Seven

I startle awake and glance around, trying to figure out where the fuck I am. The only thing illuminating the dark house is the TV flickering. I must've dozed off lying on the couch with my ice cream earlier. I feel along the floor for my phone, turning the screen on to see the time. 3 am. The witching hour.

I close my eyes, trying to go back to sleep, when a tapping sound comes from the front window. My muscles clench, and my eyes shoot open. It's just a branch hitting the window, I repeat to myself. It's nothing more. Until it taps again in a different pattern. I stare at the ceiling, trying not to move. Did I close the curtains ?

Oh shit.

I shift my eyes to the window and suck in an air full. A mysterious figure lurks outside, sporting a glowing mask fit for Halloween. The eerie neon light illuminates the crossed-out eyes and stitched smile. He doesn't move; he simply watches me. My body still won't move; all I can do is watch him and wait for him to act. I'm not sure how long it's been, but our showdown continues, with neither of us moving. Finally, when a dog barks, he looks away and disappears into the night.

I lay there trying to compose myself and ensure he doesn't return. I can't seem to calm my racing heart. It's strange to think that after all these years, I've never felt unsafe in my home until tonight. I slowly straighten up, watching the window. Darkness awaits me as I approach it; I don't think, I swipe the curtains closed, sealing the house in.

I check the front door, ensuring it's locked, and then all the windows and the back door. My mind races with disturbing thoughts. What if he broke in? Would he rape and kill me? Why the hell would he choose my house? All those disturbing feelings of being watched, was it him? But why? I'm nothing special. I need to trust my instincts more often; instead, I push them aside and pretend everything is fine. Now look where I'm at. In the worst situation one can imagine. I'm so stupid.

I slip into bed, pulling the cover to my chin and checking my window to ensure the curtains are closed. It's impossible for me to fall back to sleep now. I'll likely be awake for the remainder of the morning with the haunting memory of that mask. It has to be a prank. That's what I tell myself until I fall asleep.

I'm dragging ass leaving the house, and I'm pretty sure my shirt is on backward. It appears that today is not my day. I think Murphy has it out for me. Because guess who is waiting for me at the bookshop when I arrive. Nancy Montgomery herself.

I'm about to unlock the door when Silas walks around the corner. Perfect. He's here to witness the peachiness of Nancy herself.

"Nancy, what brings you down the peasant part of town?" I stop with the key in the door, crossing my arms and giving her the best glare, I can muster .

She smirks at me, holding up a pink piece of hell. "I came by to deliver this, Teagan. I'm sure you know what it is."

"I don't. Refresh my memory, would you?"

She huffs. "It's your business license."

Silas moves next to me, and I try not to remember what I did last night when I caught a whiff of his cologne.

"Teagan, what's going on?" he whispers.

"Why do you have my license? It's not expired yet." I want to ram it down her throat.

She tilts her head and gives me a condescending smile. Yeah, maybe she can have something else rammed down her throat.

"I was reading over some records for all the businesses on Main Street, and yours happens to be the pick of the litter for an inspection. Unlock the door, Teagan."

Fuck, fuck, fuck. I didn't exactly get a permit to rent out the extra room. I didn't want to add the additional insurance. I knew it would come around to bite me in the ass. I'm trying not to panic, but Nancy is going to make my life a living hell now.

"What's wrong, Dimples?"

I turn around, facing the door. "Nothing, but you better fucking pray you have a job today." I unlock the door, take a deep breath and bite my tongue as Nancy pushes me aside.

"What a cunt," Silas says, loud enough that Nancy double steps.

"Welcome to my nightmare, Sunshine. Come on, we can be tortured together unless you want to leave. I wouldn't blame you."

He places his hand on my back, and I try not to react, but my stupid heart skips a beat. "I'm in it with you. And if she says anything, I won't hold back."

"I won't either."

We both step into the shop to find Nancy walking toward the back. I hold my breath the closer she gets to the room in question, but she heads for the bathroom first.

"I take it this bathroom is up to code?"

I roll my eyes and move to her. Dumb shit she is, you can't open unless you get a health inspection. "Yes, Nancy. You do know how shit works, correct or do you just sit in your office flicking your useless clit?"

Silas chokes on a laugh behind me, and Nancy snaps her head in my direction with no expression.

"What's this room for?" She points to the rental room.

"Storage," I spit out quickly.

She pokes her head in and notices cushions on the floor. I'm hoping nothing else was left out from one of the kids.

"I think you've seen enough, as you can see. Teagan is within her agreement. Next time you want to be a bully, pick a different business. Leave." Silas moves in her line of sight, standing at his full height. Even with Nancy wearing a slight heel, she still has to look up to him.

"I don't know who you think you are. But you have no right talking to me this way."

"I don't give a shit who you are. Do you know who I am?"

She shakes her head, and now I'm even wondering who Silas is. He's such a mystery that I find myself constantly doubting him.

He grins, stepping close to Nancy. "I'm your worst nightmare. Now move along."

His words seep out with a cold intensity, and I can feel a shiver run down my spine. I can't help but wonder about Silas. As I observe how he moves, a sense of uncertainty creeps in, making me ponder the past he hides. Silas has a unique way of looking over his shoulder as if expecting to discover someone there.

Nancy's face pales, and I watch as she slowly backs away. "I would watch yourself. You may be a nightmare, but I can run you out of this town. And Teagan, I can shut you down before I reach my office."

And that right there is my worst nightmare. I can't let anyone interfere with my business. And if Silas keeps this up, Nancy will shut me down. I watch Nancy leave the shop before turning to Silas.

"You can't say shit like that. Just because you don't care about the repercussions, I do. This is my livelihood you are fucking with. Nancy will close this shop down without batting her eyes; she doesn't give a fuck about anyone in this town but herself and her family. Trust me, I know."

"Teagan, I didn't mean any harm."

I walk away, needing a cool-off before I say something I can't take back. I step into the stockroom, leaving the light off. I close my eyes, inhaling deeply through my nose, feeling my lungs expand.

I exhale through my teeth. "Fucking Nancy." I stand there, contemplating how to deal with her when that feeling of being watched returns. I peer over my shoulder, and Silas stands in the doorway.

"Not now, please."

"I need to apologize. I didn't mean anything by my actions. I was only trying to help. Please forgive me. "

He steps in closer, resting his chest against my back. He gently moves my hair away from my neck and brushes his lips against my skin with a soft kiss.

"When I apologize, I mean it, Dimples." His fingers wrap around my neck, grazing the bottom of my chin, forcing me to look at him. "Know that I don't want any harm to come your way."

"It's hard for me to trust people, Silas. And I barely know you."

I can't get attached. But Silas makes it hard when he's this close. I'm supposed to keep a distance, yet he pulls me in like a vortex. I have no way of escaping; his presence is consuming.

"Listen to me, Teagan." He stares deep into my eyes, never letting go of my chin. "I can't give you all my trust, but know I wouldn't lie to you."

"What does that mean? Either I get it all or none. I'm sorry, Silas, but I can't risk getting hurt because you can't open up."

He nods, letting me go. "I understand. I won't push anything if that's what you want."

My heart sinks. Will Silas never talk to me again if I tell him that's what I want? I still want to be friends, but to take things further can't happen unless he can open up. I have to protect myself. I'm so lost at what to do.

"I'll still be your friend if you're worried about that. I just won't push for extra." He cups my cheek, rubbing his thumb against my skin and smiles.

The tension in my shoulders melts away. "Thank you. I enjoy your friendship, Sunshine—more than you know."

"Alright then. Tell me what my job entails today, boss." He steps outside of the storage room and waits for me.

While he's in the shop, I'll treat him like an employee and strictly that. I'll have to shelve whatever feelings I have for now.