Gracie
Some weeks passed, exams came and went by in a blur.
He had stopped me from hanging out with my friends, but it was a huge relief that he hadn't hurt Clarissa, I didn't think he would listen to me, but thankfully he eventually did.
It still hurts though, I missed them a lot... Especially the old us, us before Hayden decided to return to my life.
They were my only friends and I couldn't even spend those last days with them.
Hayden's possessiveness grew more intense as the day went by, the threat messages made it even much worse, he collected my phone yesterday, insisted that he was going to get me a new one, I didn't even try to argue about it, it wasn't like it would help anyway. Sebastian left yesterday, so it was just me and him alone in the house...
I've noticed since the last few days he's been in a very foul mood, he seemed tensed and troubled, he would snap at the slightest irritation, something was bothering him greatly but I didn't ask what. I don't think he would tell me anyway.
The only times he seemed normal and even human was when we had sex, which has become frequent, in those moments it felt as if he wanted to connect with me in the deepest of ways.
He didn't want to leave me alone at home, so here we are inside the grocery store picking up a few supplies, I had also run out of clothes, but Hayden pretends not to notice, I think he loves it that I walk around in his clothes and use his own shampoo because he wants me to smell like him.
His arms were wrapped around my shoulders protectively as we got what we needed.
I had the feeling that I was being watched, it kept gnawing on my insides.
Then my gaze caught on something
Or rather someone .....everything in me stilled for a second.
He gave me a curt nod from the window and disappeared.
Hayden's voice snapped me back to reality.
"what is it? " he asked searching around with his gaze, probably looking for what had caught my attention
I couldn't tell him...
"it's nothing " I replied a little too quickly which appeared to arouse his suspicion, his gaze narrowed slightly as he takes another glance around.
"it's really nothing" I repeated forcing a smile on my face.
He nodded but I knew he didn't believe me entirely, he was always too observant, especially when it involves me.
I need to go outside, I know he was waiting for me, I have to find a way to distract Hayden
"um, can I use the restroom before we go? "
His gaze searched mine for a second
"I'll come with you" He stated
"it's the ladies bathroom, you can't possibly follow me inside "
"it wouldn't be the first time " he replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
I flushed brightly as the meaning of his words sank in.
I would still have to find a chance to go outside the mall.
"Hayden the other day I saw him" my voice came out as a faint whisper.
"Who did you see? "
His gaze suggested that he knew exactly what I'm talking about but just needed to hear it straight from me.
"Him.....he was watching us"
A murderous look crossed his features but I think half of it was directed at me.
"Why didn't you say anything to me earlier, and when did this happen! " He grounded out gasping both my shoulders tightly
I squirmed under his glaring expression
"I didn't think that I..... "
"You didn't think what? Fuck it! Gracie " He muttered a curse, his grip on my shoulders releasing just a fraction.
"Tell me when"
There wasn't much to tell, but I explained the little bit I knew,
He exhaled sharply looking downright tensed, I felt he would snap from any moment.
"Do you think he might be here? " even as I asked the thought chilled me to the bone.
Our gaze held, I sucked in a breath when he leaned to brush a strand of hair from my face.
"I don't know who the sick fuck is I'll die before I let him touch you" He murmured.
I shouldn't believe him, but I did
He's hurt me for so many years but right now he seems to be the only one who wants me so badly.... wanted to protect me... as much as I didn't want it to, it still touched a spot inside of my heart.
It kicked something inside of me...I don't know what to think right now, the only thing I'm sure of is that I wouldn't want him to die.
Especially for my sake.
He straightened up and I could breathe again.
"I didn't kill Brittany "
I snapped my gaze to him..he didn't?
But why was he only telling this to me now?
"But I went there with the intention, and I probably would have done it, "He said in a very serious tone
"W.. Why?" I found myself asking,
I would never get used to the way they spoke about ending a life like they were talking about killing a chicken.
"She threatened you, I warned her to stay away..... she apparently did, then someone else continued"
I took a moment to grasp the meaning of his words, only one thing came to mind.
"S...She sent..... " I couldn't complete my words, I might just be wrong.
He nodded in affirmation and continued.
"It wasn't just her, she was sent by someone, which makes it more dangerous because we still don't know who this person is....you shouldn't keep anything from me bunny.."
I nodded slowly, why do I feel like he knows what was going on in my mind at this moment.
It was unnerving, but I'm willing to take the risk...
I have to meet him, so at least he will give me some answers.
I entered the washroom, Hayden was waiting for me right outside, about two minutes later I peeked my head out the door.
He was staring in the other direction, this was the opportunity I needed.
I made my way out quietly and hastily left the mall.
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*
*
I stared at the unmistakably familiar figure whose back was turned to me.
He'd called me from the window earlier, how did he even know Hayden and I were here?
"D..dad ?"
He turned around to face me, a tight smile playing along his lips
"Hello Gracie, You've grown up so much "
His last part got me, why did he say that?
Was it just me or did he even sounded a bit different
"Look I've come to take you along with me okay? "
His gaze scanned around our surroundings seeming downright nervous.
"Let's just go okay? I'll explain everything later " He grabbed my arm and began making way to the car
I freed my arms from his grip so forcefully that even he looked surprised.
"What do you have to explain? The way you gave me away right on my birthday? You didn't even at least tried to help me! "
How could he just come here and seem so casual about everything that happened, he didn't even ask me if I'm alright.
"Don't be stubborn, just come along"
I almost laughed out at his words, I'm the one being stubborn?
Why did I leave the mall and came here in the first place..... I don't know what I expected but... It wasn't this.
"I'm not leaving with you, you can just go, I perfectly fin...."
"Do as you are told, don't ask any questions! " He snapped, a look of irritation and impatience flash across his gaze.
"You already abandoned me, are you feeling sorry for me now? Is that why you came searching for me? you moved along with mom and Ashley without me! You didn't even care about me at all? Do I not matter to you at all or is it because I'm not your real daughter! " I yelled, all the pent-up emotions threatening to choke me up from my insides.
"You would be surprised by the truth, you're only right one thing, I don't care about you," he admitted with a sly smile.
I struggled to take a breath against the sharp jab of pain threatening to burst my heart open, how could he just admit it so easily?
And what truth was he talking about?
"Now come along this instant or you'll fucking ruin everything! " he grabbed my arm none too gently and began to force me inside the car.
I've never heard dad swear before... Not even once but now wasn't the time to debate on that .one thing for sure, I won't be going anywhere with him.
Hayden was right, after all, they don't give two shits about me, and he's just admitted it right to my face
"Let go! " I screamed and began to struggle against his hold when I felt something metallic press against the side of my head.
A gun?
"D..dad w..what. " I croaked out both in shock and disbelief
"I wanted to do this the easy way.. but you're being so stubborn and wasting my time "
I couldn't make out my next words when I felt a deep excruciating pain in my head
"Damn you look so much like her " he mumbled out
That was the last thing I remembered before the world turned black.