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I sighed, my shoulders drooping. “What about Sam?”
Marlo bristled. “What about Sam? We’re just friends. Sam doesn’t own me.”
“He’d care that you went home with Corey.”
“Well, he shouldn’t. That would be stupid of him.”
I sighed. “Yeah.” I studied her pretty face for a moment. “Just be careful, okay? And stay in public with him, well-lit areas that—”
Marlo laughed and leaned forward, hugging me. “I will. I’ll be home in a couple hours.”
“Okay.”
I went back to wiping down the last of the tables as Marlo clocked out and then waved at me as she and Corey walked out the front door of Al’s.
I went to clock out and when I saw Brenda, she said, “Honey, I’m sorry. I just went out to warm my car up and it won’t start. Dave’s coming by in about an hour to pick me up. Do you mind waiting?”
I really didn’t want to hang out in this smoky bar for another couple hours waiting for Brenda’s husband. “That’s okay, I’m used to walking and it’s not cold.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah.” I smiled and after calling goodbye to everyone, I walked outside. It was a mild spring night, but I still pulled my sweater on and folded my arms over my chest. I was going to have to buy a few new things soon. Some of my clothes had actual holes in them. I’d talk to Marlo and see what we could afford.
Pine needles picked up and blew in the wind at my feet as I trudged through the dirt and leaves on the side of the highway. A breeze blew gently through my hair. I looked up at the moon, recalling what it’d looked like hanging over us in the meadow as Kyland moved above me, his skin damp with passion. I shivered in want, my steps speeding up. Maybe I’d stop at his house. Surely he wouldn’t mind. I heard a car coming behind me and moved as far as I could away from the road. The car went whizzing by and then I looked up as I heard it slow and pull to the side of the embankment.
My steps faltered and I squinted as I walked toward the silver car. Was that Jemma Clark’s brother’s car? As I got closer, I realized that, no, this car was in much better shape than his, still running, but no one emerging. Then the door opened and Red Shirt stepped out from behind the wheel, swaying slightly. “Hey, pretty girl, I’ve been waiting for you.” He smiled a droopy-lidded smile and began walking toward where I now stood still, nerves assaulting me. I looked up and down the highway. It was deserted.
“My ride should be along any minute. Nice to see you, though,” I said as I began walking around the vehicle.
As I walked moved by the passenger side of his car, he started coming around the front and I increased my speed, breaking into a jog when he increased his speed too. Fear pounded through my blood as he took up chase behind me. I let out a small yelp as his hand made contact with my shoulder, but then I pulled ahead and for a brief second, I thought he’d give it up and walk back to his car. I dared to glance behind me and in that instant, his hand grabbed hold of my sweater and he yanked. I went flying backward, hitting his chest with my back as his arms went around me and he let out a loud half-laugh–half-victory cry.
“Let me go!” I yelled, panic causing tears to spring to my eyes as I sucked in a sob.
A car drove slowly by us and I yelled out, “Help!” as my eyes connected with those of the driver’s, a woman. But she looked away and sped off down the highway.
Red Shirt’s hot breath was at my ear. “Relax, pretty thing, I’ve got you. Feisty, aren’t you? I just wanna get to know you. You kept running away from me at the bar. Let’s go somewhere where we can get acquainted.” His hand ran up my rib cage and cupped my breast, squeezing it harshly.
“No!” I screamed, kicking backward with my legs, connecting with his shins. He let out a pained grunt and let go of me. I whirled around and struck with my fist, connecting with the side of his head. He released an enraged growl and struck back at me. Pain exploded behind my eye and I stumbled, off balance, my butt landing in the dirt, a whoosh of air escaping my mouth. I crab-crawled backward in the dirt as Red Shirt stalked toward me and then sprang to my feet just in time to see a car pull up right behind Red Shirt’s.
From my peripheral vision, I saw a man jump out of the driver’s seat and when I turned to run, the man called out, “Tenleigh! It’s okay.” I whipped my head back around and saw it was Jamie Kearney heading toward Red Shirt. I halted, tears running down my cheeks as I heaved in big breaths of air.
