Y/N's POV
"James… what are you doing here?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. My heart pounded in my chest. How did he even find me? I looked at him, searching for answers, but before he could speak, Emma stepped in.
Emma: "I went to your café, but you weren't there. Then I ran into him, and we were talking when you called me." She sighed, looking concerned.
I blinked, realization hitting me. I forgot to tell her that I wasn't going to work today.
James suddenly grabbed my shoulder, his grip firm but not painful. His eyes burned with intensity as he leaned in slightly.
James: "Y/N, tell me right now—who is this person you're talking about?" His voice was low but sharp, laced with barely contained anger. He looked like he was ready to tear someone apart.
"I-I…" My words caught in my throat. My mind screamed at me to tell him everything, but my heart hesitated. Why do I feel like this will only make things worse?
James was still waiting for my answer, his jaw clenched.
"A thief…" I finally admitted, my voice shaking.
James: "A thief…?" His brows furrowed in confusion.
"Y-yeah… He was following me that night. I went out to buy groceries, but on my way back, he grabbed me and took my money… but—"
James: "WHAT?!" His voice thundered through the small space, making me flinch. "I TOLD YOU NOT TO GO OUT AT NIGHT! WHAT IF HE DID SOMETHING TO YOU?!" His breathing was heavy, his hands clenched into fists.
I stood frozen, shocked by his reaction. He sighed, rubbing his face as if trying to calm himself. When he looked at me again, his expression softened.
James: "Y/N… I've told you a hundred times to leave this place, but you never listen."
Before he could continue, Emma cut in.
Emma: "Y/N, just move in with me. You'll be safer."
James and I both turned to look at her.
James: "NO!" He quickly corrected himself. "I mean… I don't think that's a good idea. It's not safe. I'll protect her. Don't worry—Y/N, come with me."
Before he could say anything else, I interrupted him.
"James, don't worry. I can manage with Emma. I don't mind staying with her."
His eyes darkened as he stared at me, looking like he wanted to argue. But before he could, I cut him off again.
"I know you care about me, but I think your girlfriend would be upset if I moved in with you. I don't want to be the cause of any misunderstandings—"
James: "Y/N, don't worry about my girlfriend. I'll handle her. I just wan—"
"I told you, James. Don't worry about me. I'm fine with Emma." My voice was firm, though my heart ached seeing his expression.
James ran a frustrated hand through his hair, exhaling sharply.
James: "Fine. I won't force you… but I have one condition." He held up a finger, his tone serious.
I swallowed. "What is it?"
James: "You have to call me every day. No excuses."
I sighed but nodded. "Fine. Now, let's go."
James finally smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.
Emma: "Yeah! Let's get you packed!"
We started gathering my belongings.
James: "Y/N, don't worry about the rest of your stuff. I'll handle it. Just pack what you need for now."
I nodded, grateful.
Emma: "Ready?"
I grabbed my bag while James effortlessly lifted the two larger ones. We headed to the car, and I slid into the passenger seat.
James: "Can I drive?" he asked Emma, smirking slightly.
Emma: "O-okay…" she hesitated but handed him the keys before moving to the back seat.
As James started the car, Emma brought up a question that made my stomach tighten.
Emma: "Y/N, have you thought about reporting this to the police? This is serious."
I hesitated, biting my lip. "I-I don't know… I don't have enough proof."
James's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly.
James: "Y/N, you need to be more careful. Call me if you need to go anywhere—I'll come with you."
I nodded, my voice small. "Okay…"
Emma: "Don't worry, James. I'll never leave her alone."
He nodded, though the worry in his eyes remained.
After a while, we finally reached Emma's apartment. We set my bags down in the living room, exhaustion settling in.
Emma: "Wait here, guys. I'll get something to drink." She smiled before disappearing into the kitchen.
As soon as she was gone, James suddenly pulled me into a hug, catching me off guard.
James: "Y/N, I was so worried… I was scared. You're the only person I truly care about. Please, don't hesitate to tell me if something's wrong."
His warmth surrounded me, and before I knew it, tears spilled from my eyes. I hugged him back, holding onto him tightly.
James: "Hey, don't cry. You're safe now," he whispered, gently wiping my tears away.
His phone rang, breaking the moment. He sighed before answering it.
James: "Yeah… yeah, I'm coming."
After ending the call, he turned to me with an apologetic look.
James: "I have to go now, but remember what I said, okay?" He gave me a small smile before pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead.
Emma: "Leaving already?" she asked as she walked back in.
James: "Yeah, but I'll be back to check on Y/N."
With that, he left.
A little while later…
Emma: "Y/N, come on! I'll show you your new room!"
I nodded and followed her. She opened the door, revealing a beautiful room in shades of purple and white. The bed was perfect, and the space felt cozy and warm.
Emma: "Do you like it?"
I turned to her, smiling widely. "I love it."
Without thinking, I hugged her tightly.
"Emma, thank you… for everything."
Emma: "Aww… I love you too, Y/N!" she said, laughing.
I chuckled. "I love you, Emma."
We started unpacking my bags, my heart feeling lighter.
But as I folded my clothes, a chilling thought crept into my mind.
I just hope that thief never finds me here…