Page 10 of Love Under Siege

Jacob joins me at my side, his expression still concerned. "Are you sure you're okay?" he asks, placing a gentle hand on my face. I lean in to kiss him and reassure him, "Yes, Jacob, I'm fine. But I do have to go to work today," I lie, using it as an excuse to go to Lana's instead. He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me closer. "Do you want me to stay until tonight?" he offers sweetly. As much as I would love for him to stay, I can't risk him finding out about my plans with Lana. "That's kind of you, but no. I don't know when I'll be off work and afterwards I'll most likely be going to Lana's house." I force a smile, hoping he doesn't suspect anything.

He leans in and kisses me; Jacob's lips are soft and warm against mine. As he kisses me, I taste the sweetness of coffee and pancakes on his lips and feel his strong arms slowly engulf me. His scent of fresh air and soap mixes with the aroma of coffee filling the kitchen. The sound of our lips exploring each other echoes in the silent house as we share this tender moment. I let myself get lost in his touch, feeling safe and loved. We reluctantly part but with promises to see each other later.

I walk toward my car, I can't help but smile at the taste of him lingering on my lips. The breeze blows through my hair, causing it to dance around my face. The sun shines brightly in the sky, casting long shadows behind me as I pull out of the driveway making my way towards Lana's house. As I pull up to her place I notice her driveway is more crowded than usual due to her parents having a party. Lana’s parents are wealthy and they hate the fact she works as a waitress. But they're all friendly toward me; they know how close we are and I’ve always been great at impressing my friends’ parents.

I knock on the door, not sure what I'll find inside. Lana answers wearing only a tiny black bikini that barely covers her curves; she quickly puts on a pink robe before inviting me in. "Hey you! Come in!" She hugs me tightly before taking my hand and leading me into her room where we used to do things like painting our nails or watching chick flicks while stuffing our faces with junk food.

"I need your help with something," I say without hesitation because she is the only person I trust who knows about my stalker.

Concern fills her face, “okay let me change first” she says as she heads into her bathroom. She emerges a few minutes later dressed in casual jeans and a tank top.

We both sit on her bed, our faces grave. I start by showing her the text I received earlier today.

"Anya, this is getting serious. How did he find out you were in Pennsylvania?"

I shrug and reply, "Honestly, I have no idea."

"You need to tell Jacob!"

"No, I can't do that. He's already dealing with enough of my problems, and he's leaving soon. I don't want him worrying about me while he's gone. Plus, I don’t want to constantly rely on a man to save me!"

"But-"

"No, Lana! We can handle this. If it's Paul, I at least know how to deal with him."

Lana sighs and concedes, "Okay, fine. But if things escalate, you have to tell Jacob. He can help."

"Fine, but only if things get worse."

CHAPTER FOUR

Jacob

I watch Anya leave and I can’t shake the feeling that something is definitely off. Anya got a text message that visibly rattled her. She looked scared, but when I asked, she brushed it off, claiming it was from Lana. I haven’t known Anya for long, but I know Lana has never once sent a message that made her go pale. Why won’t she let me in and let me help her? What is she so afraid of that she refuses to share?

The unease gnaws at me, so I turn my car around and head back to Anya’s house. I can’t leave until I find out what’s going on.

Nana walks out as soon as I pull into the driveway. “Oh, hello, Jacob dear. I thought you were going home?”

“I was, but I decided to surprise Anya by staying here and waiting for her to get home.”

She smiles widely. “Oh, that’s so nice of you, dear. She will love that.”

“Do you mind if I stay here until she gets home?” I ask.

“Oh, of course not! The spare key is under the lighthouse to the right of the door should you want to leave,” she says with a knowing smile before driving off.

I walk inside, and it feels strange being here without Anya. I lie down in the guest room, thinking I could probably nap before she gets home, but sleep eludes me. I can’t relax—one, being here alone is unsettling, and two, I can’t stop thinking about this morning. My stomach growls, and I take it as a sign. I get up and head out the door.

After what feels like an eternity, I pull into the Lonestar Mex parking lot. Anya’s car is nowhere in sight. I walk inside, scanning the area but don’t see her.

“Howdy, how many in your party?” a short redhead asks in a fake country accent.

“Oh, umm, I’m actually looking for someone. Is Anya here?” I ask, feeling a surge of anxiety.

“Anya? Umm, I’m not sure, sir. We don’t have anyone named Anya here,” she says, glancing at her screen.

“She works here,” I insist.

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