Chapter 15 #2
After what feels like an eternity, I finally dismiss the class.
The students file out, chatting amongst themselves, and I gather my things, moving slowly, as if by stalling I can somehow avoid facing reality.
Once the last student leaves, I let out a deep exhale. I have papers to grade, but the thought of doing them at Theo’s place makes my stomach twist even more. I need space, somewhere quiet where my focus isn’t interrupted.
As I walk toward the administrative building, I pull out my phone, scrolling through potential hotels.
There’s no way I’m going back to my apartment, even though I’ve been told there are uniformed cops stationed outside.
That place doesn’t feel like home anymore; it feels like a trap.
And as much as I appreciate Theo’s protection, staying at his place isn’t a long-term solution.
I need my own space, somewhere I can breathe and figure out what the hell I’m going to do next.
I get a text from Amir. I don’t even bother opening it.
He’s concerned. He wants me to stay with him.
My brother is an option, sure, but the thought of living with him makes me cringe.
His apartment is practically a revolving door for women, and I have no interest in awkward breakfasts with his latest one-night stand.
No, a hotel it is. Theo’s not going to like it—he’s probably going to protest, maybe even outright refuse. But I need to be alone. I need privacy. I’m not wired for constant human interaction. And I miss Maslow. My poor cat has been staying with the neighbors for too long. It’s not fair to him.
As I enter the administrative building, the quiet is almost comforting. The only sound is the click of my heels against the tiled floor. I approach my office and fish the key out of my pocket, unlocking the door.
Everything looks just as I left it.
Organized. Minimal. Clean.
Too clean.
I frown, stepping inside cautiously. There’s something off, something that doesn’t sit right. As I approach my desk, I swipe a finger across the surface. No dust. My office hasn’t been cleaned in two weeks, not since I’ve been working from the field office or the classroom.
My frown deepens as I glance around, my eyes landing on something that makes my blood run cold.
In the corner of the room, by the bookshelf, is a suitcase. My suitcase. But how—
Suddenly, the door slams shut, and I spin around, my heart leaping into my throat.
Kaleb stands before me, dressed in a custodial uniform.
"Don’t scream, baby," he says, his voice eerily calm as he drops a large knife from the sleeve of his coveralls.
My entire body goes rigid.
Not again.
“Did you hurt someone, Kaleb?”
His face contorts, as if my question offends him.
“Why?” He pauses, then looks down at his outfit, realization dawning on him.
“Oh…” He looks back up at me, a twisted smile forming on his lips.
“Don’t worry, Safia. I took this from the supply closet.
There were extras. I didn’t hurt anyone. You know me. I’m not dangerous.”
My gaze snaps down to the knife in his hand. “You should put that down, Kaleb. Put down the knife and we can talk.”
Pain flickers across his features, but he doesn’t comply. Instead, he pivots the conversation, nodding toward the suitcase.
“I packed that for you, baby. Some of your favorite clothes are in there. Like that red dress. I know how much you love that red dress.” He smiles, proud of himself. “I love it, too.”
I swallow hard, taking a subtle step to the side, trying to maintain some distance between us.
“You broke into my house?”
His lip twitches. “I was doing you a favor, Safia. You wore the same outfit twice this week. You needed more clothes, and I… I got them for you.” Kaleb takes a step forward.
“Aren’t you going to thank me? Do you know how hard it was to enter your apartment?
It wasn’t easy, Safia. But I did it. I did it for you.
I did it so you can have something nice to wear. ”
The knife he’s holding is eight inches long. If he were to stab me, I’d die. He’s stronger than me. I don’t think I could fight him off. But why hasn’t he attacked? Why hasn’t he charged at me and plunged the knife into my heart?
Kaleb’s brows furrow, as if he can sense my fear. “I’m not going to hurt you, baby. You don’t need to be so scared.”
“You shot at me,” I manage to say. “I think I have a valid reason to be scared.”
“Shot at you?” Kaleb’s voice booms through the office as he runs a frantic hand through his hair. “You think I would shoot you?!”
He rushes toward me, and I gasp, heart racing as he stops half a foot away. Kaleb raises the knife, and I freeze as he caresses my cheek with the flat side of the blade, the cold steel sending shivers down my spine.
“Oh, baby. I wasn’t aiming at you.” His jaw sets, his eyes darkening. “I was aiming at him.”
The muscles in my neck tighten as I try to suppress the rage building inside me. “He’s an FBI agent, Kaleb. It was incredibly foolish to shoot at him.”
Kaleb drops his blue eyes to my lips, his gaze intense. “He’s a monster, Safia. He’s a bad, bad man.” He sucks in a sharp breath, his voice low and filled with conviction. “He doesn’t deserve you. And you, you’re not safe with him. But I’ll protect you, Safia. I promise.”
Does Kaleb know something I don’t?
“I don’t like that you’re living with that man, baby.
” Kaleb glances down at the suitcase. “It makes me uncomfortable. I think you should stay at a hotel. Hotels are so much more comfortable, don’t you think?
” He glances back at me, his expression hopeful.
“We could order room service. Maybe some champagne. And then…” He swallows, his voice dropping to a whisper.
“And then we can climb into bed.” He glides the side of the knife down my neck and chest, his touch almost tender.
“I just want to please you, baby. Let me do that.”
My entire body trembles, my knees threatening to give out. I can’t move, can’t breathe. But before I can say anything, vibrations sound from Kaleb’s pocket. He fishes out a cell phone and curses under his breath, frowning.
“I’m sorry, baby. I have to go now.” He gives me a wide, lingering smile filled with a twisted kind of affection. “I’ll save you, Safia. I promise.”
And then he’s gone, and I collapse on the floor.
Maybe Theo’s is the safest place to be, after all.