Page 10 of It Was Always You

Today’s treat was a GIF of a cat hilariously skidding across the floor. After a few back and forth exchanges, I’m still chuckling as I prepare to meet Abbie. A quick shower and change of clothes later, I hit up the group chat I have with the Finlay brothers to check if they’re good to give me a lift. As I grab my things and head out, I freeze at my door.

Stuck on my door is an envelope—black and blank. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up with a sense of foreboding.

With a wince from a paper cut, I pry it open, only to break out in sweat as I stare at a glossy photo of me changing in my bedroom. The image is so clear—I can count the fucking freckles on my back. I fight back the urge to vomit.

My skin feels like it’s crawling, like there are eyes on me even now, as I stumble down the stairs, gasping for breath as I bolt out the front, frantically looking for the Finlay brothers’ SUV.

I don’t even check for traffic before dashing across the street and colliding with Cole’s chest as he pockets his vape.

“Cora? Slow down. Take a breath for me.” Gentle hands land on my shoulders as he tries to ground me, but no number of breathing exercises can slow my racing heart. “S-some creep t-took photos, Cole,” I gasp out, handing him the photo. Despite my embarrassment at being half-naked in them, I can’t think of what else to do.

“Fuck,” he curses under his breath, glancing at the photo before pulling me into his side and ushering me to the car. Liam and Aidan turn in their seats, concerned. I can’t bring myself to repeat what happened, so Cole explains quietly as a phone is handed to me. It’s Jonathan on the line. With a trembling voice, I choke out, “Yeah?”

“Sweetheart, I know you had plans today but your safety is too important to me to put you at risk. I’ll ring Abigail and see if she’ll meet you here instead. The brothers are going to bring you to me and we’re going to get this sorted, okay?”

He’s trying to reassure me, but how can I be? Some sicko violated my privacy. My sanctuary, after all. But all I do is mumble an agreement before passing the phone over to Aidan who gives me a reassuring look before turning round in his seat.

“Jonathan won’t stand for this, Cora. This fucker will be dealt with,” Liam promises, and that’s a more significant vow because he hardly utters a word in front of me.

Locking eyes with him in the rear-view mirror, I offer him a weak smile, but I still can’t find the words to voice the questions echoing in my head.

Who took the pictures?

And why?

Who else has seen them?

The ride passes in a blur of grey buildings and honking cars. It feels like I’m in a trance as Cole helps me out of the car and the guys herd me in the lift, surrounding me in a wall of muscle and silent strength. Even in my state of shock and numbness, it warms my heart.

The moment we step out of the lift, Jonathan welcomes me with open arms. As much as everything between us is so new and fragile, I can’t help but run straight into his arms, seeking the comfort only a parent can give. It soothes me on a soul-deep level.

“Sir,” Cole starts as we part, handing him the photo, “there was nobody in or out of the building while we were parked outside.”

“Owen mentioned seeing a car circle the block a few times but never saw anyone go near the building. Considering the lack of security alerts it’s looking like the threat is in the building.” Liam updates him.

I can see the fury wash over him as he looks at it, from his nostrils flaring to his knuckles going white as he grips the picture. He takes a few moments before looking at me. “I think you should move in here, at least for a while.”

If he had proposed this idea even twenty-four hours ago, I would have said no. I crave my space. But if the creep who took pictures of me is physically in my building, then I’m not safe there. Reluctantly, I nod at Jonathan.

With plans to return with an overnight bag, Cole, Liam and Aidan leave, and Jonathan goes about making me a cup of tea. This morning started so normal. One minute, I was laughing at a GIF from Owen, and the next, I was left feeling violated in one of the worst ways. Even now, all I want is to scrub my skin to get rid of this feeling.

“Here,” Jonathan says, handing me a cup of tea as he sits beside me. “I talked to Abigail and she’s on her way here.”

“She must be shocked,” I mummer, taking a sip of the perfectly brewed tea.

“A bit,” he jokes, then adds, “I hate to leave you, but I have a few meetings to attend that I can’t cancel. We can get lunch together? Feel free to make yourself at home in the meantime.”

“That sounds nice.” I smile, and he squeezes my shoulder before leaving. I flick on the TV for background noise and text Owen.

CORA: So you got anything to confess?

OWEN: Uh, no? Why, what’s up?

CORA: So you’re not stalking me on the down low?

OWEN: Busted lol who ratted me out?

CORA: Liam, but in his defence, he was talking to Jonathan about how you hadn’t noticed anyone strange around my building

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