Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3064

Occasionally, a tourist's vehicle would pass by on the winding mountain road. Further up, the warm glow from a few scattered B&Bs pierced through the darkness, bringing a sense of comfort and safety to the isolated terrain.

"What's that smell? It smells like apples!" Norah took a few steps forward and turned back with a bright smile. "There are apple trees over there!"

Xavier frowned. "Don't wander off. We need to get going."

"I'm just going to grab one!" Norah said, already hurrying toward the trees.

It was her first time seeing apples actually growing on a tree. Guided by the moonlight, she picked the biggest one she could find and reached out to grab a second one for Xavier.

The moment her fingers wrapped around the fruit, a harsh voice cut through the night. "Who's stealing my apples? Freeze right there!"

The beam of a flashlight cut wildly through the darkness, the heavy footsteps approaching fast. Norah froze in terror. She had assumed the trees were wild; she never imagined they belonged to someone.

She stood her ground, intending to explain the misunderstanding to the owner. But as the man's shouts grew louder, a massive dog broke away from him, charging toward her like a foul-smelling missile.

Every hair on Norah's body stood on end. She spun around and sprinted.

"Mr. Flemmings!"

"Woof! Woof woof!"

The black dog was almost waist-high and terrifyingly fast. Seeing her run only triggered its predatory instincts, making it lunge at her with even more ferocity.

Clutching the two apples to her chest, Norah ran toward Xavier with everything she had. Hearing the commotion, Xavier's expression shifted, and he sprinted toward her.

As soon as they met, Norah jumped, throwing her legs around his waist and locking her arms tightly around his neck, shaking uncontrollably.

The orchard dog lunged right behind her. Without missing a beat, Xavier swung his leg and kicked the hundred-pound beast out of the air.

The black dog slammed into the dirt with a heavy thud, letting out a pained yelp. It struggled to its feet, all of its previous viciousness gone, backing far away and refusing to come any closer.

The orchard owner finally arrived, panting heavily. He pointed aggressively at the two of them, his face twisted in anger. "You two stealing my apples?"

Xavier pulled out his phone and transferred the money.

The man called his dog and happily walked away.

Once they were gone, Xavier's deep voice rumbled against Norah's chest. "Are you going to get down now?"

Norah's legs were still locked tightly around his waist, her hands gripping his broad shoulders. Through his thin T-shirt, he could vividly feel the soft, lithe curves of her body pressed against him.

Norah slid to the ground, her face entirely pale, clearly still traumatized.

"Get in the car," Xavier instructed.

Norah opened the passenger door and climbed in. She looked down at the two apples in her hands and let out a long sigh. "These are some incredibly expensive apples!"

Xavier let out a low chuckle. "You just got the thrill of a lifetime. Is twenty bucks really that expensive?"