Page 4 of Keep Me Safe

“I’m so excited for you! I’m going to miss you, though,” I whine.

“I know,” he says, his smile soft. “But I’ll come home as much as I can.”

The game wraps up, and we’re up next against Jake and Ava. Jake is one of Jared’s best friends—they met when Jared joined JV football freshman year and have been inseparable ever since. Ava is Jake’s girlfriend. I’ve only met her a few times, but she seems nice.

“Kira and I are basically beer pong legends. You two don’t stand a chance,” Jared teases.

I laugh. I wouldn’t call myself a legend, but I’ve had plentyof practice on this porch. Memories of sneaking a six-pack from Noah the summer before freshman year flash through my mind.

Now, we’re down to one pesky red cup. Jake and Ava still have two on the table. Jared misses his shot. It’s my turn.

No way I’m making this. Pressure makes me choke every time—especially a few drinks in.

“Come on, Kira, you got this!” Jared cheers.

“No, you don’t,” Jake smirks, throwing me a wink.

I take a deep breath and line up my shot, tossing the ball with a perfect arc and landing directly into the center of the cup. Shouts erupt from behind me. Jared brings his arms around me, lifting me into a big hug. I squeal, giggling as he puts me down.

“See, I knew you could do it. Who’s next?” Jared asks.

More people step up to the other side of the table, and we play a couple more rounds until we finally lose to some guys that I can only explain as looking like their names are Brad and Chad. Accepting defeat, Jared shrugs and heads inside to grab another drink, not that he needs it. I follow, making my way down the hall to the bathroom.

Washing my hands, a knock sounds on the door.

“One sec!” I announce, turning off the water.

The door swings open anyway.

Jake looms over me, the dim light casting shadows across his face. He shuts the door behind him. The click of the lock is deafening. My stomach knots, my breath catching in my throat.

I’ve been trying to get you alone all night,” he slurs, thestenchof alcohol strong on his breath.

Panic claws up my chest. I force myself to stay still, to breathe, but my heart pounds against my ribs. I glance past him,calculating the distance to the door. Too far.

Then, without warning, he’s on me. An arm snakes around my waist, pulling me into him.

Suddenly, I’m fifteen again.

The air is too thick. The room is too small. I can’t breathe.

Jake’s breath is hot against my cheek.“I couldn’t help but notice how you were looking at me earlier,” he murmurs, his eyes dragging over me like I belong to him. His fingers brush the hem of my sweater, just beneath my ribs. My skin crawls. My pulse roars in my ears.

I need out. Now.

“Jake, what are you doing?” My voice is barely above a whisper, too strangled by fear.

He smirks.“Relax.”

I jerk back, but his grip tightens.

“I like the top,” he says, his fingers grazing the bottom of my chest.

My throat locks up. My body shuts down. The memories slam into me like a wrecking ball. I’m trapped. No one can hear me. No one can save me.

Except me.

Time stops. I force my mind to catch up with my body. This is now. I am not fifteen. I am not powerless.

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