SIXTY THREE

Alisha:

I was stunned to hear all those words from both Derek and Benjamin. Shivers wracked my body; I had not known I was in so much danger from that girl before, and now it was just dawning on me how lucky I had been that Benjamin arrived when he did.

After Benjamin exchanged some more words and left, I was still silent. Only when Derek squeezed my hand did I look up at him. He had concern on his features, written plainly for me to see.

“Alisha, what are you thinking of?” He asked me gently. “I hope our talk before didn’t scare you so much.”

I smiled wanly at him, feeling my head swim with thoughts.

“Not really,” I whispered to him. “I suppose I’m just a little bit thankful. If your friend hadn’t come then…”

“Don’t think about such things, love,” he chastised me. “You shouldn’t stress yourself out. Leave everything to me. And never leave the house without your guards. Not even for a moment. Until I can take care of Gerard and Lila for good. Not just them too, they also have supporte