Hello Lovelies and thank you again for sticking with me. I appreciate each and every one of you. This is a quick update. I don't own anything and all the mistakes are mine.

Chapter 6

Concentrating hadn't been as effortless for Annabeth as it normally was. Present projects weren't her main focus. Details, like the exact size of cornices or the width of an archway, were slipping, but to their advantage, customers understood the gravity of the situation. It was still important for the business to move forward as much as possible, despite the disorder.

Nevertheless, her mind was either running a million miles an hour, or it had zero power. Even with all of the caffeine in her bloodstream, maintaining a consistent working status was taxing. She was squinting her eyes harder than usual while staring at her laptop screen. Words ran together, and that was the signal to take a break.

'Time for some eye drops and motrin,' she thought.

Annabeth opened one of the side drawers to dig around, and a dried petal caught her attention. It had turned from a bright white color to a shade of beige. She shuddered at the thought of what the meaning was behind the damned Asphodels. Naturally the image of her car's windshield, broken into a thousand pieces, would cross her mind next. She closed the drawer rapidly, stood up, and walked across her office.

There was a small portable heater in the corner, which Annabeth flipped on and sat beside. The room had not been warm enough lately, which was another excuse for endless cups of coffee.

Today was the fifth day since she'd been released from the hospital, yet it seemed months had passed. Time creeped by as she feared what was on the horizon. Nausea and panic attacks came with each new morning. Life had taken a dark, twisted turn, handing her a slice of suspense no one wants. She was taking a prescription for anxiety, but another week would have to pass before it would be completely effective.

Even though the police had no new information about the incident, there hadn't been any suspicious or criminal activity. That brought her a slight bit of relief, but it didn't mean the stalker was done. Realistically, they all knew this son of a bitch was lying low and taking his time.

'Breathe…simply breathe,' she reminded herself.

Annabeth rubbed her hands up and down her arms, then kicked her heels off onto the carpet. She stretched her toes before stretching her legs. Her mind was satisfyingly slowing down. Closing her eyes, one person came abundantly into focus.

Percy.

The brightest part of her life, at this time, was the relationship they shared. Loyal to a flaw, in his own words, the man was always there by her side. It was a quality she desired in a partner, and heaven knows he had it in spades. It brought her a great deal of comfort to know Percy was the rock she needed. When it appeared that details were overwhelming, he would quietly step in on her behalf, but invariably giving her the final say.

Having someone to help her fight her battles was something this girl could get used to quickly.

When it was difficult for Annabeth to be near an automobile, he took some of her stress away by driving her to and from work. Along with her dad's assistance, he acquired a new Range Rover within a few days of the accident. Perhaps a guard dog would be sitting at her feet soon enough? She wouldn't put it past her father or Percy to consider finding a German Shepherd, with a bite as strong as his growl.

No one was allowed to get within ten feet of Annabeth without getting past her bodyguard either. Percy wasn't taking any chances with her safety, always watching over her like a hawk.

He kept her calm, safe, and sound, all three of which she was low on presently.

But…

Every now and then, her brain went there.

In between uncertainty and exhaustion, she felt this pull, as if she were magnetized, but it wasn't just a sexual draw. Yes she wanted the knowledge of how Percy's mouth would feel next to hers, or how intense his touch would be.

What woman in her right mind would deny herself that kind of pleasure?

However, this relationship had developed into something other than a physical appeal.

Since the night at the hospital, though, he was even more attentive than before, which was generally a challenge to imagine. Percy stayed in her room constantly, with the exception of when the police took her statement. Then there was the matter of how he informed the staff that he was her fiance, but he insisted it was to cut through red tape. Mr. Chase wasn't signing off on the paperwork either. They obviously agreed that Percy was to handle her state of affairs, so to speak. Altogether, here was the evidence she needed to prove that there was more to their relationship, but there were more indications.

If he slept at night, Percy would sleep in the oversized chair in her bedroom and not on the sofa any longer. He was there when the nightmares reared their head, gently reminding Annabeth that he was present. It had become a small habit for him to brush her curls back from her face as well. His words soothed her mind and heart.

His grip on her body, when they were out in public, was a little tighter, a little more protective, but never painful.

During her bouts of panic, he patiently guided her through breathing exercises, bringing her body closer. Annabeth believed that it was the scent of his cologne that added to her a sense of calm.

His steadiness was key, but his presence was what she craved.

The buzzing sound on her phone, a message from her cousin, brought her back to the present. Piper ordered lunch daily, since she was concerned that Annabeth wasn't eating well. Percy was speaking with the door dasher, asking him necessary questions before examining the delivery. She sent detailed texts, to explain the coming and goings in the foyer.

This was one of the few periods where they were apart, otherwise Percy was within earshot.

Piper sent another message, expressing how fortunate Annabeth was and that he was on the way into her office. Reading her sweet words brought a smile to her face, but nothing made her smile quite as much as when he walked through the door.

"Hey," she casually stated as he walked over to the main table. "Thank you so much and please tell me she ordered from Stoner's? Pizza sounds so delicious."

"Yeah, Pipes knew you couldn't resist their pizza. She also had some salad sent over, but she's not the only one concerned about your well being, you know." He set the oversized box down and walked over where she was perched. "How are you feeling? Cold again?"

Annabeth nodded. "I've been freezing all day."

He squatted in front of her, taking one of her hands. "You weren't kidding." Percy brought them to his mouth, blowing warmth on her hands, which was an unexpected gesture for the ages. Classical butterflies in your stomach moment.

She pulled her lips together, slightly biting her bottom one. His endless green eyes were focused on her face, and damn it, Annabeth swore she saw a glimmer of her future in them. Percy was setting her heart and world on fire.

"That helps…more than words can express," she murmured and hoped he wouldn't finish too soon.

"You know I can do this anytime, Petal." He whispered those words next to her skin before grinning.

Who knew that something so uncomplicated and mundane would be so heart rending?

Thank you all so very much! Another update is coming soon!