Page 84 of Brutal Savage

If only I didn’t have to go. I love this town and my job. And I love Brody too. I will miss him like crazy. And it breaks my heart to know he might be sad to know I’m gone.

I won’t be able to work as a teacher anymore, will I? Tynan will find me easily that way. I’ll need to keep a low profile.

Now I’ll have to hide from both Jerry and Tynan. This is gonna be great.

Hours later, and I force myself to eat something before heading to bed, though I’m so scared and nervous, I can’t stomach anything. The peanut butter and jelly sandwich tastes bitter, but I get it down.

There’s so much I have to do while on the road. I’ll have to tell the owner of this house that I won’t be returning, then call the school and come up with some plausible excuse for my disappearance. A family emergency of some kind. It is partly the truth.

I settle on the sofa and turn on a random TV show, needing to distract myself from the fear of what will happen when Tynan realizes I’ve left for good.

“Shh…” a voice hums from beside me, caressing me out of deep sleep.

Or maybe I’m dreaming.

I groan, stretching my limbs and yawning, remembering why I have to be up.

Is it time already? My alarm didn’t go off.

“Wake up, Elara.”

The instant I hear his voice, I jolt up to a seated position, my heart racing uncontrollably.

And sitting beside me on the bed is the man I vowed to get away from.

What is he doing here?!

Oh, God. The luggage.

It’s…it’s in the corner of my bedroom.

Maybe he didn’t see it.

Maybe he’s just crazy and broke into my house again like the last time.

I drag my comforter over my chest, in nothing but a baggy sweatshirt and leggings, my hair disheveled too. I look like an absolute mess.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

“I’m disappointed, Ms. Hill.” A venomous smile twists his lips. “I thought there was a chance that you’d actually come to your senses, but you haven’t, have you?”

I gulp down the fear. “Wh-what do you mean?”

He casts a disdainful glance at my luggage. “You’re leaving.”

“I—”

“Don’t you dare lie to me.” He grabs my jaw, leaning his face close to mine.

I shut my eyes, tears filling them. I tried. I really tried, but he found out anyway.

“How?” I breathe.

“How did I know?” He barks a laugh. “It was the way you looked at me before you left. I could see it in your eyes. The wheels turning.” His thumb rolls over my lips. “You have two options now, little serpent. Fall in line, or bite back. I suggest you choose wisely.”

“I…I don’t understand.” My heart pounds.

Even in the dark, I don’t miss the way his eyes flash. “We’re getting married, Elara. Either you agree willingly or I make you.”

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