Levi decided we were not taking his jet this time because he was too angry to see Emily after everything she told me about him. He also hasn't said one word to me since he saw his hair in the state it was in.

"How long are you going to stay mad? I already said I was sorry."

He ignores me, putting his full attention on the road ahead. "So this is how it's going to be till you drop me off? It's not like your hair got tangled or anything... you're just grumpy because I snuck a picture of you in your gorgeous hairdo and refused to delete it."

"Cassi delete that picture."

"Why? Afraid I'll show it to Gaia?" I smirk.

"I couldn't care less about that."

"I don't know when next I'm going see you after this... so just allow me to keep this one picture," I mumble.

"Now why are you trying to guilt trip me," he sighs. "Fine, you can keep it."

I flash him a satisfactory smile and lean into my seat. I can't help but think about last night. I'm still embarrassed about it but what can I do? And I'll have to admit I enjoyed it to some extent. A small part of me still craves his touch, like he unlocked a new side of me. A side that wants a new experience in this whole love thing. I wonder how he'd feel about that.

"Hey, Levi... I had fun last night."

"Really? You'll have to specify what made it fun. Was it sleeping in my arms... destroying my hair... or..." he chuckles. "Showering with me."

My cheeks flush. "Uhh... n-nothing specific... it was just fun... in general."

"Oh... so you didn't enjoy all those things... alright in case of next time we'll have separate rooms."

"No! no!" I clear my throat. "I did enjoy all those things," I mumble.

"Noted," he smirks. "You know... if you weren't so timid I would have gone all out with you."

My eyes fling open. "What?"

"Nothing," he smiles.

"U-Um... I have to use the bathroom," I mumble.

"Really?"

I roll my eyes. "Yes."

"Really?" he asks in a lower tone. "Yes already!"

He nods. "There's a gas station nearby... if you wouldn't mind using the one there-"

"No, I wouldn't," I intervene.

"Uh... okay," he replies.

It takes ten minutes for us to get to the gas station. He parks in front of it and takes out a box of cigars. "Two minutes."

I nod and exit the car, relieved to finally be away from him after that conversation. I walk into the convenience store and approach the guy behind the counter. "Excuse me... where's the bathroom please."

"You have to buy something first," he replies flatly.

"Uhhh" I look around and go to grab a granola bar from one of the shelves. Then I place it on the counter with some change. "It's that door over there," he says, pointing to the one at the far end of the store. "Thanks."

I walk through the door and enter one of the stalls, doing the necessary business. Then I step out and head over to the sink, turning the faucet to wash my hands. I gaze at myself in the mirror as I do so. "Great Cassi, now you crave Levi more."

I take off my glasses and bend over, splashing the water over my face. My phone starts ringing in my pocket. Nowadays I'm reluctant to pick up calls. I take my phone out and stare at the unidentified number. Well, it couldn't be Dario after that stern talking-to from Levi. And it couldn't be my mum because it just couldn't. And it couldn't be Gaia because she's mad at me. Margo on the other hand has probably forgotten all about me.

Nevertheless, I answer it and bring the phone up to my ear. "Hello?"

To my surprise, there's no reply. Instead, all I hear is heavy and labored breaths, as though someone is taking slow breaths right beside the phone.

"H-Hello? Who is this?" I stammer, getting a bit scared.

It continues. It's like I can almost feel the hot, fetid breaths against my skin, twisting my stomach into knots. I immediately end the call. That was very unsettling. I step out of the bathroom and draw in a breath when I see the cashier slumped over the counter.

Did he die? My phone starts ringing again, breaking the silence. And now I have a feeling I'm not alone. My heart is pounding in my chest, a primal instinct urging me to flee, yet my legs refuse to obey.

I'm too scared to move. It's like I'm paralyzed. The sound of footsteps becomes distinct. Somewhere in this store, someone is lurking around, watching my every move. The door is right there Cassi, just run! I take a step forward, regaining control of my legs again. Then I dart out of the store, running at lightning speed to the car. It's still dark out here because it's just 5 in the morning. So anything could happen right now.

I reach the car and rush to get in, slamming the door beside me. Levi lowers his brows at me, tossing his cigar out the window. "Is everything okay?" he asks.

I take a moment to catch my breath before speaking. "I... s-someone called and I picked a-and... there was breathing... a-and the cashier-"

He takes my hand in his. "You're shaking... just take a deep breath and calm down."

I nod, feeling the pace of my heartbeat drop as I inhale a breath. He waits for a while before speaking up. "Now, are you ready to talk?"

I nod and explain to him what happened in the store. "Signs of a stalker," he replies. "Stalker? But who would want to stalk me?" My mind immediately snaps back to the guy at the car crash.

"Actually Levi... there was this guy that came to stare at me through the window of the car, right after you got shot... I couldn't see his face because he was wearing a hoodie... but it was really scary... he just looked at me for a while and left."

"Why didn't you tell me this earlier? I would have taken more precautions instead of just letting you walk into that store in the dead of night."

"It didn't come to my mind," I mutter.

"How bothersome is this," he sighs. "Now I'm anxious to leave you unguarded... because this person might just be the killer we're searching for."

"What does that mean?"

"I think this person is now targeting you for some reason."

My breath hitches and I squeeze on his shirt. "No no no I don't wanna be a target," I whimper. "Please just tell me this was all a setup you made to scare me."

I get no answer from him. I glance up and trace his gaze to my window. I turn around and spot a dark figure running towards the car. I let out a scream and grab his shirt. "Levi that's him! That's him!" I panic. "Start the car before he kills us!"

It's like he didn't hear a word I said. He's just staring at this person who's almost approached the car. Oh, screw it. I reach forward and turn the keys, the engine of the car roaring to life. I bend over trying to jam my hand on the accelerator but he grabs me by the shoulders. "Are you crazy?"

"Levi please let's just go! I just wanna get out of hear," I yell. The knocking on the window makes my body stiffen with fear. I bury my face into his chest. I hear the sound of the window sliding down. "You forgot your granola bar." Huh? I turn around to meet faces with the cashier. "I... I thought you died," I blurt out.

"Died? I was just taking a nap," he says and hands me the granola bar. "Weirdo," he mutters before walking away.

"Levi... I can swear I wasn't lying," I mumble as I fiddle around with the snack in my hands. "It's okay... you were probably just paranoid. Give me your phone," he says.

I hand my phone to him and he turns it on, squinting his eyes at the Lock Screen. "So this is the number hm?" he sighs and gives it back to me. "If this was that person you saw at the crash, then he isn't here. If he is, then he's not trying to kill us this time, because he could have done that a long time ago."

He heaves a sigh. "I don't know anymore... I'm lost for what to do."

Well, this isn't good. If Levi doesn't know what to do then I'm in trouble. "Maybe it's a friend trying to prank me... because I don't know how else this person could have gotten my number."

"Yeah let's just leave it at that... but if it's anything otherwise," he pauses to think. "Would you be comfortable with me leaving one of my men with you?"

Nope, not at all.

Not only would my mum freak out but I would have no privacy. But there's always an alternative. My lips curve into a smile. "That's okay Levi. I'm safe."

"Huh?"

"I already have someone who watches over me 24/7"

"Really? Who's that? Don't tell me it's your sneaky link." Of course, he remembers Jack as my sneaky link. "Nope, it's Ace."

He furrows his brows. "Ace? Why do you think he would protect you?"

"He promised me. As long as I'm helping him find his killer, he'll make sure I stay alive to do so."

"Well then... Problem solved."

He begins moving the car again. "So... what about Stacy?" I ask. His eyes widen for a split second. "Yeah... I'll look into it."

"Jessie told me everything."

His eyes fling open. "Well I should have seen that coming," he mutters. "So does that change how you see me?"

I shake my head. "No actually... I wanted to hear your side of the story first."

"Well... back then, I was trying to prove a point," he begins. "Stacy was reserved... she didn't like speaking to guys... it's not like I had an interest in her but guys in the locker room kept saying neither me nor Ace could hook up with her... of course this stung me in the chest... so I had to prove them wrong."

I roll my eyes. Of course, his huge ego got the best of him.

"So Ace and I began plotting how we would meet up with her. We asked one of the guys to pick on her so we could swoop in and save the day... and it worked like magic... she was so stuck on repaying us for helping her... but we told her it would be okay if we just became friends... and from friends... she started growing on us... eventually, her hormones kicked in and she wanted to be more than friends with either of us," he explains.

"Then Ace and I invited her to my house... and things happened from there."

"So you guys drugged her?"

"What the hell?" he laughs. "She did it willingly. And unfortunately for her, things didn't go as planned. We had no idea at first 'cause, after that day, things were still normal. She came to school every day, we would talk to her and eventually head to class. It was just one day she didn't come that things seemed off. Then before you know it Stacy's not coming back because she's pregnant... I felt so disgusted with myself... but what could I do?" he sighs.

It makes me feel better to know she wasn't drugged into doing it. But that doesn't change much. I can't say I'm surprised Levi did this. So it doesn't change the way I view him. "So do you feel she has something to do with Ace's murder?"

"It's possible, but that wouldn't explain..." he pauses. "Never mind."

"Explain what?"

"Nothing Cassi."

"You are so fond of keeping things from me. What was the point of us partnering up if you're the only one who has all the information."

"It's nothing important."

"But it is! I'm so sick of this. If Jessie didn't tell me about Stacy I would have had no idea. Would it kill you to just open up to me for once? Just once Levi," I snap and look out the window.

"Please don't get mad at me. Not now at least," he begs. "I promise I'll eventually explain everything... but for now I'm not comfortable talking about it... please understand."

I wish I knew what it is that makes him uncomfortable to talk about. But I don't want to push it if he's not willing to. "Okay, I understand."

"Thanks, pooks." He takes my hand and places a kiss on my knuckles. "You're the best."

He gently rubs his thumb over my hand. How relaxing. I lean my head back and find myself dozing off.

•••

My heart pounds against my chest as I stare at my house. Now that I'm here, I feel like barfing out all my stomach contents.

"Are you sure I shouldn't wait out here?" Levi asks.

"Yes. It wouldn't make a difference... I have to face this on my own."

"Okay," he sighs. "Come here pooks."

He pulls me into a tight hug. "I'm going to miss you so much Levi," I mumble.

"Don't let that worry you. We'll meet again soon." He plants a soft kiss on my forehead and lets go of me.

"Bye," I mutter.

"Goodbye, my love. And take care of your arm."

"Yeah, and take care of your... everything and... please be careful Levi... you know you're being targeted now," I mutter.

"The first thing I'll do when I get back home is find out more about this hooded shooter. Don't worry about me. I won't let my guard down again."

"I'm so happy to hear that," I smile.

I turn on my heels and walk up to my front door, knocking three times. In a minute, it opens up and my mum's face appears, making my stomach drop. Her gaze flicks over my shoulder to look at Levi, who's waiting for me to go in.

She then glances back at me and steps aside for me to pass through. I turn my head once more, waving Levi goodbye before going in. She closes the door behind me. I drop my bag and turn to her. Before I can say anything she pulls me into a hug.

Well, this was unexpected.

"Why did you have to do that," she sobs into my shoulder. "Do you know how that made me feel? It's like you only think about yourself. But I'm sorry for the way I acted when I came to get you. I was just so angry."

I place a hand on her back. "I'm sincerely sorry for everything I made you go through," I whisper. "I'm sorry for the way I've behaved these past days... and I promise I'll never disobey you again."

She steps away from me. "Good. And you're breaking up with Levi."

I nod. "I understand."

"And you're grounded for the rest of your life."

I nod. "I understand that too."

"Go upstairs and change. I have something I want to discuss with you."

I nod and carry my bag, mounting the stairs. Well, I have no idea what she wants to talk about. But I'm relieved. She didn't overreact. Maybe she sniffed her anger management serum before opening the door.

I walk into my room and drop my bag before fluffing on my bed. I've missed this room so much. I bury my face into the pillow and heave a sigh. I'm so happy to be back home.

I hear my door creak open. "Margo? Is that you?"

Something heavy collides with my back, a sharp crack echoing through the room. I let out an ear-piercing scream as pain explodes across my body.

In this moment time seems to stand still, all my childhood horrors resurfacing. I know all too well what's happening. I know all too well the feeling of a golf club on my back. And I know all too well who's holding it.

I let out a scream as she takes another swing. "Perhaps I'll take away your ability to move altogether, that way you won't be able to sneak out ever again," she bellows.

My cries for mercy are met with the deafening silence, my pleas for understanding drowned out by the relentless thud of each blow. The room I was so happy to be in quickly became a prison of torment, tainted by the person I thought was protecting me.

As the assault continues, I find myself screaming, writhing around, my body convulsing with pain. Tears mingle with the sweat upon my brow as I fight to endure the torture. All I see is red, my taste buds stained by the copper tang of blood.

And then suddenly she stops. I don't know why but she's just standing there. Her weapon is poised in the air but something is holding her back.

"What's happening here?" Margo appears at the threshold of my room. She gasps and goes to grab my mother. "What are you doing?!" she screams. "Isn't that your daughter?!" she grabs the golf club and flings it aside.

"You're crazy!" Margo hollers. "Get out! Get out of this house! I should have listened to Cas from the start. You're no mother. You're just a woman tormenting an innocent child!"

My mum stares at the ground, taking heavy breaths. Then she finally exits the room without a word. Margo quickly approaches me, examining my current state. "Hang in there Cas, I'll go get help."

She darts out of the room.

I can't move my body. Even if I can, I'm scared to. I feel like everything is broken. Including my heart.

I shut my eyes and wait for Margo to come back.

I should have told Levi to stay a while longer.