46. CHAPTER 46
ARIA
I grabbed a water from the fridge, taking a few sips as my hand trembled. Leaning back on the counter, I inhaled deeply, exhaling slowly as I touched my neck. I could still feel his hands around it. I shivered and wrapped my arms around myself.
It was a dream, Aria. It wasn’t real. You’re safe. He can’t hurt you.
But it felt real.
He was in my dreams now. I couldn’t escape him; he wouldn’t let me. All those letters and roses and now this? Should I tell someone? The police? I sighed. What could they do? Let me down again?
Was he watching me? The thought of it made me sick. What if he attacked Sebastian, and I couldn’t stop him?
My heart started to race at the thought. Maybe I should just go.
Run.
Start again somewhere.
I grabbed my phone off the table and sat on the sofa.
Aria: Please tell me you have something.
A few minutes passed as I stared at the screen, then the bubbles came.
Callum: He promised me he was leaving you alone.
Aria: It has to be him. There’s no one else.
Callum: I’m sorry. I’m limited in what I can do.
Locking the phone, I lay down on the sofa, my eyes fixed on the butterflies in the bell jar.
It had to be him.
Everything started to swirl around, and my eyes soon closed, drifting back to sleep.
The sun was rising through the window, speckles of warmth kissing my skin. I shifted my body, opening my eyes slowly.
I must have fallen asleep on the sofa last night after my nightmare.
I couldn’t face seeing Sebastian after; I wasn’t ready to face what was happening.
I made my way to the kitchen, making a coffee to take to Sebastian, then walked through into the bedroom.
I paused. My bed was empty, and Sebastian wasn’t there.
I threw the cup against the wall, tears flooding my eyes as I sat on the edge of the bed.
His citrus scent flooded my system, but that sick feeling in my stomach rose, clawing its way up into my throat.
I swallowed hard to try and push it back down, but it was no use.
It lingered, forcing me back to four years ago.
I grabbed my phone, trying to push past It, when I noticed the message from Sebastian.
Sebastian: Hey. I needed to get to work and didn’t want to wake you. Take the day off and get some rest. I’ll see you later.
My stomach turned. I put my phone back on the side table and climbed into bed, pulling the cover to my nose and taking a deep breath, sighing as I exhaled.
I could feel his warmth around me. I wanted so much to feel his arm around my waist, holding me tight.
Tears filled my eyes. I blinked and they ran down my cheeks, hitting the pillow.
I hugged the blanket tight, closing my eyes, and drifted off into a fitful sleep.
I shifted in my bed, spreading my arm out to feel for Sebastian, but nobody was there. I opened my eyes, my room now covered in darkness. Had I slept all day? I grabbed my phone, pressing the side button. I squinted at the bright light, looking at the time. 2:45 a.m.
Sebastian had said he’d see me later. I pressed my phone's button again, lighting the screen. No notifications. What if Jason had got to him?
My heart raced as I dialled.
“Hello?” His voice cracked, half asleep. “Aria, are you ok?” he asked, a little more alert.
“I … I thought you were coming over,” I said.
“It was late when I finished. I didn’t want to disturb you.”
“Oh. Ok,” I whispered.
“Get some rest. I’ll speak to you tomorrow,” he said softly.
“Yeah. Goodnight,” I said, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in my stomach.
He’d promised he wouldn’t leave me again, but it was feeling more and more like he had.