Page 13 of Elusive Embrace

“Could you open the boot for me please?” he asks.

“Where are the keys?”

“In my back pocket,” he says with a sheepish grin. I lift his sports jacket and see the keychain dangling out. I pull the keys free and unlock the boot.

Matt gently places the fawn in the boot. It seems to have made peace with its situation and just hunkers down in the corner.

“Thanks for coming so quickly Matt,” I say once the fawn looks as comfortable as it can be in its situation.

“Not a problem, I was just down the road looking at some sheep,” he replies in a business-like tone. He’s avoiding eye contact with me and I should be glad that he keeps a professional distance given Al’s reaction but it hurts a little.

“Matt—” I don’t know what I want to say to him, there’s so much but it all feels pathetic. I reach for my necklace nervously and play with the pendant.

“I should take this one back to the cli—” Matt stops and stares at me. “What’s that?” He points at me.

“That’s my necklace.” He saw it at the pub so I’m confused by the question.

“No.” His voice is strained. “These.” His thumb gently strokes over my neck where I know there are two bruises from where Al squeezed me too hard.

I let my necklace fall back under my turtleneck allowing the material to cover the bruises.

“Nothing. Hickeys.”

“Nat those are not hickeys. Did he hurt you?” His eyes are boring into me.

“No! Of course not, what makes you say that?” I laugh nervously, realising how bad I am at lying. There’s a part of me screaming to be honest and ask for help but another part, a male voice, is telling me to shut up and walk away.

Matt takes a deep breath and looks away, trying to compose himself. His emotions are written all over his face.

“I should go,” I say, turning back towards the vegetable garden.

“Nat, wait.” His voice makes me pause. For a moment I consider walking on, but then I stop. Matt catches up with me and hands me a business card.

“Here,” he says, scribbling something on the card and holding it out. “I’ve written my private number and address on here. If you ever need help—if you ever need anything, just reach out. Any time.”

I hesitate for a moment but then take the card, curling my fingers around it. “Okay,” I whisper.

“Okay,” he repeats, more firmly. “Any time, Nat!” I nod and turn away, clutching the card tightly. It’s just a small piece of card but somehow it feels incredibly significant.

Chapter 5

Matt

Isuck in thecold air as I run faster through the woods, my breath coming in sharp, ragged bursts. The sounds of Ryan's footsteps fade behind me as the distance between us grows with every stride. Just two more bends and the trees will give way to the open fields. We’re close to the top of Crowghyll but today I can’t focus on the breathtaking views or the tranquillity of the scenery.

I finally stop when I reach the summit cairn, bending over to catch my breath. My shirt is soaked, sweat pouring down my face and stinging my eyes. I change into a fresh shirt and guzzle down some water as Ryan catches up.

“Bloody hell mate, what the fuck’s gotten into you today?” he pants.

“Sorry I was lost in thought,” I mumble, offering a half-hearted excuse.

“Yeah? Any specific thoughts?” He studies me, and I just shrug, sitting down onto a large boulder next to the cairn. I take another sip from my bottle whilst Ryan changes his shirt and pulls on a jacket. The wind’s strong up here, biting and cold, and there’s a definite feel of autumn creeping in.

“I think that wanker is hurting her,” I say quietly, the words almost swallowed by the wind.

“Which specific wanker are we talking about?” he asks, dropping onto the boulder beside me.

“Nat’s boyfriend.”

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