Kapitel 65: Chapter 26 - Gabriella (2)

"Who are you?" I ask in almost a whisper.

He doesn't answer. Instead, he takes the last steps to the landing. I grip the bottle tightly in my hand, intending to…what, exactly? Throw the plastic at his head?

Every step he takes toward me, I step backward until my back hits the wall. I swallow.

"Don't come any closer. I'll scream," I say as a warning. I should've done so already. Instead, I find myself drawing in the danger that's right in front of me. It's as if I crave it. I must be out of my mind.

I gasp when he stops before me, leaving only a foot between us. He holds my stare in his eyes. I'm captured. Immobile. I can't stop looking at them.

I hear my heartbeat in my ears. It's so loud that I think I'll go deaf. The fast thumping in my chest has me parting my lips. I need air, and there's too little space between us for that.