Page 79 of In The Dark
“I don’t want to get hurt.” I put my hands on the banister of the patio and lean forward, trying to decide what path I’m going to take. “By you, by nature. If I trip and fall or feel unsafe, I want to stop.”
“How much of a head start do you want? Five minutes? Ten?”
I clearly didn’t think of logistics when I shared this is what I wanted to do. The land is unfamiliar to me but something he sees every day, and a head start sounds like a good idea. I need all the help I can get.
“Um. Five minutes? I guess? But you can’t look at where I’m going.”
“I won’t. The edge of the property is fenced all the way around. If you get lost, turn around and walk straight. You’ll end up back at the house.”
“What if I do get lost?”
Hunter pulls something from his pocket and hands it my way. I stare at the small package then glance up at him, confused.
“It’s a glowstick. Open it, crack it, and I’ll be able to find you.”
“How are you this prepared for everything?” My laugh is hesitant, on the edge of excited. “How many women have you chased out here?”
“None. This is a first for me, but I’ve told you I’m always going to keep you safe.” He taps my wrist and smiles. “If I see the glow stick, the game is off. Fair?”
“Fair.” I tuck the glow stick away and take a deep breath. “I think I’m ready.”
“Okay. Before you go, there’s one more thing I have for you.”
“My very own knife?” I joke.
“No. But we can get you one if you want.” Hunter cups my cheeks and kisses me. It’s slow, indulgent, and I sigh against his mouth. “I miss you already.”
“I miss you too.”
“Go on, angel.” He gives my ass a tap and steps away from me. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Don’t be so sure about that.” I fix my ponytail and start for the stairs that lead to the ground. “I’m a former athlete. I have some speed in me.”
“I can be a very sore loser, and this is a game I want to win. If you make it all the way to the far end and back without me catching you, you’ll win.”
He’s hard to make out under the cloudy night sky. I don’t know if he’s already started the clock or if he’s giving me asecond to gather myself, but when my feet hit the grass, I take off.
I run until my lungs burn. Until my calves feel like they’re on fire, an ache settling into my thighs. Until I reach the fence he mentioned on the outskirts of their land before I turn around. I pump my arms, a stitch forming in my side when I reach a large tree.
My heart is beating so fast, I’m afraid it might fall out of my chest.
I’ve never been so terrified in my life.
Or so turned on.
I know exactly what I asked for when I brought this up to him. The thrill of what’s waiting for me if I lose is so hot, I almost don’t even want to try. But a larger, more insane part of me knows this will be more fun if I struggle. If I give it my best effort and think I’m going to get away when there’s absolutely no way I’m not.
Pausing to catch my breath, I listen for any signs he might be close. The air is still. There’s no breeze, no noise. Even the leaves refuse to rustle, and I expect him to be moving like a shadow, seeing me while I can’t see him.
A stick snaps, and I jump. I gather my courage and spot another tree up ahead, off the main path that leads to his house. That’s my next target, my moment of refuge I have to get to before I let myself rest again.
I just have to hope he doesn’t catch me first.
I brush my hair out of my face and take off, sprinting like my life depends on it. I jump over a small stump. I step on a pile of leaves that tickle my calves. When I make it to the checkpoint without being spotted, I start to believe maybe I can outsmart him.
So what if he’s a stealthy serial killer who’s never been caught committing any crimes?
Men aren’t shit.
