Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 235(@200wpm)___ 188(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 235(@200wpm)___ 188(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
“It was three months ago. I had just gotten off work and had stopped at a little corner market. I didn’t live in the best part of town, and I didn’t usually stop at places close to my apartment, but I was exhausted after a twelve-hour shift. I thought I’d grab something for dinner and go home, no big deal.” I pause and try to collect my thoughts.
“And?” he asks, his hand trailing up and down my back.
I take a deep breath. “And I came out of the store. I had just made it to my car and was about to get in when a man grabbed me from behind. He was strung out and wanted my money. He wasn’t happy that I only had fifteen dollars in cash.” I take a shuddering breath. “He was mad, and he hit me in the face.”
I try to gather my thoughts and force the rest of it out. “I think he liked it that he was stronger than me… that I was weak. He kicked me in the stomach, the back, and then he punched me again. Every time I cried, he laughed.” I pause and clench my eyes, trying to shut out the memories. Huddy’s hand has stopped trailing my skin, and now it’s like a warm balm pressed between my shoulder blades. “Someone came out of the store and scared him. That man saved me, and my attacker ran away.”
Huddy kisses the top of my head. “You’re not weak, Ellie. You’re the strongest woman I know.”
I sigh. “I knew who my attacker was. I’d seen him on TV. I went straight to the police station to report him. The man’s name is Alan Casey. He is the son of Marco Casey, mayor of my hometown. I was a fool thinking I could report him and the police would do something about it. Fifteen minutes after I walked into that police station, the mayor came in. He threatened my life and told me he could make me disappear. So you see, Huddy, I am weak. I disappeared on my own. I couldn’t fight them… so I ran.”
Huddy lifts my chin up and searches my eyes. “That’s not weak, baby. That’s survival. You survived all on your own. You took care of yourself, but you don’t have to run anymore. I’m going to take care of you.”
I grab on to his shirt and pull it. “I don’t want you to get involved, Huddy.”
He cups my jaw. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
The fierce look on his face has me pulling back a little. “What is it?”
“Have you heard of Walker? Do you know him?”
I nod. “Yeah, he’s been in the office before.”
“When I knew you were running from something, I asked him to look into it. He told me that Marco and Alan were looking for you. He wasn’t able to find out what happened to you, but he did find out a number of other things that Alan has done. We have enough to put him away. Him and his father.”
I sit up in the bed. “Don’t go after him, please. I’m telling you, they don’t fight fair, Huddy.”
He sits up too and pulls me into his lap. He’s leaning against the headboard and turns me to look at him. “We don’t have a choice. Walker texted me this morning. He’s been tracking them, and they’re both here. They’re in Whiskey Run.”
I try to bolt. I need to go. Huddy is holding on to me, but I wrench from his arms. “I have to go. You stay here, but let me go.”
He’s up out of the bed and holding on to me. “You’re not going anywhere. Walker’s crew is outside. Until the Casey men are caught, you don’t leave my side.”
I know he can see the fear in my face. “I can’t ask you to—”
“You’re not asking me to do anything. I’m doing it. I’m going to protect you, Ellie.”
I sigh and put my forehead on his chest. “Fine, as long as you do it in here with me. Let the police or Walker and his crew handle this.”
His hands go down my back, and he cups my ass. It’s then I realize that I’m still completely naked. He kneads my plump cheeks, and I put my chin on his chest to look up at him. “Well, it looks like you’re stuck with me for a little while longer. What should we do to pass the time?”
His eyes darken, but he doesn’t give in. “Are you okay, Ellie? I know this is a lot. You don’t have to hide your feelings from me.”
I shake my head, not sure I know how to explain everything I’m feeling right now. “Since I ran, I have felt so alone. I’ve looked over my shoulder this whole time and have been scared that at any moment, I’d have to leave again. For the first time, I feel free, which is funny because it looks like I’m not going to be leaving this house today, but yeah, I feel free… I feel good… all because of you.”