Page 105 of The Devil You Don't Know

I’ve been thinking about you

Me

Oh, yeah?

Kai<3

I have a few ideas involving some whipped cream. Come over ;)

I studied the messages, smiling at the new heart next to his name—he must have added it. Why would he want me to come over when there’s a bounty on my head? Maybe he finally listened when I said I was tired of being cooped up all the time.

Me

Be right there ;)

I gathered my things, stuffing the napkin into my purse.

A knot settled in my stomach as I pressed against the glass door exiting the hotel. I shook my head and continued through the door.

A chilly bite ran along my arms as I stepped outside. The uber was almost there. I shuffled on my feet, trying to keep warm and keep the unsettling feelings away.

I was too anxious. My days were a stream of frustration, bad memories, and battling my demons. I wanted a carefree day.

The rideshare pulled up and rolled down their windows.

I slid into the soft leather seats. “Kimball?” I asked, confirming his name.

The driver nodded, waving his hand away. “Audry?”

I smiled, proud of myself for doing my due diligence. I watched the city speed by as we drove down the main street following the beach. Traffic began to gather, slowing us down.

I glanced at the doors, happy to find them locked.

“Did you travel far?” the driver, Kimball, asked.

“Somewhat,” I lied. First rule of keep yourself alive, be discrete and don’t freely give out info—I was learning.

“This traffic sure is something, huh?” Movement caught my eye as I saw his palm move for something.

“Yeah, something,” I said, my heart racing.It was nothing, I tried to convince myself.

“Have you stayed at the Hotel Santora before?” Another prodding question. The car continued forward, slowly. I glanced out the back window, spotting a suspicious of the dark sedan behind us.

Was this it?I thought.

“You know, actually. I’m close enough. I think I’ll just get out here,” I said, pulling on the door. It didn’t give way.

The man tsked. “It’s a long walk. The sun is almost setting. A young woman like yourself shouldn’t be out at a time like this, alone…"

The flashbacks started again, the memory of the alleyway wrapping around me—suffocating me. I clawed at the lock, determined to get out. The door finally gave way, and I fell out, scrambling to my feet.

The driver yelled after me as I made my way toward the nearest building.

A local grocery shop, with their new fruit display outside, was the only thing nearby. Its pastel exterior was a beacon of light for me. I adjusted my purse across my body, hastily walking into the store.

The hum of fluorescent lights, the scent of fresh chicken, and the beautiful sound of other people calmed me. I snaked my way through the aisles, moving further into the store. The further I got, the more the anxiety fell away.

I was okay, I reminded myself.

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