Page 86 of Savage Seduction

The room tilts and spins as he tightens his grip. Dark spots dance before my eyes, each blink heavier than the last. I buck under him, trying to throw him off balance, but his weight is too much. With a desperate surge, I manage to twist slightly, catching a glimpse of something metallic glinting in his belt—a weapon?

I can't let him reach it. With renewed vigor spurred by raw fear, I slam my elbow into his side. He grunts, his griploosening for a fraction of a second. It’s enough for me to draw a deep, burning breath.

Our struggle grows more frantic. I kick, punch, scratch—anything to free myself from his deadly embrace. He responds in kind, a silent, relentless force determined to subdue me. His breath is hot and heavy, his body a prison from which I must escape.

Suddenly, he shifts his weight, attempting to pin my arms with his knees. I seize the opportunity, twisting my body and using his momentary imbalance to shove him sideways. He stumbles, but recovers quickly, lunging back with a growl of frustration.

Our fight is a blur of motion and noise, the only sounds the thud of bodies on the floor and our labored breathing. He makes another grab for my neck, his fingers digging in with a strength that sends stars exploding across my vision.

My resistance weakens as the room grows dimmer, my senses dulling under the pressure. I can feel my consciousness slipping away, my thoughts scattering like leaves in the wind. This might be it. This might be how I die— not a celebrated surgeon, but a victim in my own home.

In a last-ditch effort, I gather all my remaining strength and push against the floor, throwing him off with a heave that surprises us both. He loses his balance, and for a moment, the pressure on my throat eases.

I suck in air greedily, each breath a lifeline. But it's short-lived. He recovers quickly, his face a mask of determination and rage. He dives back, and this time, there's a precision in his movement, a finality that chills me to the bone.

His hands clamp down once more, squeezing with a final, desperate pressure. My world constricts to a single, fading point of light. I fight against the encroaching darkness, against the silence that threatens to engulf me. But it’s no use. As mybody goes limp, the last thing I hear is the sound of my own ragged, failing breaths. Then, nothing but the oppressive, suffocating blackness.

CHAPTER 33

Max

Iwake up early and gather my things from the motel room, shoving them into the backseat of my car. I shiver—that room had been nasty, with bugs in the tub, stains on the sheets, and hairs everywhere. Next time, I'll stay in my car, even if it kills me.

I check my phone for the three hundredth time this morning, but still, nothing from Ben. I can’t imagine why he’d be so upset and refuse to answer my calls or simply respond to a text message. He doesn’t seem like the type to completely ghost someone because of one argument, but then again, it was our first real disagreement. People show their true colors during those times. Still, deep down, I care about him and had started to feel like our relationship could go somewhere given the chance.

It’s nice that London sent me a message every hour or two. She hadn’t wanted me to stay there to keep Nana safe, but apparently Nana found out London’s plan and wouldn’t take no for an answer. She wanted me safe and sound at her place. Despite all that, I can't shake the nightmare of how I’d putthem in danger. I’ll do what I can to ensure it never happens again. It wouldn’t be fair, or right.

My phone rings and I fumble it out of my pocket, hoping in vain it's Ben.

Damn.

“Hey, London,” I answer.

“I’m so sorry,” she says. “I tried to talk sense into her, but she won’t listen to me.”

“What’s going on? Is Nana alright?”

“She’s fine, but there is no way you’re getting Chubs back from her.”

I would have bet a million dollars I’d never hear those words come from anyone—especially from Nana, who’d never even met the darn cat before last night. “I thought you were going to say that Chubs attacked her in the middle of the night, and she called animal control or something.”

“Not even close,” she says with a laugh. “They watch television together, eat their meals next to each other, and I caught Nana explaining to him if they play their cards right, he would be able to stay with her forever.”

“Wow,” I say. “I’m speechless.”

“Please say you’ll let her keep him. I haven’t seen her this happy to share her cream of wheat with anything before.”

I laugh. “Dang, he’s getting spoiled so fast. Are you sure you’re okay with the added responsibility?”

“Nana hadn’t slept well since the break-in, she’s been sleeping with the lights on and has been weepy. Chubs shows up and it’s like she has a purpose and reason to be strong again. I am totally okay with him living here. He’s actually been quite the gentleman; no hissing, no spraying, no biting. It’s been great.”

I think about all the times I’d tried to get Chubs to come inside but was flatly rejected. Chubs had been waiting for someone to need him as much as he needed them, and he’dclearly found that with Nana. “I love it. I’ll even help you guys buy some toys, food, and get him his first round of shots from the vet.”

“You’re too sweet,” she says. “Nana will be thrilled. Thank you.”

“Of course.”

“I’ve been thinking a lot about the break-in… and I’ve got an idea,” she says.

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