Page 5 of Runaway Hearts: Seduced by Danger

Carole huffs. “Fine, but hurry.” She strides away, leaving a trail of disapproval in her wake.

I sigh and turn back to the boy, my fingers working to adjust the drip of the IV.

When I finished the last patient, I headed to the locker room to change. As I open my locker, a written note falls to the floor.

“The sea is the best place to unwind and find your true path. Have fun. V.”

“Damn, you’re a sweet old man.” I slip the small piece of paper into my pocket. “Last but not least,” I whisper, putting a new mint jar in his work jacket.

My first meeting with Victor was two years ago. He entered the emergency room with a man who had been tasered for assaulting a doctor. After caring for the patient, I tended to Victor’s busted lip. But I noticed his strong booze smell and his glossy eyes, and I gave him a pamphlet for Alcoholics Anonymous as discreetly as I could. He frowned at me, then extended his hand for me to shake.

“Victor Salem, security of any kind.”

“I won’t report you yet, Victor.”

His thick white brows furrowed, and he swallowed hard. “What do you want in exchange?”

“Nothing. Just get the help you need and do your best.”

Because he didn’t have any family or friends, I went to his first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous as moral support. After a few weeks,his eyes lit up, his gait became more assured, and his voice radiated new confidence. He attended every session, determined to overcome his drinking habit. That motivated my decision not to report him.

Watching him conquer his addiction made me wish I could muster the same courage to confront my demons.

But I’m not there yet.

He’s never wanted anything from me, but I feed his mint cravings.

It’s the least I can do.

When I leave the hospital, it’s 4:30 a.m., and I only have one idea: beach house!

But before anything else, I must sleep. Sleep deprivation tends to unleash my panic attacks, and I refuse to allow my anxiety to dominate my thoughts. I spent the last three months learning techniques to ease my mind, and I won’t let something as trivial as the lack of sleep unravel my hard-won achievements.

As soon as I get home, I slip into my cozy Care Bears pajamas, pull up the covers to my chin, and sink into my soft, plush mattress, savoring the feel of my head sinking into the fluffy pillow. No alarm setup. I’ll wake up when my body decides.

My steady heartbeat lulls me into tranquility, and my mind relaxes. I no longer need my anxiety medication, which fills me with pride. The last two pills have been in the bottle for ten weeks. Despite Eric’s hurtful words during our breakup, I’m okay.

Suck it, jerk.

With a happy sigh, I close my eyes and let the sweet release of slumber wash over me.

But as I’m halfway into a peaceful sleep, my car alarm sets off, jolting me awake. I groan, fling the covers off, and scramble out of bed. My heart pounds, matching the steady blare of the alarm cutting throughthe peaceful night. I tiptoe to the window and peek outside, but there’s no one in sight.

Not a single soul.

I rub my temples, squinting against the bright lights flashing from my vehicle. With a sigh, I grab the baseball bat stashed in my closet, my fingers curling tight around the grip. A mere illusion of toughness. I hesitate for a moment before unlocking the front door and stepping out.

But I have no fucks left to give, so I walk out. Maybe I need to prove to myself I can be brave, only for a fleeting moment. Somehow, it’s easier when I’m alone.

With no one to witness if I fail.

The defiance I couldn’t show my boss earlier surfaces—a desperate bid to reclaim some strength. Or power? Something that could be mine. A tiny parcel of rebellion steaming from years of feeling powerless under Eric’s control.

It’s okay; there’s no one here.

Despite the chill biting at my skin, I silence the car alarm with my remote and make a quick inspection for any damage. Much to my relief, there’s nothing out of place—not even a stray cat. Sighing the useless tension in my body, I retreat inside and crawl under the covers, hoping to get some more sleep.

Stupid car.

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