Page 35 of Throttle

I blink once. Twice. A third time. That fragrance. These covers. I’m not home, but in Throttle’s bed.

Again.

What time is it? Twelve thirty…. shit!

I quickly jump out of the cozy sheets I adore as Throttle enters, holding a tray with a heavenly aroma.

I stop and gaze. “You brought me breakfast?” Though it was afternoon.

“Whenever you woke. I thought you might sleep for a year.”

I must've been incredibly tired from the previous night. I don't even recollect dozing off on Jules.

“That’s sweet of you. I appreciate you letting me crash here. But I need to go. I skipped my first class, and my next one is less than twenty minutes away.”

He places the tray of delicious food on the table. “Stay. You can sign in on my laptop.”

“I really can’t. My stuff is at home. My notes. My e-book. I’ll call you later.” I fly past him, run downstairs and out to my car.

Of course, I wanted to continue being there. Lay on his comfortable bed, popping strawberries in my mouth with sheets that carried the scent of everything I lusted after.

Returning to my place last night was the smarter choice. Instead, I can vividly remember my best guy friend carrying me. Strong, inked, comforting, and secure.

Jesus. I'm doomed in every conceivable manner.

I speedily make my way home, inputting the code to my building, and hurry upstairs, catching a whiff of marijuana. I try to swat at the air, as if that will prevent me from getting high, but end up bumping into Jasper and his friends by my apartment door.

“Woah, hey. Where’s the fire, my girl?” Jasper blocks my only route, and I gear up ready to knee jerk him in the balls. How Angel taught me.

“I have zero patience for you, so move out of my way.” Not having the precise angle for the genital kick, I shove him, giving space for me to escape.

I'm regretting my choice of purchasing a bulky handbag as I try to locate my keys. I’m mad at myself because I always carry my chain with my pepper spray in hand. As soon as I find them, they slip away from my trembling fingers.

Awesome.

Heat envelopes my back and hands, binding me to the door. Acid churns in my stomach and my heart pounds as this repulsive man touches me so intimately. Despite my fight-or-flight response being activated, I’m unable to move. My body is immobile.

“I’m tired of this game we play. Don’t you think it’s time for us to become better acquainted?” His filthy, tar-stained fingers brush against my bare skin, and I'm determined to defend myself, but I can barely muster a squeak.

He grips my arm tightly.

“Get your hands off me.” I need to bend down to retrieve my keys, but with such little room, my ass would rub on parts of him I’d rather not think about.

With bravery, I thrust my elbow into his ribcage, causing him to hunch over and make a strangled noise. I then snatch my keychain on the ground.

My hands tremble as I unlock the door and quickly enter. But he's fast and slaps the wood with his dirty palms before I can shut it on him. My belly rolls and I’m happy I didn’t eat the food Throttle brought me, or else I’d lose it over my apartment floor.

“I’ll be seeing you around.” He puckers his mouth and sends an unwelcomed air kiss.

I firmly close the door, locking every lock. Those guys have never bothered me since I moved here. Although Jasper held a gaze longer than I desired, his behavior was unlike anything he had done. He's becoming bolder. Which means my life here is in bigger hell.

I am lacking the time to feel sorry for myself, thus I log into my class with a deep breath.

While listening to the lecture, I rub the spot where Jasper grabbed me. It’s sore and bruises are forming.

I lose focus as the professor lectures about childhood education and begin counting the days until I graduate, find a teaching job, and leave this place. Each day drags on endlessly.

TWELVE

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