Chapter Twenty-Eight

7.3K 154 62
                                    

Taylor's POV

I change into my gym clothes, deciding to work out at the gym since I couldn't sleep. It was ten at night and as far as I'm concerned, everyone in the house is sleeping.

It probably wasn't the best idea to leave the house, especially at night time since the last attack but I'll be sure to be careful. I just need a quick workout and I'll be back here in no time.

I look in the mirror as I tie my hair in a messy bun and grab my gym bag, heading out my bedroom door quietly.

As I get closer and closer downstairs I hear shuffling and footsteps, catching my attention almost immediately.

I thought everyone was asleep.

Once I reach the bottom of the stairs I look around, seeing Nicolas making a sandwich in the kitchen.

"Hey Thomas," Nicolas says, his forehead creased in confusion. "What are you doing up? And dressed?"

"I was just thinking about going to the gym to work out. I haven't been in months," I explain, hitching my gym bag higher on my shoulder.

"Taylor—" He starts, but I interrupt him.

"I'll be careful Romano, I promise," I say, smiling as I head to the front door.

"Taylor, just...wait," he walks off into a room, confusing me even more.

He soon walks out holding pepper spray, offering it to me.

"Nicolas, I won't need that," I say, pushing his hand away.

"Taylor just take it. So I know you'll be safe," he say, concern in his eyes. "For me? Please?"

"Ok," I say softly, biting my lip nervously. "But I assure you, I won't need it," Right at that moment an unsettling feeling settled in my stomach, making me anxious.

"Alright Taylor. Be safe," he opens up his arms, waiting for me to hug him. I walk towards him, inhaling a deep breath when he embraces me into a tight hug.

I hug him back equally as tight, sighing and closing my eyes. "See you later."

He pulls away looking me straight in the eye, waiting for my response. "Later."

I leave soon after, driving to the closest gym I could find on my GPS.

About an hour later I was still working out in the gym, running on the treadmill.

A lot of things were running through my mind and running on the treadmill helped me sort most of them out.

I was pretty stressed out over the last few months and this is really helping me think about what I've been distracted by for the longest time.

I speed up the treadmill and continue running, my steady running echoing through the empty gym.

My thoughts are cut short and I almost fall face flat on the treadmill as the lights suddenly turn off. I look around the dark gym, confused.

The ArrangementWhere stories live. Discover now