Chapter 4

He found me

Jessica's POV

It was a chilly morning when I stirred from sleep,my arms wrapped around Rolda who had spent the night in my room.

There was a comforting warmth in having someone by my side.

A sudden knock on the door jolted me awake, and I muttered in irritation. "What the hell...." My eyes scanned the room as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, feet meeting the cold floor.

I could have woken Rolda, but seeing how peaceful she was sleeping, I just didn't have the heart to disturb her.

With heavy steps, I walked to the front door, dragged it open, and froze. My heart instantly hammered violently against my chest. Adrenaline surged through me. My legs trembled, and my breaths came in quick, shallow bursts.

Standing commanding before me was the biggest nightmare of my life. The man I had vowed I never want to see again stood confidently as though he owns the place.

"Jessy," He called softly. His voice ignited a storm inside me. A confusing mix of anger,fear, and the bitter sting of old wounds. My stomach twisted painfully.

"It's really you," He said, relief etched on his face and his hand reached toward mind.

I couldn't hold it any longer,my mind screaming in disbelief. 

"What's the meaning of this?" I snapped, slapping his hand away as though I was shoving off the agony that still terrorize me at night.

"What are you doing here, Jake? How did you find me?" My voice was sharp,cold and filled with confidence I didn't entirely feel.

Years of agony,whispered promises and broken dreams flashed through my mind.  The times I had begged for his love,suffered in silence and clawed my way to freedom clung to me like a movie I couldn't avoid.

There was no way I would allow him to reopen the wounds I had worked so hard to bury.

"I'm so sorry, Jessica. I've been searching for you..... I can't believe you're here," Jake mentioned, his eyes glowing with satisfaction and relief I couldn't comprehend.

He was dressed in a black leather jacket, black pants, and black boots. His blue eyes reminded me of every lie he had ever told.

His broad shoulders and chiseled jawline were a cruel echo of the dreams I had once clung to.

I rolled my eyes in frustration, forcing myself to focus on his face,not the temptation of his perfect body.

"Get the hell out of here, Jake, " I muttered firmly,my eyes laced to his with determination.

"I don't care how you found me. Leave. Now," I commanded,my eyes filled with fury.

"I know you're mad, and you have every reason to be. But please... hear me out. I'm sorry," He pleaded with sincerity I couldn't believe.

I had looked into that same sincere gaze for years, only to be deceived.  There was no way I would forgive him or let him see the effect he still had on me.

"You don't get to speak to me, Jake. You don't get to demand I listen and you have absolutely no right, not after everything you've done or the terror and pain you caused me," I spat, my anger arising with every word.

I clenched my hands at my sides, trying to contain the fury that threatened to boil over.

He had lost his chance years ago, and I would not give him the satisfaction of hearing him out.

"You're evil, Jake. I curse the day I met you, and the day I said yes to you. You're the biggest mistake of my existence," I muttered my voice tight with pain and hatred.

"I know. No explanation can atone for the pain I caused. I have nothing but words.... but please, Jessy. Let me speak. Let me tell you I'm sorry," He murmured, voice trembling with emotion.

I refused to let him see my heart. I refused to give him any clue that he still had power over me. I exhaled sharply and masked my emotions behind a calm facade.

"Jessy, please.... I want to make this right," Jake insisted, his stubborn tone a reminder of the man I once knew.

"Just go, Jake. She clearly doesn't want to hear a word from you," Rolda said,stepping forward like a shield. Her tone left no room for argument.

I breathed a quiet sigh of relief, realizing I had been holding my breath.

"If you don't go, I will be force to call the cops and you couldn't like what that would do to your reputation," Rolda added with determination.

Jake's eyes lingered on me, conflicted and searching, before he responded with a small, almost cruel smile. "I'll be back, Jessy. I promise."

Without another word, he turned and walked toward his car.

I closed the door, my hands trembling as I leaned against it.

My heart still raced and my thoughts spinning.

My nightmare was back and deep down I knew this time, he wouldn't just leave it at a warning.

Somewhere in the distance, the faint roar of an engine echoed, a reminder that Jake had always been relentless.

My mind raced with questions I wasn't ready to answer. 

How did he find me?

What does he want this time? 

And most importantly could I finally protect myself from the storm that was coming?