76. Hope

“They won't attack you. They have a personal vendetta against me and not you. Just stay away from me.” Celine's tone was icy, and Erickson knew that there was no room for argument.

He glanced as she walked away, her hips swaying in her gown. It was hard not to follow her, but he knew that she needed her space.

Erickson looked around and realized that they were in an abandoned alleyway. He knew that it was not safe to be there, especially after the attack they had just faced.

He quickly jogged after Celine and caught up with her. “Let me take you home. It's not safe for you to be alone.”

Celine stopped in her tracks and turned to face him. “I'm not alone. I have my father.”

Erickson raised an eyebrow. “Your father? I thought you were raised by a single mother. I would like to meet the man that raised a tough girl.” he teased expecting a smile or blush but she pulled him off.

Celine's expression turned cold. “Don't mock me.”

Erickson scoffed. “Are you sure you would be alright? Those me