Page 1 of Hellfire

Chapter One

Katrina

It’s been five days since we left. Five days since I packed us into this car and fled in the middle of the night. The sun began to rise and Leona was passed out in her car seat, completely oblivious to the dangers we would be in if he found us.

He can’t ever find us. If he did, I’m as good as dead and my daughter? NO.

I shook my head at those thoughts. I couldn’t let myself imagine, not even for a second, what could have happened to my sweet and innocent little girl.

Up ahead was the only service station for many miles. I didn’t have a choice but to stop. As I pulled into the mostly empty station, I debated if I should wake Leona but decided I’d rather have her fussy than let her out of my sight.

“Baby,” I whispered. She scrunched her nose adorably before her eyelids fluttered open. “Are you hungry? Let’s get something to eat.”

I gave her a small smile. Her bright blue eyes searched around frantically. My heart squeezed at the fear I saw. Fear he put there. My eyes stung with unshed tears as I unbuckled her from her booster seat.

“Where is daddy?” Her tiny voice was unsure and groggy from sleep.

“He’s not here, baby. Let’s get donuts.”

I took her hand, and we walked inside the station. The bell overhead rang as it closed. Leona let my hand go, and took off toward the wall of sugary treats. Just that small distance sent a wave of anxiety through me. I quickly grabbed a hot coffee and juice box, not wanting to be separated from her for too long. I slammed into a hard chest, and my coffee instantly covered us both.

“I’m so sorry. I should have been watching where I was going.”

I grabbed napkins and tried to dry off his white t-shirt in a haste to fix the damage I’d already caused. My anxiety made each inhale painful. His hand gripped my wrist to stop me from embarrassing myself further.

“It’s fine, dove.”

I flinched at the contact, so used to pain-filled touches that when his giant hands caressed mine, I found myself lost in his honey eyes. I gasped in surprise and glanced back down at his biker boots. Fearful of pissing him off, I murmured another apology.

A low growl came from the man in front of me, the sound threatening and deadly. I whimpered and attempted to take a step back, but my hip rammed into the countertop of the coffee bar. My husband had conditioned me over the years to never make eye contact with anyone or there would be consequences.

“I-I’m so sorry,” I breathed as I backed away from him further, and rubbed my hip softly. The bruises along my side made the impact more painful.

“Mama, look! I got you one with sprinkles.”

Leona’s blonde curls came into view. My throat felt like a frog was stuck, afraid if I spoke, my voice would shake again. So instead, I just gave her a smile and kissed the top of her head. Leona bounced all the way to the front in excitement and set our donuts on the counter. I began rummaging around for my wallet. After checking it a few times, I realized my wallet was missing.

“I’m sorry. I left my wallet in the car. We will be right back.”

The cashier gave me an annoyed look. His jaw was rigid with irritation. I pulled Leona to my side and shuffled toward the door. The same man I bumped into moments before was leaning against the wall, watching me. I felt trapped and my heart drummed wildly with uncertainty. His caramel eyes met mine, and all I saw was genuine kindness shining back in their depths.

“Paul, put the lady’s items on my tab,” he said, never taking his eyes off mine.

I should’ve protested that this biker was helping me. I’ve learned that anytime someone does something kind, they always want something in return. The stranger’s eyes flicked to Leona briefly.

Hell no.

I pulled her slightly behind me and gave him my best glare. His nostrils flared. A slight curve crossed his lips that pulled at the scars along his jaw and cheeks.

“Paul, add a coffee, too. I spilt mama bear’s last one.”

At the reminder, my eyes darted down to his still damp t-shirt, a reminder mine was also wet.

Great, now I’ll need to change soon.

The weather was too cold to walk around in wet clothes.

“You got it, boss,” he responded.

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