Page 10 of Giovanni the Savage

I text Ashley quickly, telling her I've left, but I don't get a response.

I dip my hands into my coat pocket and sigh in relief as I mull over the evening.

It started with me feeling so nervous, and now, about four hours later, I'm giddy like a schoolgirl.

As I turn into my neighborhood, I start walking faster. It's way past one in the morning, and the street looks deserted save for a few porch lights that have been left on. My heart starts pounding furiously in my chest as I increase my pace.

Some leaves rustle in the distance before I hear approaching footsteps behind me.

I'm sure they are footsteps because the person isn't trying to be quiet. Heat prickles my neck, and I can feel the hair on my neck rise as if confirming my fear.

Someone is following me.

Suddenly, the air feels colder, and it's taking hours to get to my apartment, which is usually a five-minute walk from the taxi station.

My feet hurt, and against my better judgment, I take to my heels. I'm running so fast it feels like I'm running on hot coal. I stop running when I’m two blocks away from my house and start panting heavily.

Taking a deep breath, I ignore the eyes piercing my back and hastily pull my house keys from my purse.

"Fuck!" I exclaim when they clatter to the ground.

The footsteps sound even closer the nearer I get to my apartment. I'm half tempted to keep walking away so whoever it is won’t know where I live. However, I'm desperate for the warmth and safety my apartment will bring me when I'm inside.

I insert the key in the hole and turn the doorknob, stepping inside and immediately turning to shut the door behind me and clicking the lock.

"Oh, God."

A long sigh leaves my lips once I'm inside, and I place my back on the door and cradle my head in my hands.

My head is spinning so fast that I can barely breathe; the beautiful night has been covered up by my stalker experience.

I have no idea who that was, but when I open the curtain to peek out, I see a figure standing outside my house. The person isn't hiding, but without my porch light on, I can't make out the face. However, it's a burly man steadily watching my house.

A shiver courses through me as I turn from the curtain, and a yelp leaves my lips when I make out a figure sitting on my island.

I click the light on and almost piss my pants.

"What the fuck, Ashley?" I yell.

Ashley simply shoots me a bored look and takes a sip from her wine glass.

"Hey, bestie." She grins widely.

At least she's not drunk.

"You scared the shit out of me."

My hands leave my chest as I walk towards the island where she's seated.

"What's so scary about sipping wine?" she asks.

I roll my eyes and place my purse on the counter.

"Well for one, you didn't tell me you were going to be here."

"Am I not allowed in my best friend's house?" she asks lightly.

I shrug and take off my coat.

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