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CHAPTER 77: TRAITOR
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Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 78: NIGHTMARES
In life, many things are beyond our control; instead, they choose us. Nightmares are one of those things. Personally, I rarely experience them anymore. However, when I do, even one can overshadow all the peaceful nights I've had until then. My nightmares are far from ordinary; they're extraordinarily vivid, to the point where I can almost feel myself suffocating in my sleep at times.You already know that there was a time in my life when I shut out those closest to me. During that dark period, my existence revolved around darkness. What I didn't mention was that I hadn't had a nightmare like that since then.Max, on the other hand... Well, let's just say that seeing him tremble that night evoked a different kind of pain...."Max," I mumbled, still somewhat coherent. "Dude, quit pushing me." I shifted around, attempting to return to my peaceful slumber. But when he drew closer—this time, wrapping his arms around my waist and clutching me to his chest as though his life depended on it—
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 79: DRAMATIC
Two Days Later"Hey, Terry.""What's going on, Lolita?" Terrence, my coworker, returns my greeting with an equally irritating nickname and an unmistakable scowl. Nonetheless, I can't help but chuckle inwardly as I recall William always using the same moniker. Man, I already miss the gang."Not much, you?" I reply as I head towards the employee lockers."Eh," he shrugs, "my life remains as dull as ever. School and then work, a never-ending cycle of sheer agony.""Bit dramatic, don't you think?" I smirk, and he rolls his eyes, failing to hide a smirk of his own.I stash all my belongings in my designated locker, except for my phone, which I slip into my work apron. Then I return to the front to assist Terrence in setting the chairs back onto the tables.Terrence and I have always been the ones to open on Saturdays, and today is no exception."Any new orders to prepare?" I inquire as I place the last chair in its spot and slide it under the table."Two new ones came in last night. The 10
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 80: ANTICS
"So, you found it just behind your regular work check, right?" Kalix asks, seeking confirmation one last time, his tone dripping with disbelief. I can't blame him, though."That's pretty much it.""And you have no idea how he managed to pull this off?" Avery inquires next."Not a single clue.""So, what makes you think it's him?" Kalix asks, the question I already knew the answer to the moment I called my brother."Because Alex got one too. It had the same amount, bank, routing, and account number, not to mention the same alias in the top left corner," I reply, my blood beginning to boil again, much like when I first saw the damn thing. "He might no longer go by his birth name, but he was still dumb enough to ensure that we both received it on the same day. There's no doubt in my mind it's him."I release an irritated sigh, or maybe it's out of frustration, possibly a mix of both. Or a lot. I don't even know anymore. One thing I do know is that Max is the only one who hasn't said a wo
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 81: LONG BURIED ANGER
Thud. Thud. Thud. The rhythmic noise echoed through the room, an annoying drumbeat disrupting my peaceful morning."Max, could you please get the door?" I groaned, still half-asleep, my face buried in one of his pillows.Thud. Thud. Thud.Max turned to his other side, mumbling, "Isabella, it's closer to your side."Thud. Thud. Thud."Max," I whined, "you're right there."Thud. Thud. Thud.He retorted, "Isabella, you're younger.""What does that have to do with anything?" I snapped, throwing the covers over my head in an attempt to block out the relentless noise. Who in their right mind visits someone before noon on a Sunday? There should be a law against it.Thud. Thud. Thud."Please?" Max pleaded. "I feel like I'll vomit if I get up now."THUD. THUD. THUD."I can't believe you," I muttered, ignoring his "love you, too" comment as I finally gave in to the annoyance and headed for the door.As I swung the door open, I was about to unleash my frustration on the person outside when I fou
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 82: I LOVE HIM
I didn't realize tears were about to fall until this moment, but Max understood that I would never forgive myself if I allowed that lowlife to witness my breakdown. That's precisely why he took the action he did.Max had intervened, knowing it was the only way to protect me at that moment. He spared me from yet another regret, and in my distress, I hadn't even stopped to consider how long he might have been standing behind that door or how much he might have heard. All that mattered was that he was there, serving as a shield between me and the unwelcome visitor."You've said enough," Max repeated to the stranger before us as he shielded my face even further in his back, concealing the tears that only he could see, for which I was grateful. "Now, I suggest you leave, because whether you perceive this as a threat or not, I won't ask you politely a second time.""I understand," I heard Lazzaro respond before he called out to me. "Isabella, I'm leaving, but the check isn't going anywhere.
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 83: TURTLENECK
The past few days have turned out much better than I initially anticipated. While I'm still receiving notes from Lazzaro at the bakery to accept the check, at least now I can say his name without it making me want to vomit all over the popcorn that Avery and I are about to enjoy.With the boys away in LA for the weekend and Avery and I choosing to stay behind for some much-needed quality time together (something we haven't done in a while), we've been asked to house-sit for them. Given that the guys have practically transformed their living room into a home theater, it was a no-brainer for us to binge-watch our 'Fast and Furious' marathon here tonight."Ready for thirteen hours and forty-seven minutes of handsome guys, strong female leads, and an epic collection of race cars?" Avery quips as I settle onto the couch beside her, wrapping myself in the cozy blanket she throws over us. "Absolutely," I respond, placing the popcorn between us as I grab my Sour Patch Kids. "Let's get this sh
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 84: QUEEN BITCH
My assumption was confirmed when she released a trembling breath, a solitary tear tracing down her beautifully pale face. Moments later, she settled on the porch swing, her defenses completely down as tears continued to stream."How... how did you know?" She croaked, using the back of her hand to wipe away the persistent tears."Let's just say I've known others who've suffered abuse," I replied honestly, recalling the times my mom had tried to conceal her own bruises beneath layers of clothing. "But remember, you can't change what's already happened to you," I added, moving closer to her. "However, you can choose how to overcome it. It won't be easy – in fact, that's an understatement – but it'll only get tougher if you let it consume you."I hesitated for a moment before placing my hand on hers, deciding to take the risk. She didn't pull her hand away, surprising me. Instead, she flipped her hand over, squeezing mine as a gesture of gratitude – or so I told myself – all while studyin
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 85: HONEST ANSWER
Later That EveningMax gently brushes his knuckles against my arm and asks, "Are you sure you're okay with us just hanging out here again? I had plans to make a reservation at a nice place, but I got caught up visiting Riley, and by the time I was heading back, it was too late."I retort, resting my chin on his chest as I look up at him, "Are you kidding? A Netflix and Chill night with my guy, complete with two large pizzas, a ton of Sour Patch Kids, and a six-pack of Corona...it doesn't get any better than this." He smirks and tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear before giving me a sweet kiss on the forehead."I'm just glad the house is empty again. With everything that's been going on lately, I've been craving some alone time with you," he admits. "Every day without seeing you makes me clingier.""I'd tease you for that," I confess, "but then I'd be a hypocrite." His hand cups my cheek, and I savor his touch."Yeah?" He smirks again, leaning in to peck my lips."Oh yeah," I murmu
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