Page 44 of Mine To Hunt

Maddie sucks in a breath. "No way, Ree. You can't go back there. Stay put. We'll figure alternatives."

Al jumps in. "I'll drive you. Grab and go. Quick in, quick out. Not letting you face that alone."

I hesitate, relief mixing with fear. "You sure? I don't want to drag you into my mess."

"Positive." Al says. "Tomorrow evening? Pick you up at four?"

"Okay." I agree, gratitude warming me. "Thanks, guys. Means everything."

We chat a bit more before hanging up. I set the phone down, staring at the ceiling, thinking it's been years since I slept in this house. The silence presses, but it's mine. Safe, for now. Sleep comes slow, dreams tangled with threats and dust.

Chapter 13

Her

Istand in front of the cracked mirror in my parents' old bedroom, adjusting the hem of my sweater as I wait for Al's call. It's the next evening, and I'm dressed simply. Jeans and a loose top to make this quick trip to Ryan's place feel less daunting.

My heart races with a mix of nerves and determination because I need those documents for the job application, but the thought of seeing Ryan again twists my stomach into knots.

My phone rings, and I snatch it up, seeing Al's name flash on the screen. "Hey, Al." I say, trying to sound casual. "You on your way?"

There's a pause on the other end, and Al's voice comes through apologetic. "Ree, something came up at the studio. Critique session ran long, and now my Prof's dragging me into a meeting. I can't pick you up tonight. We can go another time, yeah? Maybe tomorrow morning?"

Disappointment hits me, but I push it down, not wanting to delay this any longer. "It's okay, Al. I can go alone. I need those papers soon. The job app's waiting."

Al's tone sharpens with concern. "No way, Ree. Don't go alone. Ryan's unpredictable. It's not safe."

I sigh, pacing the small room as frustration builds. "I'll be alright, Al. It's not far. I'll go, grab the stuff, and leave. Quick in, quick out.”

He hesitates, his worry clear even over the phone. "I don't like this. At least call Maddie. Have her on speaker or something. And if anything feels off, bail. Call me right away."

"I will." I assure him, though my pulse quickens at the thought.

I hang up and book a cab through the app, my fingers trembling slightly because going alone feels reckless, but waiting means stalling my life even more.

The cab arrives quickly, and I slide into the back seat, giving the driver Ryan's address. I try to steady my breathing as we pull away.

The ride is short, the familiar rundown streets blurring past, and when we arrive, I pay and step out, staring at the dark windows of Ryan's place. The lights are off, and relief floods me because that means he's not home.

"Thank God." I whisper to myself, unlocking the door with the spare key I still have and slipping inside quietly.

I head straight to the living room where I last saw my folder, rummaging through papers with shaky hands. My heart pounds in the silence, every creak of the floor making me jump.

"Back already?" Ryan's voice slices through the dark from behind me, low and venomous, and fear explodes in my chest, freezing me in place.

I spin around, my breath catching as he steps into the dim light from the kitchen, his face twisted with anger.

“Ryan.” The name slips out before I can stop it. I take an instinctive step backward. “I’m just here for my documents.” I add quickly, my voice stumbling over the words. “I’ll grab them and go.”

Ryan laughs. The sound is sharp and cruel, the kind that makes my skin crawl. “Documents?” He repeats slowly.

He leans against the wall like this is all a joke. “Sure. That’s why you’re sneaking in like a thief.”

His eyes drag over me with open contempt. “What? Finally done whoring around town? Bet you spread your legs for half the campus after that little video.” He sneers.

“Slut.” He shakes his head. “Always knew you were one.”

Terror tightens around my chest, his words landing like blows, but I force myself to stay calm. “Ryan.” I say carefully. “I’m not here for this.”