it was normal for her to go home.
Moments later, the door creaked open, making me flinch. Alexandria's eyes met mine, and she rushed to my side when she saw I was crying.
I don't know what overtook me, but I threw myself into her arms as if she were the only one who could keep me safe.
"He took me away," I sobbed uncontrollably.
"Who? Who took you away? I don't understand. Is someone here?" She wrapped her arms around me tightly, pulling me close.
"Don't leave," I murmured into her neck, seeking comfort.
"Okay, okay. I would never go away. I won't leave you. I'm here now. It was just a bad dream," she whispered, gently stroking my hair and taking deep breaths to help me calm down.
"Can I lie down here and hold you?" she asked softly.
"Please," I choked out.
She lay down beside me, pulling me close. My head rested on her chest, and she draped my leg over her waist while continuing to stroke my hair. I heard her take a deep, shaky breath, her heart racing as if she'd just run a marathon. Had I scared her? She must think I'm too much to handle already.
I focused on her heartbeat, letting its rhythm soothe me until sleep gently took over.
I felt soft fingers massaging my scalp and warm skin against my cheek. I snuggled closer to the familiar scent, humming softly.
"That's relaxing," I whispered, feeling her body stiffen and her fingers gradually leave my hair.
"No, don't stop," I pleaded, taking her hand and placing it back in my hair. I heard her chuckle softly.
"You're needy in the morning," her voice echoed in my ears. I slowly moved my head from her neck to lie on my back.
"Sorry... about yesterday," I whispered.
"Do you want me to ask about it?" she asked, tilting her head. I shook my head in denial. After a long pause, she nodded and lay back down, staring at the ceiling.
"You really won't ask?" I asked, and she smiled weakly.
"Cam is downstairs. She made you lunch. I was waiting for you to wake up because I need to go," she said, not addressing my question.
"Why? Where?" I was surprised by how disappointed I felt. I didn't have the right to question her like this when I wasn't even open about my own life.
"Remember the family dinner I asked you to attend with me and pretend to be my girlfriend? It's today. I need to go home, shower, and mentally prepare for the investigation," she said with a deep sigh, running a hand through her hair.