Chapter 9 Confusion And Confrontation

**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?*

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### **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.

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### **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."

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