| 12 | How Can I Help?

[ S E R A P H I N E ]

Long shadows dim our path as we exit the store, the sun dipping lower in the sky. The warmth of the evening feels nice, unlike the terrifying reality his suspicions are forcing me to wrap my head around.

We walk away from the picturesque sidewalk with Dominico glancing over his shoulder. Before we reach the Maserati, he looks behind one more time and puts his arm around my back. Like he's waiting for some sketchy guys to pop up out of nowhere and kidnap me.

Just thinking it could happen makes my insides churn. My legs and feet are overworked after that ten-hour shift, but my brain can't seem to process most of the pain. I just know I need a quiet, private space where I can regroup my thoughts before we go anywhere else. “Hey. I-I really don't mind taking the bus. You don't have to drive me to the...”

“Stay close.”

“Why?” I almost glare at my “date” and stand beside his ride. Should I give him gas money now? Or just let him escort me all evening like a hired bo