Page 11 of A Love Bite

I rub her arm. “Let’s get you home and safe.”

Opal nods, leaning on me for support as we help her out of the gazebo. My mind races with questions and fears, but for now, I’m just grateful that we found her and that she’s unharmed.

As we make our way back through the park, I can’t help but feel a sense of foreboding. This isn’t over. Whoever took Opal is still out there. I glance at Jake, who looks just as concerned as I feel.

Once we near the edge of the park, Opal hesitates, glancing around nervously.

“I don’t think I want to go back to my place just yet,” she admits, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t want to be alone.”

I squeeze her hand reassuringly, my heart aching for her. “You don’t have to be alone, Opal. We can stay with you.”

Jake has been quiet for the most part, but he clears his throat. “How about we go to Luna’s Moon to celebrate? First round’s on me.”

Opal’s eyes light up a bit at the mention of a drink, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. “I could definitely use a drink right now,” she says, her voice a bit steadier.

I nod in agreement, grateful for Jake’s suggestion. “That sounds like a great idea. Let’s go.”

We head to Luna’s Moon, the lively atmosphere of the bar a welcome change from the tension of the past few hours. I know that when I walked in the other night—had it been last night? Time is getting away from me—everyone looked at me. I take it that generally speaking, only regulars come here, but when the others see us with Jake, they accept us as one of them, and I feel so relieved. This is a place where we can relax and regroup.

Jake leads us to a booth in the corner, offering some privacy while still being part of the bustling bar. “Take a seat, ladies,” he says, smiling. “I’ll get us some drinks. What’ll it be?”

Opal and I share a look before she speaks up. “I’ll have a gin and tonic.”

“I’ll take the same,” I add, grateful for the distraction.

Jake nods and heads to the bar, leaving us to settle into the booth. I turn to Opal, giving her hand another reassuring squeeze. “How are you feeling?”

She takes a deep breath, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. “Better, now that I’m not alone, but I’m still scared, Alex. What if they come after me again?”

“We won’t let that happen,” I promise, my voice firm. “We’ll figure out who did this and why. And we’ll make sure you’re safe.”

Jake returns with our drinks, setting them down on the table with a warm smile. “Here you go. To finding Opal and to friends,” he says, raising his own glass.

“To friends,” Opal and I echo, clinking our glasses together.

As we sip our drinks, the tension slowly begins to melt away. The familiar hum of conversation and laughter around us creates a comforting backdrop. For the first time in hours, I feel a sense of normalcy returning.

We spend the next hour talking, laughing, and trying to forget the fear and uncertainty of the day. Jake’s presence is a steadying force, his calm demeanor and easy smile putting us both at ease.

But beneath the surface, I can’t shake the feeling that this is just the beginning. Whoever targeted Opal is still out there, and we need to find out why. As the night wears on, I make a silent vow to uncover the truth and protect my friend.

For now, though, we focus on the present moment, finding solace in each other’s company. And as I glance at Jake, I can’t help but feel happy. I barely know him, but he was willing to put everything aside to help me. He’s one of the good ones.

Maybe, just maybe, this strange turn of events is leading us toward something good.

11

Jake

The bar is startingto get crowded, the usual crowd of regulars filling the space with lively chatter and laughter. The booth is becoming too isolated amidst the growing crowd.

“Let’s move to the bar,” I say, nodding toward the stools. “I figure we can still talk there without feeling so hemmed in. Plus, it’ll be easier to get refills, and we won’t be so crowded.”

“Sounds good,” Alex says easily, and Opal nods.

We make our way over. As we approach, I notice that Lila is bartending tonight. She’s a good friend and a damn good bartender, but with the place this packed, she looks like she could use a hand.

“Lila,” I call out, catching her attention. She gives me a relieved smile, clearly struggling to keep up with the rush. “Need some help?”