Page 14 of Nowhere to Run

He doesn’t know me at all. I was stronger than he realized.

He’ll leave me alone now.

Once he sees I mean it. That I really, truly want nothing to do with him. I have a life. A wonderful life, with an amazing guy in it.

I clenched my fists, my jaw tightening. And hadn’t he already taken what he wanted? What he’d longed for all those years. He forced me to do those filthy, degrading things. I did it. Enough was enough.

But a traitorous pulse of heat ran through me at the memory—his intense gaze, the snap of his waistband, the sight of his throbbing cock…

Stop.

I had to get out, shake him from my mind. I grabbed my phone, keys, and yanked a red hoodie off the banister, zipping it up in a rush. The sun was bright, but the bite of winter still lingered in the air. I slammed the door shut behind me and took off.

With my earbuds in, I started a light jog, heading for the track. The late afternoon air was crisp and refreshing. Just what I needed. My ponytail bounced as I picked up speed, thoughts clearing as my feet pounded the pavement in time with the music.

The track was empty. Perfect.

I lost myself in the movement, my heart picking up a steady rhythm as I ran. For the first time all day, my mind felt clear. No notes, no threats. No Adrian. Just the crisp air, the steady pound of my feet against the pavement.

My thoughts drifted to Ryan. His easy smile, the warmth in his voice when he called me beautiful. He wanted to take me outthis weekend. Could I? He was sweet. Kind. The type of guy I should want.

But my body was hungry now.

Now that I’d had Adrian.

I wasn’t sure I could handle another chaste goodnight at my doorstep. Not after everything. This time, I’d pull Ryan inside. Wrap my arms around him. Kiss him hard and not stop. Tear his clothes off—

I exhaled sharply, wiping the sweat from my brow.

My eyes drifted toward the bleachers. I pictured myself sitting there in high school, sketchpad on my lap. What if I’d never looked up? Never caught Adrian’s eye.

I stumbled slightly and bent down to re-tie my laces.

Standing back up, I readied myself to resume my run.

But a flicker of movement caught the edge of my vision.

My head snapped to the bleachers.

Someone was there.

A figure sat alone, watching me.

I froze.

Dark hair. A black hoodie under a leather jacket, unzipped just enough to hint at the strong muscles beneath. Faded jeans. He wasn’t here to workout.

He was here for one reason.

Me.

A chill raced down my spine. How did he know I’d come here?

Maybe he didn’t. Maybe this was just a coincidence—

Adrian tilted his head, smirking. A slow, deliberate dare.

No. He knew.

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