Moving in

(5 days later)

I sigh deeply and wipe the small beads of sweat that have formed on my brows with the back of my hand. I re-scan the room and consider calling Scarlet to assist me with moving all of the furniture and boxes. But, on the other hand, I don't want to bother her; she was with me almost all day yesterday.

Where the hell is Tyler? He said he'd be there in an hour. He's always late! Ugh, I really need to stop eating like a pig and start exercising. All of this weightlifting work is wearing me down and making me sore in all the places.

'Find a job first, idiot,' my inner voice yelled. Right, I forgot I had to look for work as well. Purchasing all of the necessary furniture and household items resulted in me going bankrupt. Yaay, fun life!

It's my first day in my new apartment, and I still have a lot of work to do. For the time being, I can only live here with the necessities, but I'll have to start working somewhere soon so that I can provide for myself as well. When I heard two knocks on the door, I got up from my temporary seat on the floor. When I walk into my disorganized living room, I see two men pushing a large box of something into the apartment through the main door that I had left open for Tyler.

"Are you Ms. Kingston?" When one of the guys asked, I nodded my head yes. The name 'Ace Hardware' was emblazoned on the red t-shirt they were wearing.

"We've come to deliver some home appliances; could you please tell us where we should put them?" My brow furrowed in perplexity. I haven't placed any orders. "Sorry, the address you got may be incorrect because I haven't ordered anything from your store," I explain.

"Oh dear, this is the address." When I heard a familiar voice outside the door, my eyes widened. When Grecia asked the men to put the new refrigerator in the kitchen, I stood there helpless.

"Hello sweetie," she said as she entered the apartment and drew me into a hug, ignorant of the fact that I was sweating like a pig. I watched Logan enter the apartment as well, scanning the room before his gaze fell on me. Logan smirked at me, and I glared back. I specifically instructed him not to enter or bring Grecia here until I said so. I considered inviting them after the entire space had been set up and organized. Ignorant fool

"Grecia, you didn't have-" I began to speak but was cut off when those men reappeared from the kitchen. They nodded and quickly left the area. Grecia looked around the kitchen, scanning the cupboards and the old refrigerator that I now have to dismantle.

"Will this suffice for you, Sweetie?" She inquired, pointing to the pack of minimal groceries I had stacked inside.

"For now, I guess yeah," I replied awkwardly. She appears intimidating as if scolding a child.

"How about after that?" My gaze was drawn to Logan, who was expressionless. I clenched my teeth. He's deliberately trying to put me in a bind here.

"There is always the option of takeout." I tightened my smile at him, but both of them maintained their neutral expressions.

" Excuse me, ma'am." The guys who had gone out earlier returned with another set of medium-sized boxes. There's more?

"Please move it over there?" Grecia directed them. At this point, I had no idea what was going on. When they unwrapped the boxes to reveal a microwave oven and a set of blenders and mixers, I stood there dumbfounded. How did she know I didn't have these things? After the guys had finished arranging the items, I watched Grecia unpack everything from its polythene covers and place it wherever she needed it with the assistance of Logan. Unknowingly, my eyes welled up as I realized how much they care about me.

I knew moving out would be difficult, but I resolved not to give up no matter what obstacles arose. It took a lot of mental strength for me to leave Watson's house, but now that I see Grecia, I know I'll miss her. She has somehow relieved a part of me that longs for my mother every day. Being with her gave me a sense of security and warmth that I had previously only felt from my mother.

After my parents died, I always convinced myself that there would be no one in this vast world who would care about me. But now I can retract my statement. Grecia is always available for that. When I couldn't control my emotions, I looked down and bit my lower lip.

Grecia called out, "Sweety," but I remained in my position, staring at the floor. I felt her soft hands caress the side of my face when I didn't respond. When she noticed my unshed tears, she lifted my face, and I saw how worried her face became. "Thank you f-for being here, and for e-everything," I mumbled. She wrapped her arms around me in an instant, and I felt a wave of warmth wash over me. In my heart, a warmth is spreading.

"Please, sweetheart, do not thank me. "You're like my daughter, so this is my obligation," she says. "I'm not going to lie, I was disappointed when you announced your intention to leave. But I had to respect your decision as well. This is your life, Karolia, and I don't want to hold you back just because I want you to be with me. Okay, I'm always a phone call away if you need me." Grecia said as she stroked my hair. I nodded, trying to keep my tears at bay. Logan, with his arms crossed against his solid chest, was staring at us intently from my peripheral vision.

I sighed as I drew away from her embrace, and I soon missed her warmth. I smiled at her graciously as she gave me a hearty smile after ruffling my hair a bit.

Despite the fact that there wasn't much to show, I gave them a thorough tour of the apartment. Logan remained silent the entire time, simply following us around like a lost puppy. He appeared to have a lot going on in his head. Maybe he's thinking about his office work, yes, that's what he's thinking.

I finally turned to look at Logan after Grecia left because she had a program scheduled. He says he wants to stay because he wants to talk about something with me, and he arranges for Thomas, his driver, to take Grecia.

"Don't you think the place is too small?" he asked after Grecia had left. No way, not again.

"I'll be living on my own, Log. I don't require a large apartment." I stated. It was a small apartment, to be sure. But it appeared to be home, and it seemed to be comfortable as well. The apartment was dominated by the colors lavender, pink, and white.

"But…." He spoke up, but I quickly cut him off.

"Enough with the questions. Come with me, and I'll show you the best parts of this place." I grabbed his hands in mine and dragged him to the balcony. Grecia didn't want to go out on the balcony because it was a little chilly outside. As a result, I was unable to show her this lovely location. As soon as I opened the balcony door, the evening wind blew against my exposed skin, causing goosebumps all over my body.

"Look, I can see the city from here," I exclaimed, excitedly jumping up and down. I turned to the right to look at him, but he was already staring at me, a small smile on his lips.

"What?" I inquired, amused. He smiled as he shook his head and looked away.

"What's the deal with your smile?" My brow furrowed as I inquired.

"Can't I just smile?" Looking at me, he inquired.

"You certainly can. But you were smiling and staring at me. And that is....creepy." I stated. He threw back his head and laughed loudly. When he laughs, he looks so young and attractive. I'm tempted to kiss him right now. What are you talking about? Did I just say that? Should I kiss him? Oh my God, I'm completely insane.

After a while, his laughter fades and he grins at me. He then took a step forward, and I took a step back. Soon, his steel form had me pinned against a wall. He wrapped his arms around my waist and yanked me in closer. I let out a loud gasp and placed my hands on his chest.

"W-What are you doing, Logan?" I couldn't stop myself from stammering. For a split second, I thought he was going to kiss me, and my eyes fluttered shut.

"Are you certain about this?" He asked abruptly, causing me to open my eyes and look up at him. I have to crane my neck up every time I have to look into his eyes because he is so tall.

"What are you talking about?" I inquired of him. He let go of me and took a step back, creating a space between us that I didn't like.

"This whole moving out thing. I'm sorry for inflicting such pain on you, Lia. And I can assure you that it will not happen again. Why are you obligated to do this?" He inquired. Before he masked his pain, I caught a glimpse of it in his eyes.

"Logan, we already discussed this. I'm leaving not because I don't want to see you because you've hurt me. True, what you said struck a deep chord within me, but it has nothing to do with this. I can't stay in your house like a leech forever, Log. That isn't right." Logan shook his head in response to my statement.

"You are not a leech, Lia. And neither my mother nor I have ever thought of you in that way. Mom always treated you as if you were her own, and I guess those days you were with us were the best I saw her. But I know that no matter what I say, you will not change your mind. You've already made up your mind, and I respect you enough not to force you to go against your will." I looked at him with adoration. Grecia and Logan have become an important part of my life, and I am grateful that they understand me and my point of view.

My throat became clogged as my emotions rose. I went inside quietly to drink a glass of water to quench my dry throat, and when I returned, Logan was staring out the window, his back to me. I approached him from behind, wrapping my hands tightly around him and resting my head on his back. Logan paused for a moment before releasing my grip and turning around to take me in his arms. We remained in that position as his fingers played with my hair and I listened to his heartbeat. I then lifted my head to look at his handsome face.

"Thank you, and I truly mean it," I said. His gaze softened. His rough hands cupped my face, and a delicious shudder warmed my entire body. The way he looked at me made my legs wobble as they always did, and the desire to kiss him grew stronger as the seconds passed. My gaze was drawn to his lips, then to his eyes. When I noticed him staring at my lips with a romantic expression, my breath caught in my throat and adrenaline rushed through my veins. I closed my eyes as he leaned forward slowly, waiting for his lips to meet mine.

"Karolia, where have you gone?" I jumped at the sound of Logan's voice and pushed away as quickly as I could. He stumbled as a result of his surprise.

"Karolia," When Tyler's voice came from the living room, I put my hand on my chest, attempting to calm my racing heart.

"I'm coming," I yelled, looking at Logan, who was frowning at me, and I gave him an apologetic look.

"Who is it?" he inquired.

"Tyler," I said to him. I saw Logan's face contort into a scowl just like that. I'm not sure why he despises Tyler so much. I made a mental note to speak with Logan about it before entering the living room and noticing Tyler holding a beautiful woodchip basket filled with pink and peach roses and other varieties of flowers.

"Welcome to your new apartment, and please accept this as my apology for being late," he bowed in courtesy, making me laugh at how adorable he was. I took the basket from him and gave him a playful look.

"I appreciate the flowers, but you are still not forgiven. Do you know how long it took me to rearrange all of the furniture? You said you'd be here to help me, but you betrayed me." I said this while putting on a hurt expression.

"In my defense, I was just checking on some new jobs for you, and I suppose I could get you one at my uncle's restaurant. I spoke with him on my way here, and he stated that he is willing to offer a part-time position. However, you may need to meet with him to discuss some matters." He deliberated. As soon as I heard the good news, my mood improved tenfold. In pure joy, I jumped on him and hugged him.

"Thank you... thank you... thank you... You have no idea how important this is. You are doing a lot for me, and please know that I will be eternally grateful." In appreciation, I drew back and kissed his cheek. Tyler chuckled.

"You don't have to thank me for this, I-Uh-oh," he paused before taking a step back. I looked at him, puzzled, and noticed he was staring at something behind me. I turned around to see Logan standing a few feet away from us, his face solemn. He had his fist clenched and was staring at Tyler.

"Mr. Watson! What a pleasure to see you again," Tyler said, but I could tell from the tone of his voice that it wasn't. However, I couldn't blame him. Logan was staring at him as if he wanted to rip off his head right now.

"Why are you giving flowers to my girl?" Logan snarled at him.

"His girl, huh?" Tyler spoke to me quietly from behind, so that only I could hear him, before clearing his throat loudly.

"I heard Karolia liked flowers, so I bought this for her." Logan narrowed his eyes as Tyler said, "I also learned that pink roses are her favorite."

"Seems like you know a lot about her," Logan hissed as he took a dangerous step towards him. Tyler said something to me as I was about to restrain him.

"Would you like me to make your boyfriend envious?" In an instant, my gaze is drawn to his.

"He is not my boyfriend," I retorted.

"Let me prove you wrong." He returned my whisper before wrapping his arms around me and pulling me close to him. My eyes widened as I realized what he was about to do.

"Well, I suppose I must. After all, she is my girlfriend." Tyler said this while kissing my temple. My eyes widened as I choked on my saliva.

Logan charged towards us in an instant, pushing me away from Tyler's grip and grabbing Tyler's collar, pulling him to the nearest wall. I shrieked, but I couldn't move an inch. My feet seemed to be glued to the ground.

"She is not fucking yours," he yelled. I gulped as his voice became dark and solemn. Karolia, intervene before he breaks Tyler's nose again!

"You better get that thought out of your head before I do it myself. And who do you think you are to make such a move on her? This is your final warning; stay away from her or face my wrath." Tyler smirked at Logan as he growled. Is he for real? He's smirking like crazy right now! He's toying with fire here.

"Take your hands from him." I turned around when I heard another familiar voice and saw Finn standing near the main door's threshold. He appears to be enraged. He charged at Logan, pushing him away from Tyler rudely.

Logan stumbled back, taken aback. He quickly regained his composure and took a dangerous step towards them.

"Are you all right, baby?" "Did he injure you?" Finn inquired, taking Tyler's face in his hands and inspecting it. Logan came to a halt in his tracks, his body stiffening.

"Don't worry, babe. I'm fine. Don't be concerned. I was just teasing him. Nothing major." Tyler said this while kissing Finn on the lips. He then smiled as he looked at Logan.

"Logan, this is Finn, my boyfriend. "We've been dating for two years," Tyler said, gazing lovingly at Finn. Aww…

"Hello, I know we haven't met yet, but I've heard a lot about you," Finn said awkwardly, extending his arm. I nudged Logan's side as he remained rooted in his place, a puzzled expression on his face as he looked between Taylor and Finn. He accepted the handshake after regaining his composure.

"Hello, Finn." I waved enthusiastically, attempting to alleviate the tension between us.

"Good day, Karrie. It's great to see you again." Finn smiled at me, and I returned his smile. Finn, I discovered, is shy and awkward when it comes to physical greetings and avoids them as much as possible.

"I'd like to apologize on Logan's behalf. He didn't mean to hurt Tyler." I apologized and smiled at both of them.

"Who said it wasn't intentionally done?" I meant every word I said. " I gaped at Logan. Is this guy for real? I'm attempting to resolve everything, and he's attempting to create new issues. And who the hell gave him the right to make me his? We're not even in a relationship!

"Slow down, bro. Karolia is simply my friend, and she will remain so for the rest of my life. In addition, as you can see, I am gay." He chuckled, but Logan didn't reciprocate, and his expression remained blank as usual. "However, I must admit that you are a nice piece," Tyler smirked as he winked at Logan.

"TYLER!!" Finn and I both yelled at him at the same time. Logan choked on air and was taken aback by Tyler's candor, redness creeping into his face.

Logan cleared his throat several times before speaking. "Please excuse us for a moment. "I need to talk to her," he said as he dragged my arm into the bedroom and shut the door.

"So he's a.... gay?" Logan asked, still perplexed, and I nodded yes.

"How come you didn't tell me earlier?"

"You never asked," I defended myself by raising my hands.

"I'm glad I don't have to worry about him now," Logan said calmly.

"Well, now I have to be concerned," I mumbled to myself, recalling Tyler's remarks about Logan. Just imagining... no, don't even consider it. He will not defraud Finn. I don't know why I'm still thinking about it!

"What? Logan asked, his brow furrowed.

"Of course not," I replied to his previous question. His tense expression softened into a smile. He looked at me intently, then raked his eyes over me boldly. When he moved closer and pushed me up against a wall, my heart jumped and my pulse pounded.

"Let's pick up where we left off," he said quietly, and I widened my eyes at the significance of his words.

"Logan, don't do it. They…" When he kissed me deeply and covered my mouth, my words were lost. One of his hands moved around my back before making its way up and gently, yet firmly, tangled his fingers in my hair. I savored his lips and kissed him passionately, our lips moving in unison. When I ran out of breath, we backed up. He pressed his brow against mine and closed his eyes, heavily breathing.

"Keep your apartment door open for me," Logan said, his eyes closed as if savoring the moment.

"You are always welcome to my apartment," I said quietly. Why would he ask at this point? I caught the amusement swirling in his eyes as he opened them.

"I'm delighted to hear that, love. But I hope you don't say this to other guys as well." I slapped his chest as he laughed loudly.

"I have to leave now," he said as he kissed my temple. "Also, some items are expected to arrive later today."

"Items? "Which items?" Perplexed, I inquired.

"I have ordered some things that I believe you will require." I unwrapped my arms from around his waist.

"You didn't have to do this, Log. You and Grecia have already done a great deal, and now this- it's too much." I expressed my displeasure. I feel guilty because, even after I leave their shelter, they continue to give me things, and I'm not sure if I deserve everything. Logan stood there once more, this time holding an unreadable expression. This guy's duality is out of the world. You could read him like an open book one second and then he's all closed off and cold the next.

"I- I can't keep taking everything you give me. It's not even fair. You can't kee-" Logan's words effectively cut me off in the middle of my rant. I knew he was trying to get me to stop thinking and just accept it, but I didn't want to give up. I tried to resist his advances, but I soon found myself giving in to him. As I felt myself becoming short of breath, I gently pushed him with my hands on his chest. He hugged me tightly and kissed my head after he drew back. All of my resolves vanished as I let myself lean on him.

"How am I going to repay you for all of this?" I muttered, and he snickered. I wanted to back away from the hug, but someone seemed adamant about not letting me go.

"You just have to keep your word, and we'll be fine," he said. I raised my eyes to catch his smug expression.

"What?"

"You must keep your word that I am always welcome at your home. Even at 12:00 midnight", I lost it when he whispered the last part. I hit him hard on his chest and started laughing when I caught his shocked expression. I certainly caught him off guard now.

***************

It was a cold night, the winter was bitter and cold. The wind brushed up against my arms, causing goosebumps. I rubbed my hands against my arms, attempting to warm up. I could have taken an Uber, but the apartment is only a few blocks away, and I decided it would be nice to walk in this weather. But, oh no, I was wrong. I came across the empty path Tyler had mentioned. It's a shortcut to the apartment, and it'll only take you ten minutes to get there from here. So I took that road and began walking through a quiet pathway that no one uses very often.

I had just finished my interview at the restaurant that Tyler had told me about; apparently, his uncle was only available after 8 p.m. I'm not sure if I should even call it an interview. The place appeared to be cool and organized, but Tyler's uncle is not. I had a brief conversation with one of the women working in his room before proceeding to his room. The woman told me she was hoping for someone to take her job so she could get out of hell. I thought she was exaggerating about the owner's strictness, but she was dead on.

I hate to say it, but Tyler's uncle is a jerk. The grandpa isn't even prepared to hear my arguments. He wants me to work there for more than nine hours a day, and his pay isn't even enough to cover my expenses for at least a week. Furthermore, he was unwilling to reduce my working hours due to my university schedule. I'm not looking for a full-time job, my friend. It's a miracle I got out of there without pouring cold water on his head to cool him down.

Anyway, I know that job isn't for me. I feel bad for Tyler because I know he worked hard to persuade his uncle to arrange this meeting for me, but I know working there would be like jumping into a bog. I shake my head as I consider how many more crazy interviews I'll have to go to in order to find a decent job that fits all of my timings and comfortability.

When I heard footsteps behind me, all of my thoughts flew out the window, and I realized I wasn't alone. My heart beats a million times per minute as I spin around. I notice a shadowy figure with a dark hood following me from behind. What if it's another kidnapper? Mafia? Worse, a rapist?

"Oh, shit," I exclaimed. I turn around and curse. I began to walk faster, and the footsteps behind me became increasingly louder, indicating that the person was very close to me. In a panic, I looked up and saw that the nearest open road is at least twenty or thirty feet away. I debate whether to flee or confront the person who is attempting to scare me. But I wish I could have chosen the first one.

"What is your name? "What are you looking for?" I asked bravely, coming to a halt and turning around.

"What a pleasant surprise to see you here, Miss Kingston," remarked a familiar voice. My heart stopped beating, and everything around me came to a halt. That sound.... reminded me of something I'd heard before. I'll never forget that voice.

"Now it's time to say goodbye to them," he said, and the world around me came to a halt.

"No, no, no, Why are you torturing us?" I screamed.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. The wish of my boss is my command." With that, he shot my mother in the head.

That man took a few more steps forward, revealing his darkened face. That deep voice and those green eyes. He was the one. The man standing in front of me was the same person who had murdered my parents. He's supposed to be locked up. Oh my goodness!

Karrie, take a deep breath!

"H-how did y-you find me?" I stammered and clutched my dress tightly, nervousness coursing through my veins.

"Oh, darling. You are in my place. I stay in New York. "He said this, and all the colors in my face faded.

"Isn't it incredible how fate works? I've been looking for you everywhere, and now you're right in front of me." As I took a step back, he chuckled darkly and took a dangerous step towards me. He's supposed to be in prison. How can he look for me?!

I looked around, hoping to find someone who could help me. Unfortunately, we are the only ones on the street. I should not have taken the easy way out.

"P-Please. Why do you want to k-kill me?" I inquired, tears streaming down my cheeks.

"My wife died because of you," he hissed, and I stiffened. When I heard that, the blood drained from my face.

"W-What? N-No. You're mistaken. I did not murder you-"

"Why did you run away from me? All of this would not have happened if it wasn't for your stupid idea to escape. He murdered my wife because you escaped. My children no longer have a mother. And it's all thanks to you. Tell me why I shouldn't kill you right now right here?" He shouted, making me flinch.

"P-Please n-no," I said as I turned around and ran as fast as I could, pushing my legs as far as they could go. But today was not my lucky day. His cold hand encircled my mouth and his strong arm snaked around my waist. My eyes widened, and I thrashed as wildly as I could, yelling for help in hushed tones. He dragged me into the building, pinning me against a wall and staring at me with murderous cold eyes.

"You piece of scum. "How dare you run away from me yet again!" he slapped me hard on the cheeks. I screamed and tightly closed my eyes, attempting to alleviate the pain.

"LOOK AT ME!" he screamed. I shook my head and kept my eyes closed, hoping he'd vanish as soon as I opened them. I'm hoping it's all a bad dream.

"LOOK AT ME," I said. With that, he slapped me on the cheeks once more. I whimpered and blinked my eyes open. My tear-filled eyes met his cold green eyes.

"P-P-Please," I pleaded. He squeezed the air out of me by tightly gripping my neck. This cannot be happening. I don't want to die a horrible death!

With that thought in mind, I slammed my knee into his crotch. To relieve his pain, he growled and immediately let go of his grip on me. I took advantage of the situation and moved away from him.

"STOP. "Don't you dare run again," he said as he tried to catch up to me, but I was faster. Instead, he grabbed my shirt from behind and ripped it off. I ran as far as my legs could carry me and didn't dare to turn back because I was afraid I'd lose it if I saw how close he was to me. Before I stopped running, I reached the main road and checked behind me to make sure he wasn't following me.

I took a few deep breaths and wiped away my tears. I looked around and realized I was on a street with few people around. I used my hands to cover my exposed back. He ripped my dress, and now I can't walk down the street. I came across an open space a few feet away from a restaurant, where there were fewer people. I hurriedly made my way into the shaded area near the outlet, where no one was present. I double-check the entire area before leaning against the dusty wall and pulling my phone from my pocket.

I didn't have to think twice about it because my fingers moved on their own to dial Logan's number. It was instinctual. Right now, only he can help me. Right now, only he can make me feel safe. I held my breath, trying to keep the tears from streaming down my cheeks so no one on the street would notice how sad I was.

"Hey, love, how are you?" He said cheerfully over the phone. Hearing his voice made me sob even more. I used my free hand to cover my mouth, preventing my constant whimpers from escaping.

"Lia? "Are you there?" he asked, his voice turning serious. I counted to ten, attempting to slow my heartbeat.

"I'm all right." I choked out my words. A loud horn sound was heard from the racing bikes passing through the streets in a flash, causing me to shriek loudly. I looked around for danger and breathed a sigh of relief when I realized there was no one around me. Everything was startling me right now because I was seconds away from breaking down in the middle of a freaking street. Lord, give me the strength to hold on. Only until I get to my apartment.

"Lia! What the hell is happening there? Where are you?" Logan practically screamed into the phone.

"L-Logan….help me…I need you." I sobbed because I couldn't stop myself. I need him. I need him to be by my side. I want him to hug me and tell me everything is fine. I want to feel his close embrace, which could put all of my broken pieces back together.

I sobbed loudly, my mind racing with only one thought.

The sheriff informed me that the person who murdered my parents had surrendered in court and was now in jail. He is that person. So, why the hell isn't he in jail?