Page 23 of Haven Bound
“There was this car parked outside of Buttersweet all day. And now…” I take a second to look in my rearview mirror again to get another glimpse of the vehicle. “I swear the same car is behind me right now. There’s a few cars between us, but it looks like the same one from earlier."
Something in Hailey’s voice changes, taking on a darker more steady calm tone as she says, “Don’t go home. Turn around and come to the Elysian instead.”
The hotel is farther away, at least twenty minutes from where I am, but I know that it would be the safer option. If I’m being followed, I don’t want to lead them to my house where I’d be alone without a way to defend myself if it came to that.
I mean, I don’t think it’s going to come to that. I sure as heck hope not. My body and mind both freeze during stressful situations. With as much trauma as I’ve experienced in my life, anytime I’m faced with something potentially dangerous, it’s like all of the skills that I possess completely go out the window and I’m left defenseless. I’m probably safer staying in the car and continuing to drive. Even if it’s in circles around the city. If I go to the hotel, I’d only be bringing this to Hailey and Austin’s doorstep.
But then again, this person would have to be truly insane to try anything in such a public place. Wouldn’t they?
Driving through the light, I pick up my speed a little bit knowing that there’s a pretty big shopping center just up ahead that I could use to turn around. If the car follows me into the parking lot, I’ll know they’re for sure tailing me.
“I can drive around and see if they’re—”
“No. Chelsea, drive to the hotel. Trust me.” I don’t think Hailey’s ever talked to me in such a stern voice. Almost like a parent scolding a child when they reach for the hot pan on the stove, and you tell them "no" before smacking their hand away in fear of them getting hurt.
“Okay, Hails.” I know this situation is potentially dangerous. I just can’t imagine that anybody would truly bother with giving methiskindof attention.
The sound of an engine revving has me glancing in my mirrors again. Only one car now separates me from the vehicle in question.
I’m about to tell Hailey that I’m going to turn around as soon as I can when my phone vibrates with another call coming through. Austin’s name appears on the screen. Despite the fear I’m currently battling, I can’t fight how much I want to answer his call just to hear his voice.
“Why is Austin calling me?” I ask, swiping my finger over the ignore button to keep Hailey on the line.
“Because I texted him and told him what’s going on. Answer his call.” The line disconnects and almost immediately begins ringing again, Austin’s name once again displayed across the screen.
I heave a sigh and will enough strength into my body to pretend that everything is completely fine. I swipe my finger across the screen to answer the call.
“Where are you?” His deep voice rumbles through my car speakers as I pull into a shopping center, carefully weaving through the parking lot and towards the exit at the opposite end that will put me back on the street headed to the Elysian.
“I’m pulling up to the light at Boardwalk Drive,” I say quietly as if the vehicle following me could possibly hear what I’m saying.
“I’m heading your way. Get on Harbor Avenue. I’ll meet you,” Austin says, his voice cold. A shiver runs down my back causing goosebumps to cover my skin.
“Stay on the phone with me. Don’t hang up, Sunflower.”
19
Austin
When Hailey’s text camethrough that someone left a rose at Chelsea’s bakery and now she was being followed, my vision immediately veiled in a crimson haze.
I’m almost certain that the rose was left by her creepy-as-shit ex-boyfriend that I saw earlier today, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s also the one who’s tailing her. If this is yet another fuck that’s trying to steal her light, I willendthem.
I returned to Haven Beach with one mission and one mission only. Daniel Witters, Chelsea’s stepfather, is supposed to be my focus. Not hanging out with my friends. Not falling back into Chelsea’s orbit. And definitely not going damn near eighty miles per hour down the fucking street to ensure her safety. I’m ignoring the lights that turn red just before I fly through them to get to her and intercept the vehicle that’s following her.
Her shuddering breath comes through the line, hinting at the emotion she’s likely fighting to keep in check while she drives. I’m going as fast as I possibly can without putting anyone else in harm's way.
“You still with me, Sunflower?” I can’t help but use my old nickname for her. I remember the way her eyes used to light up, her smile radiant across her face anytime I’d call her by it. The nickname impulsively cameout one day. After I saw the way her face lit up, I knew that I’d be calling herSunflowerfor the rest of my life.
“Why won’t you just tell me where we’re going?” Chelsea pouts in the passenger seat next to me. I shake my head and smile at her insistence, squeezing her thigh where my hand rests while the other grips the steering wheel.
“Because it’ll ruin the surprise,” I tell her. We’re almost to our destination, and she’s asked me where I’m taking her a handful of times. Each time, I refuse. Planning dates and keeping the details from her has become a habit at this point. The surprises are for her, but her reaction to them is for me. The way her eyes light up. The way the freckles across the bridge of her nose seem to brighten right along with her smile. Every little detail is like a shot of adrenaline that sets my entire body on fire.
Of all the dates I've planned for us over the past few weeks, this one is probably going to be one of my favorites. I can't wait to see her reaction. I just hope she likes it as much as I think she will.
“Pleeease?” She draws out the word, leaning in close to me. Her warm breath caresses my neck beneath my ear, sending waves of electricity coursing through my veins. Her lips kiss and tease at the sensitive area, my grip on her thigh tightening.
“We’re never going to make it there if you keep that up,” I tell her, my voice coming out as a rasp. She hums and slides her hand onto my upper thigh, dangerously close to my hardening cock.
