Page 6 of Nowhere to Run

The words hit me like a slap, sharp and humiliating. My stomach twisted as I took in the second message.

Just now, 10:12 a.m.

“Here’s your new workout routine. Three times a week. No excuses. I’ll know if you’re slacking. Don’t test me—I have big plans for you.”

A PDF was attached, but I didn’t dare open it. My breath came faster as the three three dots appeared.

He was typing.

I stared, pulse hammering, my fingers tightening around my phone as a third message flashed onto the screen.

Just now, 10:13 a.m.

“I know you’re ignoring me. Bad idea, Scarlett. You don’t want to see what happens when I’m angry.”

My stomach dropped.

My grip on my phone faltered as cold dread seeped into my chest. Hand shaking, I turned the phone to Emma, wordlessly showing her the messages.

Her eyes widened, her face draining of color. Then her expression hardened. Without hesitation, she snatched the phone from my hand.

“Emma, what are you—?”

Her fingers flew across the screen, typing with frantic determination.

“Leave me the fuck alone, loser. Don’t ever come near me again, or I’ll report you.”

I stared at the message, my pulse thrumming as her finger hovered over send. Her jaw was set, face determined as she waited for my approval.

“Emma?” I whispered, my voice pleading. “Are you sure? I think it might make things worse.”

My chest tightened, and my heart thrashed against my ribs like it wanted out.

But Emma’s voice was calm, certain. “You need to scare him. He’s an ex-convict. He doesn’t want to go back to prison. He’ll lay off when I send this.”

I took a deep breath, nodding.

Sent.

She handed my phone back and I held my breath as I glanced down.

Read.

But no dots appeared. He wasn’t typing. Maybe it worked.

I let out a long breath, relief washing over me like a tide receding.

“Maybe you’re right,” I whispered, though the words felt hollow.

Emma’s eyes narrowed, her tone certain.

“Trust me.”

Chapter Two

Ireturned home after coffee, breathing easier. The relief lingered, but so did something else—a gnawing emptiness.

He hadn’t responded.

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