Chapter Forty-Four

Alina’s POV

It was the weekend and I was supposed to meet with Clara, I needed her help with something.

It had to do with meeting the French men. I didn't get to finish that thought because of my phone vibrating in my hand. I opened the message and read it.

It was from Clara, she was spending the weekend at her boyfriend’s place and wanted me to know that something came up and she couldn't make it anymore.

I quickly started texting her a message telling her not to worry, that I was going to be fine and I told her to take care of herself too. After reading it a few times I pressed 'Send'. As I placed my phone next to me, I couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed.

I was out of my favorite snack and I decided that a little shopping wouldn't hurt so pulling out my jacket from where it hung behind the chair of the restaurant, I headed towards the door to go for a walk. In all, I didn't come with my car.

The air outside was cool and refreshing, as usual. When I stepped foot outside the restaurant it hit me that this was probably the first time I was actually free from everything bothering me.

I decided that I would stroll to the closest grocery shop instead of taking a cab so I headed down the street, the cold air hitting my skin, making my cheeks feel warmer already.

I couldn’t understand why there were so many people in the supermarket. It was the weekend but why did there have to be so many?

And there were so many kids running around, screaming happily.

I was sure that there must be a lot of adults in line because the noise level was getting higher and higher each second.

I tried to ignore them as I moved down the line, searching for the ingredients for my favorite soup,it was my mom’s recipe.

Something caught my eyes, someone.

Standing at the farthest end of where the children were playing was a man in a facecap, he was built the same way the same only one person I knew was, the same way Victor was. Maybe my eyes were playing silly tricks on me.

He was staring straight at me, making me shiver involuntarily. I couldn't see him from here but his stance was confident, his hands hidden inside the pocket of his trousers ,his eyes focused on me.

That was creepy.

Maybe it was the weather. That was a good excuse after all , maybe the chilliness from outside got to my bones. I made myself relax as if I was trying to convince myself that nothing was wrong but I knew better.

So stepping back gradually while trying to shake off the weird atmosphere that had suddenly settled in my chest.

I made it through the line in a hurry.

As I made my way to the cashier, I tried to push away the strange feeling that was growing inside me, it wasn’t real, it mustn't be real. I don’t want to acknowledge the fact that he was there or at least that's what I was telling myself. But even I could see how my mind was playing tricks on me, my heartbeat quickening every minute or so.

My palms got clammy and my pulse was throbbing in my ears. I had to force myself to stop trembling.

Once I'd paid for my purchase I tried my hardest not to think about him anymore.

I rushed outside not watching where I was going, I bumped into someone, luckily I was able to keep balance as I apologized to the person in front of me.

However, once I looked up at them it became clear who it was.

There stood Sebastian Wolfe and holding both of my sides and I realized that I was not able to keep my balance,it was because he saved me.

“This is becoming a routine,” He said. I could swear he sounded amused “You always fall against me whenever you come outside.”

“Well that's because you're standing here blocking the way. Why are you following me everywhere I go?” I tried not to snap at him.

As usual, he didn't respond but chuckled lightly while pulling away to make sure I was stable.

“Sorry” I mumbled apologetically.

“Don't apologize to me when it's my fault”

“I have to go” I told him, trying to brush it off once I remembered the man inside.

I started to walk away but he pulled me back by my hand and I was forced to take my gaze away from our joined hands, trying to ignore the tingling sensation that had spread across my arm.

We both looked at each other for a moment before he spoke:

“Where are you rushing off to?”

“Home” I replied.

“Walk with me Alina.”

“No Sebastian.”

“That's quite unfortunate. Wouldn't you want to be a lovely wife, give the media something to feed on?” He asked. “Take this as your way of saying thank you to me,” he added.

I thought of it, not sure of what to say, he was correct so I took a deep breath and nodded, not trusting myself to speak and secretly hoping that I was making the right decision and I wanted to be sure if that man I had seen earlier was truly following me.

I noticed that he was wearing a face cap and I couldn't understand why but I ignored it.

Sebastian Wolfe surprised me by taking one of the groceries bags from me and we started walking.

I was grateful but somehow still scared.

I was looking behind me, trying to be sure that we were not being followed.

He walked beside me the entire time, quietly and looking like he was lost in thought.

And I didn't disturb the silence.

“Will you tell me why you keep looking behind?”

“I am trying to be sure you don't have plans on killing me” I joked.

“Out here in the open? I am not so silly Alina.”

“I need your help.”