Page 18 of Rugger: The Huntress

148.

A hand pressed against my thigh. The light tapping served as a warning. A plea. A request that I simply couldn’t grant. I angled my head in Eric’s direction, taking my eyes off the roadmomentarily. The fear within them reminded me of the fear I’d witnessed in so many others before him.

Slow down.

Not a single word was spoken, but I heard him loud and clear.

No. I shook my head, hoping he heard me, too.

156.

Whoop!

Flashing blue lights caused Eric’s grip on my thigh to tighten.

“Fuck!”

Pussy.

Inwardly, I was reeling. However, my face remained neutral.

Though I could hear the sirens and see their reflection in the rearview, I knew there was no chance of them catching up to us at the speed I was going. But, I was no fool. We’d already been reported and there was likely another officer waiting to join the chase if I led them on one. That wasn’t my plan.

164.

“Slow down. Slow this motherfucker down.”

“If you wish.” I shrugged.

My brows lifted on my face, rushing toward my hairline as I lessened the pressure of my right foot.

140.

“Thank you.Shit.”

Disgusted with the lack of enthusiasm in Eric’s tone, I pushed out a load of air.

128.

“Outrun them but don’t kill us, baby girl.”

“I’m not dying tonight, Eric. Not tomorrow night, either,” I assured him.

From the rearview mirror I could see the car gaining in. Just as it neared us, I shut off the lights and swerved into the lane furthest to the right. To Eric’s surprise, we came to a screechinghalt. Blue and red lights rushed past us, unable to slow down in time. Once he realized what was happening, his entire demeanor changed.

“Good shit!” Eric smacked the dashboard with his palm.

I used the opportunity to switch gears. And at full speed, I reversed the car. We were less than a mile away from the nearest exit.

136.

With the precision of an open heart surgeon, I weaved through the cars entering the highway.

152.

As we approached the exit and the road widened, I tightened my fingers around the wheel and twisted until we were facing oncoming traffic. Swiftly, I straightened the wheel and merged into the emergency lane. Our eventful exit from the highway sent a chill up my spine.

My entire body tingled. I could feel my features soften as we continued down the street. A simple twist of the knob illuminated the front of the car as we slowed to a creep at the light.

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