**Val's P.O.V**
I woke up to the gentle touch of a hand brushing against my cheek.
"Morning, Val," Jax murmured, his voice low and rough from sleep. He smiled softly, his eyes lingering on mine.
"Morning," I replied, forcing a smile even as my heart pounded wildly in my chest.
He reached over, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering for a moment too long. His gaze softened, and for a second, I thought I saw something deeper in his eyes—something that made my stomach flutter. But then reality hit me like a slap.
*This shouldn't feel so right.*
I reached for his hand, causing him to freeze and lock eyes with me.
"This is getting…confusing," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "And you have a girlfriend who hates me."
"Right. Sorry, I didn't mean to," he said, sighing and clenching his jaw. He sat up, his back to me, and ran a hand through his messy hair. "I'll head out now. See you later."
He stood and walked toward the window.
"Wait," I called out, and he turned, raising an eyebrow.
*What do you even want from me?* I wanted to ask, but the words stuck in my throat.
"Never mind. See you later, I guess," I said, shrugging.
He smirked and opened the window.
"Jax, that's not the door. That's a window," I said, raising an eyebrow.
"I know," he said, grinning before climbing out and hopping over the fence to his house.
I rushed to the window, my heart racing as I watched him disappear. I pressed a hand to my chest, trying to calm the storm inside me.
*Whatever you're doing to me, Jaxon Steele, please stop.*
*Or…maybe don't?*
---
### **Brotherly Concern**
"Hey, baby sis," Reynolds said as I walked into the kitchen.
"I'm not a baby," I shot back, rolling my eyes.
"You'll always be a baby to me," he said, winking.
"Sure," I said sarcastically, grabbing a glass of smoothie from the fridge.
"What happened to your wrist?" he asked, his tone suddenly serious.
"Huh? Oh, that? I was dancing in my room and fell. Must've cut it on something," I said, forcing a laugh.
"Did you…do that to yourself?" he asked, his voice cautious.
"No. Maybe. Kind of. Yes…" I admitted, avoiding his gaze.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Did something happen?"
"Just the nightmares again," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Him?" Reynolds asked, his tone softening.
"Yeah," I muttered.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Peachy," I said sarcastically.
"Val, I can't go through this again," he started, but I cut him off.
"You're going to kill him, yeah, I get it. I'm just going out for some air," I said, grabbing my phone.
"Fine. Call me if anything happens," he said, his tone firm.
"Yeah, yeah, bye," I said, heading out the door.
---
### **The Park**
I walked to the park, the streets quiet and empty. It felt good to be alone, even if it was a little unsettling.
I sat on a swing, trying to clear my mind, but the weight of everything pressed down on me. Then I felt it—that eerie sensation of being watched. My skin prickled, and I looked up to see a face I never wanted to see again.
*Ronan.*
My heart stopped. The man who haunted my nightmares, the man who almost destroyed me, was standing right there.
I jumped off the swing, backing away as I scanned the park for anyone who could help.
"Val?" he said, his voice soft, almost gentle. "Hey, I won't hurt you. I'd never hurt you. I still love you, remember?"
I stayed silent, my eyes locked on him. He was a master manipulator, a sociopath who knew how to twist emotions to his advantage.
"Leave before I call the cops," I said, trying to sound strong, but my voice shook.
"Why would you do that? Look, Val—"
"Don't say my name," I snapped, glaring at him. Inside, I was terrified. This man was capable of anything.
"I'm sorry," he said, his tone apologetic. "I'm trying to get better. Please come back to me. I still love you. I can't live without you."
I stared at him, my eyes filled with hatred but also a flicker of pity.
"You killed my father," I whispered, my voice breaking.
"No, *you* killed him!" he yelled, his composure slipping before he laughed bitterly. "You're sick! You deserve to rot in hell!"
"How are you here?" I asked, my voice cold.
"They let me out on good behavior," he said, smiling.
I clenched my fists, anger boiling inside me. How could they let a monster like him walk free?
"How did you know I was here?" I demanded.
"I missed you, Val," he said, stepping closer as I backed away.
"Answer the question," I said, my voice trembling.
He grinned, his expression almost psychotic. "I have my ways."
"Stay away from me," I said, my fear evident.
He stepped closer, tilting his head. "Oops."
"Come back to me, please. It'll be like nothing ever happened. I promise. Everything will go back to the way it was," he said, his voice dripping with manipulation.
"What makes you think I want that?" I asked, my voice wavering.
"What do you mean? Of course you want it all back," he said, his tone condescending. "It's easier that way. I make you happy."
"You don't make me happy. You control me," I snapped.
"Leave me alone, or I'll get a restraining order," I threatened.
"You wouldn't do that," he said, his voice darkening.
"Yes, I would," I said, standing my ground.
"No!" he yelled, grabbing my wrist and pulling me toward him.
"Let me go!" I screamed, trying to pull away, but his grip was like iron.
"Come with me, Val. I'll make it right, I promise!" he said, his voice desperate.
"She said to let her go, you son of a bitch."
---