LEAVING

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Chapter Twenty-Three

Seline woke up to the soft glow of daylight creeping through the curtains, the unfamiliar bed beneath her feeling foreign and unwelcoming. She sat up slowly, rubbing her tired eyes, and glanced around the dimly lit room. How long had she been asleep? The events of the previous night came rushing back—Jason, Lucas, the phone call with Aaliyah. Her heart clenched at the memory.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed aside the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed. The muffled sound of voices filtered in from the hallway, drawing her attention. Jason and Lucas. Their conversation was tense, words exchanged in clipped, low tones.

Seline hesitated, her fingers curling into the fabric of her clothes. Whatever they were arguing about, it didn't sound good. She stood, inhaling deeply to steady herself, and stepped toward the door.

As she entered the hallway, their voices became clearer.

"I'm telling you, this is a bad idea," Lucas said, frustration lacing his tone. "You can't just drag her around like some prisoner, Jason. She deserves answers."

Jason's reply was sharp, controlled. "She'll get what she needs. When the time is right."

Seline swallowed, gathering her courage, and cleared her throat lightly. "Good morning."

Both men turned to face her. Jason's piercing gaze swept over her, his expression unreadable. For a fleeting moment, she thought she saw something soften in his eyes, but it vanished just as quickly. Lucas, on the other hand, greeted her with a grin, his stance relaxing.

"Hey, morning," he said, stepping forward. "Feeling any better?"

Seline forced a small smile, shifting awkwardly. "Yeah... um, about yesterday." She bit her lip. "I'm sorry for... hitting you."

Lucas chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "It's fine. Honestly, I probably deserved it." He offered his hand, and after a moment's hesitation, she shook it. His grip was warm and reassuring, easing some of her tension.

Before she could say more, Jason's voice cut through the moment, firm and unwavering. "We're leaving."

Seline blinked, looking between them. "Leaving? Where?"

Jason ignored the question, his tone brooking no argument. "Lucas, you're going home. Seline and I have somewhere else to be."

Lucas frowned, his brow furrowing. "Jason, are you sure—"

"I don't need your opinion, Lucas," Jason said flatly.

Seline crossed her arms, her irritation bubbling to the surface. "I'm not going anywhere dressed like this," she said firmly. "And I need a shower."

Jason's jaw tightened, and for a moment, it seemed like he would argue. Instead, he simply said, "I'll take care of it."

Before Seline could protest further, Jason reached into his pocket and pulled out a strip of black fabric. Her stomach dropped.

"No," she said quickly, backing away. "Absolutely not."

His eyes darkened, and he stepped forward with calm precision. "I'm not negotiating with you, Seline."

She shook her head, feeling a surge of panic. "Jason, please—"

Ignoring her, he caught her wrist and smoothly tied the blindfold around her eyes. The sudden darkness made her breath hitch, and she struggled instinctively, but his grip was firm.

"Let go of me," she hissed, trying to pull away.

Jason leaned in, his voice low near her ear. "Trust me, you don't want to see where we're going."

Lucas sighed from behind them. "You really have a way with people, you know that?"

Jason didn't respond.

As he pulled Seline forward, she stumbled slightly, anger flaring inside her. "This is ridiculous," she muttered.

Jason ignored her protests and reached into his pocket, only to pause. His fingers searched, then stiffened. "Where's my phone?" His voice was tight with suspicion.

Seline felt a lump form in her throat. "I... I took it." Her voice was soft, guilty. "but, ....It fell and... broke."

Jason's grip on her wrist tightened slightly, but he said nothing.

Lucas groaned. "Great. Use mine." He patted his pockets and then frowned. "Wait... where's my phone?"

Seline stiffened, guilt and apprehension gnawing at her. "Jason broke it," she admitted quickly.

Jason's silence stretched, the air thick with tension. Then, after a long pause, he exhaled sharply, muttering something under his breath.

"We're leaving. Now." His voice was colder this time.

Seline dug her heels into the ground. "I told you, I need clothes and a shower. I'm not going anywhere like this!"

Jason's grip remained steady, his patience clearly wearing thin. "I said I'll take care of it."

Seline's heart pounded in frustration. "Blindfolded?" she snapped.

He didn't answer. Instead, he tugged her forward, forcing her to follow. Her mind raced, weighing her options. Escape wasn't possible—not now—but she had to find a way to regain control of the situation.

Lucas watched them leave, rubbing his temples. "I hope you know what you're doing, man."

Jason didn't reply.

Seline gritted her teeth as Jason led her further away, her mind already working on the next step. If she couldn't fight him head-on, she would have to outthink him.

And she wasn't planning on losing this battle.