The feeling didn't leave her.
It followed Ava everywhere.
On the train. On the street. Even in the quiet of her apartment.
That night, the city felt different.
London was still alive—cars rushing, people laughing, music echoing faintly—but beneath it all, there was something darker.
Ava walked faster.
Her heels clicked sharply against the pavement.
Then—
Footsteps.
Behind her.
Steady. Measured.
Her heart began to race.
Don't panic.
She turned the corner quickly.
The footsteps followed.
"Okay…" she whispered, pulling out her phone.
Before she could dial—
A hand grabbed her arm.
She gasped—
"Relax."
She froze.
That voice.
Dominic.
"You scared me!" she snapped, pulling away.
His expression was anything but amused.
"Why are you walking alone this late?" he asked sharply.
Ava blinked. "I can take care of myself."
"That's not the point."
"Yes, it is."
Dominic stepped closer, his voice low and tense.
"No, Ava. The point is—you're not safe."
The words hit differently this time.
Because deep down—
She believed him.