Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 78

"It's a long story. Let's just get in," Willa said, opening the passenger door and sliding into the low seat.

"Buckle up." Sophie slid into the driver's side. "Your girl is about to show you what Fast & Furious actually looks like."

She slammed her foot on the gas, and the sports car roared to life, shooting into traffic.

Willa was thrown back into the leather seat, scrambling to pull the seatbelt over her chest.

"Slow down!"

"Slow down for what?" Sophie scoffed. "Let's see if this creep can keep up with my driving."

Willa didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Sophie kept her eyes locked on the rearview mirror while dodging traffic. "Did you get a good look at the guy following you?"

"Not really," Willa admitted. "Baseball cap, black jacket, probably around five-nine."

"That's it?"

"That's it."

Sophie frowned. "How are you so sure he's stalking you?"

"Woman's intuition."

"Yeah... the cops definitely won't care about that." Sophie went quiet for a few seconds before abruptly jerking the steering wheel, throwing the car into a narrow side street.

"What are you doing?" Willa gasped, clutching the door handle.

"Taking a scenic route," Sophie said coolly. "Let's see if anyone takes the bait."

She whipped the Porsche through a maze of back alleys before killing the engine in a secluded, shadowy corner.

They sat in silence, both staring intently at the rearview mirror.

Minutes ticked by. Nothing but empty pavement.

Sophie grinned triumphantly. "Looks like I lost him. I drive way too fast for amateurs."

But the knot in Willa's stomach only tightened.

"Alright, let's go." Sophie started the car again. "Dinner first. We'll plot while we eat."

Sophie pulled into a high-end private restaurant and requested a VIP room.

Once they ordered, she tossed the menu aside and leaned forward, her expression turning serious. "Alright, talk. What's been going on?"

Willa recounted every detail of the past few days.

When she finished, Sophie's brow was furrowed so deeply it looked permanent.

Sophie smiled slyly. "But you have Randal."

Willa's hand froze holding her fork. She immediately shook her head. "I don't want to rely on him."

"Why not?"

"Because..." Willa struggled to find the words.

Because she and Randal had crossed a line they could never walk back from.

Because every time she let him close, it became impossible to pull away.

Because she was utterly terrified that if she let him catch her, she would shatter all over again.

Sophie looked at her friend and let out a long sigh. "You are so incredibly stubborn, Willa. It's going to get you hurt one day."

Willa managed a faint smile. "Maybe it's just a random creep. Either way, I need to drag him into the light before I worry about anything else."

"Say the word. What do you need me to do?"

Willa leaned in and laid out her plan.

"Damn, Wills, you've got guts." Sophie slapped the table, her eyes gleaming. "I'm in! Let's get this bastard."