AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Okay.” I mumble, chewing on my thumb.
Another beat of silence passes before Mick’s voice comes through the receiver. “And Paige?”
I close my eyes and allow the deep rumble to wash over me. “Yes?” My fingers tighten around the phone as I wait, already missing the sound of his voice.
“Remember, there is nowhere you can go that I won’t find you, little bird.” He disconnects the call and I clasp the phone to my chest.
He’s going to find me.
The certainty and conviction when he promised that gives me a small glimmer of hope.
“And I always keep my promises.”
Mick’s words repeat in my head, ones that terrified me at the time they were spoken but now bring nothing but comfort.
I slip my phone back into my shoe and quickly use the restroom. Washing my hands, I peer at my reflection in the mirror.
Remember who you are, Paige. You’re not a weak damsel in distress. You’re a killer too and Seth has no idea who he’s messed with.
Climbing back into the car, I glance back at my purse and contemplate if I can reach it before Seth crosses to the other side. I suppress my frustrated sigh as I hear the driver’s door pop open. I’ll just have to bide my time.
Shortly after it had become clear that Seth was taking me somewhere, he had pulled off to the side of the road and snatched my bag away from me. He had then gotten out of the car and pulled me out, threatening to knock me out if I tried anything. Fighting against my desire to knockhimout, I stood there while he patted me down. Thankfully, he either was too distracted or too dumb to check my shoes, so I still had access to my cell phone. I lost everything else but knew if I got the opportunity, I could snatch back my purse and grab the small syringe I kept stashed in there for emergencies. Another precaution I had rolled my eyes at Mick for at the time when he insisted I keep it.
Shooting a rueful glance back, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my overprotective and overprepared man. I quickly turn my gaze out the window as Seth clambers into his seat. Having no intention of allowing him to notice my desire for the bag and losing the opportunity I have to escape, I focus on the darkness surrounding us.
My mind wanders as I contemplate what our destination might be. We’ve been on the road for at least three, maybe four, hours and appear to be heading northwest. I know we aren’t going to Bloomsburg as we are headed in the opposite direction. Plus, I can’t imagine Seth would want to explain any of this to Brie.
“Why aren’t you with Brie?” The question slips out before I can stop it. The thought of her sending my mind reeling. So many things about this situation don’t make sense, for some unfathomable reason, this one seems to be bothering me the most.
I chance a glance in his direction and catch the surprise flit across his face before he’s able to mask the emotion.Odd. Observing him, I get the feeling this might be my way around the stone wall he’s erected. Bolstered by the possibility, I press on. “Seth, why aren’t you with Brie?” He narrows his eyes and flexes his fingers around the wheel but doesn’t say anything. “I saw, you know.” My voice comes out quiet as I look back at the road, reliving the memory. “That’s why I left. I came home early and-” I slowly turn back toward him, tears pricking my eyes, swallowing as the feelings of hurt and betrayal hit me again. “I saw you two together.” I confess, my chest aching.
Seth releases a harsh breath. “Fuck Paige. I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry.” My heart contracts at his words. “It wasn’t supposed to be like that. Her and I. It was meant to just be work. Then you disappeared and wouldn’t answer my calls. When Brie told me what happened, I wanted to strangle her. But I couldn’t, I had no choice.” He glances at me, pleading with his eyes. “You have to believe me, baby girl. You were it for me. Still are.”
My expression is incredulous.
How could he think there would be anything left between us?
“Stop lying to me.” I hiss, anger breaking through my shock.
Seth has the gall to look offended. “I’m not.”
“Oh yeah?” I scoff. “Then how do you explain the engagement?”
He looks at me again, confused. “We’re not engaged anymore, you called it off.” His voice is seeped in pain and a small amount of hope that makes my stomach roll.
“Not our engagement, jackass. You and Brie.” I cross my arms and glare at him. I can’t explain why this still bothers me so much. I have no interest in the cheating scumbag and the only desire I have toward him now is for his blood to spill by my hands.
Seth looks even more confused. “We’re not engaged.” I snort in disbelief, refusing to be gaslit. “I swear to you Paige, I am not engaged to Brie.”
“Then why the fuck did she post that you are?” I retort, mentally smacking my forehead as I admit to stalking their socials. Triumph and amusement cover his face briefly before confusion and anger take over. He doesn’t say anything, just shakes his head. “What? You don’t believe me? Check yourself then!” My voice raises to match my humiliation.
None of this should matter to me. I should be focusing on how to get free, not debating my ex’s current relationship status with him.
Seth indicates his turn and pulls off to the side of the highway, throwing on his emergency blinkers. He whips out his phone the moment the vehicle is in park and begins aggressively swiping. I glance back at my purse again as his attention remains on the small screen. Tentatively, I stretch an arm back, keeping my eyes on him. I can feel the material graze my fingers and hold my breath as they slip into the large pocket. Seth mutters something under his breath and I still, my heart pounding. He continues his search and I cautiously move my fingers around until I feel the small tube. I grasp it in my hand and subtly shift to pull my arm back up front. Slipping the syringe into my jacket pocket, I readjust my position again.
Seth lets out a loud curse and I jump.
Deep breaths, he didn’t see you.
