Page 37 of Perfect Strangers

“Maybe I should stay.”

A soft mumble echoes under my breath. “I only ask of one thing.”

His deep voice whispers. “Oh yeah, what’s that?”

“Ice cream.”

Major smirks as he pecks my lips. “Be back in a few minutes. Any particular flavor?”

I smile with excitement. “Surprise me.”

Major races down the steps as I laugh, shutting the door behind me. I race into my bedroom, to change into something a little bit more appealing for his taste. I let my hair down, knowing he loves my long golden locks.

I apply a coat of mascara and a dash of gloss. Just as I finish up, a knock comes from the door.

That was fast.

Giddy with excitement I head out into the hall, to let him in. As soon as I open the front door, I immediately regret it. At that moment, I come face to face with my hidden memories of the past who have come back after all this time.

That same creepy voice mumbles, sending chills down my spine. “Hey there darling. I told you I’d find you.”

That rugged voice rings through my ear as my body goes on high alert. My hands immediately push on the door, hoping to lock him out before he barges in. But it’s no use. He’s already barreling through.

My body spins glancing around for my phone so I can dial 9 -1 -1. I see it on the kitchen counter as my body jumps to reach it.

The goon tugs onto my long hair, yanking me as my body retracts into his grasp.

His face nuzzles into my neck, sniffing my scent, causing goosebumps to crawl on my skin. He breathes in deep. “Now, tell me where the money is.”

Trembling forces shakes my core as I try to wiggle out of his grasp. “I don’t have your money. I never did.”

“I know you took it. You and that punk.”

His hand clasps around my neck, squeezing tight. My throat aches in pain as his fingers clench around it. My voice strains to get the words out. “It wasn’t me. Please…don’t.”

And with all my strength, I force my elbow into his stomach. He keels over, allowing me to escape his grasp. At that moment, I pick up the closest thing I can find, and smash a glass vase on his head. Shards of tiny pieces of glass explode all over the floor as he slumps forward.

A loud groan escapes him as he yells at me. “Bitch!”

My feet take me to the kitchen as I grab my phone. I dial the police just as I hear a faint sound coming from the hallway.

“Mommy? I heard noises.”

The operator answers in seconds. “9-1-1. What is your emergency?”

The sight of Crew walking toward our scuffle causes my heart to drop. Ignoring the operator my instinct directs right to my son.

“Crew, get out of here! Go get help!”

The goon gets up glancing as Crew stands within an arm’s reach. I watch as he lunges forward, grasping to get to him.

“No!”

Without any hesitation, my body leaps forward and on top of his back. My small frame does nothing to stop him so I force my thumbs into his eyes.

He cries out in pain as I watch my son escape into the hallway.

“Run Crew!”

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