Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 355

When Ronan noticed my spirits flagging, he comforted me, "You can rest up here for a few days. We need to give them some breathing room over at Goldenvale. Once Jaylan and I have wrapped things up here, we'll turn up the heat on Goldenvale. Jaylan won't know what hit him and he'll be forced to make a choice. During this time, you'll be safer in Silverdale."

I was impressed by their meticulous planning.

"I've got a hunch that Jesper is more than he seems," I said to Ronan. "He seems to know a lot more than he lets on, like he knows exactly why Jaylan came to Silverdale."

"Caleb's got him under control," Logan interjected casually. "Right now, the priority is your safety, Allie. As long as you're fine, we can go all out."

"I'm not the one who's scared," I teased, looking at Logan. "It's not like I'm tying your hands!"

"You're quite the little tiger, aren't you?" Logan complimented me with a chuckle.

Everyone laughed, and I felt my cheeks warm up with a blush. Glancing at Ronan, I saw his smile was even brighter.

After hanging out with Hannah for a bit longer, Ronan urged us to head back. I knew he wanted to avoid drawing Jaylan's attention prematurely.

Before we left, I turned to Larkin with a smile and said, "It seems you'll have your hands full from now on, Larkin."

"Ms. Wilburn, you're too kind. It's my duty," he responded with succinct formality, never one to waste words.

Hannah gave Larkin a sneaky wave and whispered, "Catch you later!" as we walked away.

In the car, I glanced at Hannah and teased, "So, love isn't sweet? Because I'm pretty sure I can smell honey in the air."

"Aaliyah, don't jump to conclusions. We're just teammates," Hannah said, trying to cover up.

"I'm not jumping to anything," I feigned innocence, "I didn't mention you, so what are you explaining for?"

"Sounds like he had quite the stint in Northern Myanmar," I noted.

Hannah continued, inadvertently revealing more than she intended. Her enthusiasm was unmistakable, and I couldn't help but smile at her obvious affection, though she seemed to be in denial about it.

As we approached Oldtown Avenue, the setting sun cast a warm glow on the red lanterns that adorned the street, enhancing its quaint and mysterious charm. We walked and talked, and I introduced Hannah to every bit of the neighborhood's unique scenery.

Eventually, I suggested a shortcut back. "It could come in handy in an emergency," I explained.

Hannah agreed eagerly. "I'm good with directions. Show me once, and I'll remember it forever."

I led the way, and we continued our journey in silence, the narrow path allowing for little else.

Just as we were nearing home, I turned to let Hannah know we were close when suddenly a strange, unsettling voice cut through the night...