Page 31 of Wrecked
Chapter Thirteen
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Payton
My arms wrap aroundmy knees, trying to hold myself together, as I sit in bed. I’ve been sick to my stomach all night. Sleep didn’t happen, not with fear swirling around me. Fear of wondering why this is happening. What could he possibly want from me?
I’ve watched the sun come up, listened to the birds start to sing, and heard the hustle of all my neighbors. Everything seems less scary in the bright light of day. The noises aren’t so loud, the quiet isn’t so terrifying. But putting my feet on the floor, seems like an impossible feat.
The blare of my cell phone, causes my stomach to drop. Taking a deep breath, I reach a shaky hand out to my phone. Asher. For a second, everything around me settles. The fear disappears, as a warm feeling surrounds me. Like he is holding me close, keeping me safe.
However, reality smacks me in the face when it begins to ring again. Returning me to this hell I’ve all, but created.
“Hello?” I answer, knowing if I don’t he’ll come rushing over.
“Hey, you alright? I haven’t heard from you since you pushed me out last night,” he asks, concern lacing his voice. It’s the last thing I want. I don’t want him worrying for me. These are my demons, my mistakes, my misfortune. He doesn’t need to own up to it, I do.
“I’m fine. Sorry. Being home last night just brought back so many memories. I just needed the night,” I lie.
“Baby, you know you could have said that instead of pushing me away. I’ve never forced more from you than you are willing to give, you know that.”
Damn, I’ve hurt him. Trying to keep him safe and I end up hurting him. This is such a fucked up situation. “I know that. I’m sorry.” Christ, I’m so sorry.
“You still meeting me over at the garage? Brett and I are going to finally get to work on your car. You can stop driving that junker your Dad is letting you use. Maybe the three of us can go get drinks after. Ending with my face buried between your legs,” he says, sounding turned on the more he talks.
I peek toward the window. It’s daylight, nothing bad happens in the light of day. “Yeah, sounds like one hell of a plan,” I say, forcing myself to be someone I’m not right now.
“Cool. I’ll meet you over there in an hour.”
We talk for a bit more before we hang up to get ready. My legs are weak when I stand up and almost buckle out beneath me. Grabbing ahold of the bed, I close my eyes. “It’s light out. You’re safe,” I say out loud, trying to convince myself.
I take a quick shower. Scrubbing a little too hard, wishing it would wash it all away. Getting dressed quickly in a pair of jeans and cream off the shoulder shirt, I pull my wet hair into a messy bun. Apply just a minimal amount of makeup, I don’t even bother looking at myself.
Putting my phone in my purse, my heart starts to pound.
I need to get out of here.
Shaking my head, I swallow the lump in the throat. I open the door and step outside. Neighbors are coming and going. It’s a flurry of activity. Closing the door, I hear someone calling my name. I’m frozen with my hand on the knob. I can’t think, I can’t move.
Faster. You need to move faster.
“Payton. Geez, couldn’t you hear me?” Alison, my neighbor asks, walking up to me.
Spinning, I plaster on my fake smile. “Sorry, I had my headphones in. What’s up?”
“I’m going out of town in a few weeks. I was hoping you’d keep an eye on my cat for me. Just dump some food for her, pet her head and make sure she has water. Do you mind?”
In a few weeks. I have no idea where I’ll be in a few weeks, but I politely smile. “Sure, no problem.”
“Great. I’ll catch up with you and show you everything when it gets closer.”
Agreeing, I leave, rushing to my car. Putting the key in to unlock it, my heart stops beating. A piece of paper is stuck on the driver's side window.
‘Where is it?’
Grabbing the paper, I jump into the car. My heart is pounding so hard I hear it in my ears. Fear wraps itself around me, squeezing the air out of my lungs. What does he want?
Just go. Don’t look back. Keep driving until you are safe.
Driving to the garage, I throw the car in park and get out. I beat Asher here, which is probably a good thing. This way I can get my emotions under control before he sees. Going into the office, I turn on the lights.
I glance over at the computer and this time, my knees do give out. Dropping to the ground, I close my eyes. No. No fucking way. Hearing Asher’s footsteps, I jump up and grab the note.
‘Asher’
The blood pumping through my body is the only thing I can hear. Everything is in slow motion. The door opening, Asher’s lips moving, the way he crosses his arms, smiling. I can’t hear him, I can’t move.
He knows where I live, where I work, what I drive. He knows about Asher. He knows about everything.
