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The trees were all a blur as I willed my feet to go faster.

My heart was beating an irregular beat, and I knew if I stopped, it would be over.

I couldn’t stop.

My feet hurt.

The forest was swallowing me whole.

Moonlight barely slipped through the tangled canopy, leaving shadows to twist into shapes that almost looked alive.

Branches caressed my arms as I ran through an opening.

I had to breathe.

I stopped, just off to the right, and leaned against a tree to catch my breath.

I evened my breathing as I waited to hear what I knew were the thump of his footsteps. Since I took off, he was only a hair away from me and I could feel his beating heart on my back.

But now, I heard nothing.

The thump of my beating heart was loud as my ears perked to hear.

Nothing.

I look up to see the moon above me.

Hauntingly beautiful.

But, it looked as if it was smiling.

Like a cruel tilt of lips.

I kept staring at it, confused because why was I seeing things? I stepped away from the tree as I allowed my neck to angle so I could see it better.

Lost in the moon, I knew better than to let my guard down.

The press of a firm chest pressed against my back.

The smell of pine filled my nostrils.

My panties wet.

Shit.

I don’t dare to make a move.

I don’t dare to breathe.

I just wait.

He placed a hand on the side of my hip from behind.

My dress was tangled and ruined from the running, so it made it easier for him to slide the material away from my body.

I needed to see him.

Not giving him a second, I twist around to look up at him.