Ruin Me || 18+ [Draft]

I step into the bookstore, my eyes immediately scanning the shelves for something new to read. I've been in a reading slump lately, and I'm desperate for something to break me out of it. The musty smell of books fills my nose, and I can't help but feel a sense of comfort and familiarity. I walk through the store, looking at the different sections, and finally, I find myself in the romance section. I love the way the books here smell, like a mix of comfort and escape. The rows of books tower around me, each one containing a different world within its pages. I run my fingers over the spines, reading the titles and feeling the weight of each book in my hand. The smooth texture of the covers and the weight of the pages make me feel like I'm holding a piece of magic in my hands.

I scan the shelves and can't help but feel a sense of disappointment that nothing is catching my interest. I've been in a reading slump for so long, and I'm starting to feel like I'll never find a book that will break me out of it. I pick up a classic novel and flip through the pages, but it doesn't catch my interest. I put it back and continue my search.

I spot a new release that catches my eye. It's a romance novel with a sleek black cover and gold lettering. Intrigued, I pick it up and read the blurb on the back. It sounds like the perfect mix of drama and passion, just what I've been looking for. The title itself seems to shimmer in gold, and the cover gives off a sense of mystery and allure. I flip to the first page and start reading, completely absorbed in the story. I can't wait to get home and escape into the story.

As I continue to browse the shelves, I get the sense that someone is watching me. I glance around the store, trying to be discreet, and I spot a man out of the corner of my eye. He's tall with dark hair and a scar above his left eyebrow. He's wearing a black leather jacket and sunglasses. He's kind of cute. In that rugged, I-don't-care way. He looks familiar, and it takes me a moment to place him. It's the same man I saw outside of my university when I was leaving my last morning class. I try to act normal, but my mind is racing with thoughts. Is he following me? Is it just a coincidence? I feel a sense of unease wash over me. The man seems to be shrouded in an aura of danger.

I decide to take a different route and head towards the nonfiction section to see if he follows me.

I walk through the store, staying keenly aware of my surroundings. I need to act normal, just in case. I scan the shelves, looking for another book that catches my interest but also something that would give me an excuse to stay in one place for a moment so I can check if he's still following me.

I pick up a book and pretend to read it, keeping him in my peripheral line of vision. He's browsing the shelves a few rows over. Is he following me? I can't tell. I put the book back on the shelf and head to another section of the store. My palms start to sweat, and I can feel my heart pounding in my chest.

I put the book back on the shelf and head to another section of the store. I glance over my shoulder, trying to spot the man, but he seems to have vanished. I finally reach the end of the store, and I realize that he's gone. I let out a sigh of relief and wipe the sweat off my palms. I can't believe how paranoid I was getting. It was probably just a coincidence. I head to the checkout desk.

"Did you find everything you were looking for today?" The girl behind the counter asks, a warm smile on her face.

"Yeah, I did. Thanks." I reach into my purse to find my card.

"I read this once already. It's really good."

"That's good to know. I'm excited to get home and read it."

"Is everything okay?" the girl behind the counter asks, her smile faltering as she notices my uneasy expression.

"Yeah, everything's fine." I force a smile, trying to shake off the lingering feeling of paranoia.

"Okay. Well, I hope you enjoy your book." she says, ringing up my purchase.

"I hope so," I say, taking the book from her and tucking it safely into my bag.

I walk out onto the sidewalk. The sun is low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the city. I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering feeling of paranoia from inside the bookstore. The cool air fills my lungs, and I feel my nerves start to calm. I glance around, looking for any sign of the man who I thought had been following me, but he's nowhere to be seen. I let out a sigh of relief and begin to walk toward my apartment.

As I walk, I can't help but think about the book I just purchased. The thought of escaping into its pages fills me with excitement and anticipation. I can't wait to get home and lose myself in the story.

But as I make my way down the street, I feel a prickling sensation on my skin. The hair on the back of my neck stands up, and I can't shake the feeling that someone is watching me. I glance around slowly, discreetly. And then I see him, the man from the bookstore. He is following me.

I quicken my pace, trying to put some distance between us. I don't want him to know that I see him, so I try to make my strides as natural as possible. The sound of my heels clicking against the pavement echoes in my ears. I can feel my pulse racing. I turn down a side street, trying to shake him off. But he's still there, following me. He carries himself with a sense of confidence and purpose, his strides long and purposeful.

I cut through an alley, the darkness closing in around me. I slow my pace, trying to blend in with the shadows. I stop and pull out my compact and lipstick, pretending to fix my makeup. But in the reflection of the mirror, I watch him as he gets closer. He's close enough now for me to smell the leather of his jacket and the scent of his aftershave. It's an expensive brand, smelling of spice.

I quickly spin around and sweep his feet out from under him with a swift hook of my leg.