Page 190 of The Reluctant Hero

Amanda

An hour after I got into the room, a metal sheet slid up to cover the window from the outside. Just like Tera said they would. I take it as my cue to get in bed and pretend to sleep with Jakob in bed with me. I curl on my side with nothing but my thoughts for company. It isn’t fun.

A subtle beeping startles me awake. I must have fallen asleep. I turn the alarm off, grateful I set it up just in case. The window is clear now. Tera got the metal shutters off. If that’s done, then she also has the cameras on a loop and the alarms and electric fence shut down. Which means I’m on time for an escape.

I roll out of bed with a wince and grab the bottle of painkillers. I’ll need them if I plan to get through tonight. I look at my torn-up sneakers and then at the shoes Jake bought me. Fuck it. I put on the black and purple pair with a smirk.

A vibration in my hand brings my attention to a text.

My #1 Fan: Ride on the way and gate unlocked. Let me know you make it home safe ok?

Tera is beyond anything I could imagine. No wonder she’s South’s best friend. I hope I’m not getting her in trouble with her boyfriends. They hate me enough and I’d like to actually sit down with her at some point. Minus the angry stares.

None of this is safe. Then again, I’ve kept her away and only involved her in things that she won’t get shot at for.

I send back a saluting emoji. I get one with hearts in different designs in return. It’s so hard for me to imagine her with the utter assholes I’ve met.

The window doesn’t make a sound when I open it. I don’t fall out, which is the real miracle of the day. There’s no one around for the casual stroll to the front gate. Even though it takes a ridiculous amount of walking. The house couldn’t possibly be less than a mile away from the damn gate. They’re all toorichfor that. I rant to Tera about it and get back laughing emojis and the gate opening like magic for me.

I stare at it for a second, getting serious. The amount of things she’s done for me, an absolute stranger, is humbling.

Me: You are amazing. Thank you for all of this. I owe you a beverage of your choice whenever you want it. I wouldn’t have made it this far without you.

Maybe I can convince Shade to start up a college fund for her baby.

I’m halfway down the street before she responds. It’s a crying emoji, and I wince. Pregnancy hormones. I forgot. Shit.

If her boyfriends didn’t like me before, they definitely won’t now.

A car is waiting, and I start to hurry so they don’t leave me stranded.

A prickle of unease attacks my spine, and I twist, spinning Jakob at the ready.

I don’t have to scan for the culprit. Jake is practically whistling as he walks a good distance behind me. He even waves, playing on his phone with his other hand.

“Where are we going?” He calls casually, making me wince. I scan the area as if anyone would be within earshot of us.

“You’re turning around and strolling your happy ass right back,” I hiss angrily. I point the baton at him and then behind him like he needs directions.

“Sure.” He nods like he’s agreeing and then knocks the baton and my arm aside to get into my personal space. He’s so close so fast I only have time to start rearing back from him before his hand is clenched over my butt, and I’m being yanked into him. My softness yields to the hard strength of his body without protest. Stupid body.

“Jake,” I start angrily as my heart begins to hammer. He must feel it because his smile gets more malicious.

“Amanda,” he practically purrs back. “Where you go, I go. I do remember telling you that.”

I try to glare, but I end up pouting. My arms drop to my sides. I can’t even pretend to struggle against his tight hold. But I do have one demand. If he doesn’t listen, then this minor truce is over.

“Do not try to stop me,” my voice goes flat as our eyes meet and hold.

“Stopyou?” His eyes widen in surprise. “I’m here to hold your purse and cheer you on. Let’s go.”

He ushers me into the car while I flounder in confusion. This isn’t how I expected things to go.

Do I want him to coddle me and treat me like a damsel? Maybe a tiny bit. Am I excited that he’s supporting my destructive phase? Maybe alot. I should have been paying more attention to him from the beginning.

He raises a brow as I continue to stare at him. “He’s asking where we’re going. Zone out during the drive.”

I snap out of it and give the guy the address I memorized. Jake’s eyes narrow as his head tilts.

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