Page 133 of Done Waiting

“I’m for that plan. I’m hungry.”

Ashlynn nods as we move to her door. Grabbing her keys and wallet, she says, “Sounds like a plan.”

I’m the first to step outside, with Jason waiting beside Ashlynn as she locks her door. Breathing in the freezing air, I let it fill up my lungs, cooling my overheated skin. Closing my eyes, I tilt my head to the sky, staring at the twinkling stars illuminating the sky. I remember holding Maddie in my arms, carrying her to my cabin, and both of us talking about making a wish upon a star.

Closing my eyes, I picture Maddie’s face that night. When I open them, I find the brightest star in the sky and fervently make a wish from my heart.Please, Mom, help me find Maddie.

53

MADISON

Ben’s hand grips my throat tighter, decreasing my oxygen supply, but not cutting it off completely.

“I think it’s time you gave me a bit of what you so willingly give Jagger while your mother watches.”

Oh, shit. No.My breathing changes, becoming shallow and quick from the panic consuming me.Oh, God. What do I do? How do I stop this from happening?

Turning my head away from Ben’s malicious blue eyes, I picture Jagger’s soft onyx ones staring into mine as he shoved himself deep inside me, whispering how much he loves me. The expression on his face and in his eyes calms me. I feel foolish for doubting his love, more certain than ever he really loves me.

He’d give up anything for you. How many times has he proven that?

Opening my eyes, I push against Ben’s forearm, digging my nails in as I struggle against the ropes binding my wrists. He grins down at me before he plants his lips on mine, his kiss bruising and punishing. I twist beneath him, causing a growl to come from deep inside his chest. He moves his mouth away from mine. “Oh yeah, baby. I like it when you fight me.”

Fuck. This sicko enjoys my resistance. It’s foreplay to him. What he thrives on. Gets off on.

I turn my head as his lips come at me again. He doesn’t seem to care, his hot mouth moving along the side of my face to my neck.

My breaths are shallow from the panic welling inside my body. I push against him with my bound hands, but he grabs them, shoving them over my head. Closing my eyes, I heave out a breath, trying to calm myself so I can figure a way out of this.

My mom’s screams penetrated my thoughts. They’ve changed from terror to anger.

Ben looks over at her, screaming, “Shut the fuck up.”

Turning my head, I lock eyes with my mom, pleading for her to get the message. Then I push against him, wiggling my body beneath his with everything I have. My mom takes that moment to fly at Ben, bringing her hands up and raking her nails in his eyes. He howls, falling backward, and she throws her weight at him, pushing him off me.

Thank God.

Shooting up into a sitting position, my eyes land on the glint of silver.

My mom’s cell phone. The dumbass must not have taken it from her pocket, or he had it in his and it fell out.

Scurrying over to it, I hurriedly press the button to unlock it, my eyes moving to Ben and my mom as they struggle on the floor. It’s awkward entering her passcode, but I finally enter the number, hoping she hasn’t changed it.

Bingo.

I go to her contacts, finding Ryan’s name. I press his name, holding my breath.Please, please, go through.

I hear Ryan’s voice right as Ben tosses my mom, who rolls across the floor. Then his eyes moved to me and the phone in front of me. He snarls and lunges at me. I grab the phone and notknowing what to do, jab it in his eyes as soon as he’s close. He howls, holding his eye. As I try to scramble away, which is hard as hell with bound ankles, he grabs me, yanking me back by the hair.

Oh, God. He’s going to rape and kill me for sure now.

Closing my eyes, I do the only thing I can do. I flashback to that night with Jagger when we both discovered we wished upon a star. Although I can’t look up at the sky and see them right now, I envision that night so clearly that I can smell Jagger.

Please find me, Jagger. I need you.

54

THE STALKER

---