WHEN FEELINGS TURN DANGEROUS
Elliana tried to go back to normal. She tried to act like the whispers at school, the stolen glances from Austen, and the danger that clung to Leon weren't tearing at her from the inside.
But normal had abandoned her the moment Leon's world collided with hers.
It started with small things:
A text at midnight.
A shadow watching from across the street.
The thrill of his car's engine in her chest before fear even registered.
That evening, Leon appeared at her house—not the usual overlook, not the safe streets—but at her front gate.
Elliana's stomach twisted. "Leon… what are you—"
"Ellie, I need to see you," he interrupted, voice low, urgent.
She hesitated but let him in. Once inside, he didn't touch her. He simply paced, hands tugging at his hoodie, eyes dark.
"They're looking for me," he said finally. "Not just the police anymore. Someone's trying to make sure I don't escape this time."
Elliana's heart skipped. "Who?"
Leon didn't answer. Instead, he took a deep breath. "I can't tell you everything. You don't know what that would do to you. To your dad."
She stepped closer. "I can handle the truth."
"Can you?" His gaze pinned her to the spot. "Because if you knew… you'd hate me. Maybe forever."
Elliana swallowed. "Then let me decide that."
He looked at her like she'd asked for the impossible. "You don't understand what I've done."
"I don't care right now," she said. "I just… I don't want to lose you."
Leon's eyes softened for a fraction of a second—then hardened again. "Then you're already in danger."
The words landed like a punch. Elliana's chest tightened.
"And yet," he whispered, stepping closer, "I can't stay away."
Her heart raced. She should have backed away. She should have screamed, run, anything.
But instead, she let him take her hand.
And in that moment, she realized—feelings weren't just complicated.
They were dangerous.
And nothing in her life would ever be the same.
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