e A

ver, despite their brief conversation at the park. She still kept her distance, arriving late to class and leaving quickly at the end

real danger, and every instinct told him to help. But Mabel clearly didn't want to i

-

d more than she intended, and now the fear of someone finding out about her past weighed heavily on her. The problem wasn't

. Keep your head down, stay out of sight, and don't make friends.

m. She couldn't afford to let him get too close, but she also couldn't deny the pull she felt toward him.

nsion between them began to

-

t. He hadn't spoken to Mabel since their meeting at the park, and his frustration was growing

ocker, he was st

trand of her sleek blonde hair between her fingers. Sherilyn Winters, the girl every guy at Ki

ound casual, but he could already feel the w

ed her head, her voice carrying a hint of accusation. "Ever sinc

n subtle about her interest in him, and while they had flirted in the past, Edward had nev

ping with disdain. "She's weird, always disappearing, never

. "That's not your ca

lf, plastering on a sweet smile. "I just don't want you getting mixed u

d by Jason, who appeared beside him, holding a basketball. "

om Sherilyn to Jason. "Yeah,

Don't forget our study session tomorrow." She turned on

oward the gym. "Dude, Sherilyn

"She's just bei

ng for you, right? You better be careful, espe

yone. I just... I don't know, Jason. There's some

rilyn's not gonna take kindly to that. Y

Mabel's problems were already complicated enough, and

-

over her head, trying to stay dry. Her thoughts raced. Edward was getting too close, and Sherilyn's jealousy

t raced, and she quickened her pace. The footsteps followed, getting closer. Panic surg

ould hear the sound of heavy breathing. Mabel's pulse thundered in her e

ar spiked. She knew this wasn't just some random person. It was him-the man w

She couldn't run forever, and there was

a step forward, someth

h the rain. Edward appeared, running toward her. His ey

een Mabel and Edward, before turnin

abel, panting heavily. "Are you o

tch her breath. She stared at the spot wher

her voice shaking. She couldn

now what's going on, but I'm not going to let you deal w

re. She had always been the one to protect herself, the one to run. But Edw

her eyes remained. "Thank you," she wh

-

r more dangerous than he had ever imagined. He didn't know who that man was or why Mabel was so terrified, but o

Edward wa

doing so would only put him in danger. The man chasing her wouldn't stop until h

her, his eyes filled with determination. "What

he couldn't afford to drag Edward into her mess. But as she loo

tried to push him away, Edwar

-

ntinued.