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I frantically toss items into a plastic bag from the gas station convenience store - a few pieces of clothing, a few snacks, a bottle of water, and my mother's letters. Every second counts as I quickly scan the room for any other essentials before stuffing them into my backpack. With a heavy heart, I leave a note of gratitude for my kind host and swiftly leave. My heart thumps in my chest as I make my way down the street, constantly looking over my shoulder for anyone who may be after me. As I navigate through the small town, my mind races with thoughts of survival and finding a new safe haven. Adrenaline courses through my veins, urging me to keep moving forward as I search for a new place to call home, at least for now.
I walk up to the dingy bus station, the dim streetlights barely illuminating the cracked pavement.
At the bus station, I head over to the ticket window and ask to buy a one-way ticket to Taos, New Mexico. The clerk gives me a curious look as she hands over my ticket, but I have more important things to worry about. Taos is a dusty desert town known for its eclectic community. My plan is to find a job that pays cash and lay low until I have an idea of what to do next. As I wait for my bus on the deserted platform, I can't shake the nagging feeling that something terrible is about to happen. The guilt gnaws at me, knowing that Tammy Lou and her family are in danger because of me. Leaving those letters with her was a huge mistake, and now we're both forced away from the life we know.
I hate to admit it, but my family's issues have always haunted me. No matter how hard I try to distance myself from them, they always find a way to creep into my life. And right now, with everything that's been happening, I can't shake off the feeling that I'm still tangled up in their mess. It's suffocating and overwhelming. But even though I have to run away and start over, I know deep down that I can't escape it completely. So for now, I'll just have to survive until I know the truth behind all of this chaos. Because as much as I want to deny it, I still need answers from my family.
A bus comes into view, its bright red and orange exterior standing out against the dark grey of the night. The words "Taos, New Mexico" are displayed in bold illuminated letters on the front, a confirmation that my exit plan might work.
It rolls to a stop, and the automated doors open with a hiss, revealing the driver perched on his high seat, his hands gripping the steering wheel with ease. His uniform is a crisp navy blue, with shiny buttons and a badge, giving off an air of authority. His eyes are tired and his face is emotionless.
I step up and show him my ticket, giving him a nod in return when he waves me back. As I head to the seats at the back, I try to not to make eye contact with any of the seven people that are aboard while at the same time, I scan my surroundings.
In a few hours, I'll be in Taos, and the journey to stay one step ahead of these people will continue. I just have to make it out of this.
The sleek grey bus glides to a stop, and the doors slide open with a mechanical hiss. The driver sits tall in his seat, hands resting confidently on the steering wheel. His navy-blue uniform is crisp and clean, adorned with shiny buttons and a polished badge that exudes authority. Despite his tired eyes and emotionless expression, he efficiently checks tickets and directs passengers onto the bus.
I go up to him and hand him my ticket, receiving a nod in return as he waves me towards the back of the bus. As I make my way to an empty seat, I discreetly assess the other seven or eight passengers aboard, trying not to make eye contact as I assess whether I should be worried about any of them. I doubt any of them is after me, but after what I've been through, and with these letters mysteriously appearing out of nowhere, paranoid thoughts swirl in my head as I continue my journey to stay one step ahead of whoever is chasing me.
In just a few hours, I'll arrive in Taos. But until then, I must remain vigilant and trust no one. This is just another leg of my ongoing escape, and I can't afford to let my guard down.
As the bus continues on its journey, my thoughts inevitably drift towards Antonio. I wonder if he's alive, if he's thinking about me, if he's still searching for me. It's been so long since I last saw him, and he still fills my thoughts and dreams. I can't help but think about him every now and then.
I remember the day I knew I wanted to be his. I was way too young for him, so I kept that secret to myself until I was legally an adult. A shiver of recollection sends a tremor through my body, sparking an immediate heat in my lower belly as I picture Antonio. His rugged face, his eyes that can go as black as midnight, eyes that are always loaded with something sensual, mysterious, and oh, his muscular arms and ripped body - firm and unyielding like a Greek god's statue.
I replay our illicit first time; his touch sending waves of arousal washing over me like the persistent tide lapping against the shoreline. His intoxicating scent - musky, male - still lingers in my senses, turning me on every time I recall it.
The hum of the bus’s engine beneath me becomes a steady rhythm to my thoughts, heightening my physical awareness. God, how I miss him.
His kisses are like wildfire, consuming purely and completely. The sensation of his full lips tracing down my throat, stopping at the sensitive spot just above my collarbone before moving further down... I shudder at the memory.
And god, his fingers. Skillful and assertive. They knew where to wander; gliding roughly across my skin that would make me quiver under his touch. Whenever he'd skim over my breasts, my nipples would harden almost painfully in response, every inch of skin craving more contact - more heat.
His fingers slipping lower – finding their way into places that made me cry for more. How each stroke of his can coax out sounds and desires that I didn't know existed within me.
Even now, in this cold bus filled with of nameless faces, all I need to do is close my eyes to feel him inside me again – filling me up with raw heat. Each thrust is potent and deliberate - pushing me closer and closer to the edge until I'm wishing I can be bold enough to touch myself on this bus. But I quickly shake the thought and decide to wait until I'm in a safe, private place for that sweet release.
Antonio, if only you knew how much I'm craving you.
The few hours pass and the bus begins to slow down as it reaches Taos. I'm nervous. Will this be another place I have to leave? Can I start a simple life under the radar here?
As the bus doors open once again with a hiss and passengers begin to disembark, I gather my belongings and take a deep breath before stepping into the unknown.
2
Antonio
Sixty-four fucking days.
I rub my hot hands through my tangled hair, feeling the sweat accumulating on my forehead as my nostrils fill with the prickly, sterile scent of antiseptic and disinfectant lingering in the hospital room. Anger and frustration well up inside me, like a volcano about to erupt. My heart races and my blood boils with anger as I read Vinny's words on my phone screen.
All this time passed.
Sixty-four long fucking days.
I thought the trail was fucking cold.
But Vinny had all the answers about where to look for Natalia next. Thanks to him, we have a lead. Thank fuck he finally woke up after that serious gunshot injury. He can't speak, due to the injury, but at least he can write what he knows into my phone.
