Page 26 of Big & Burly Rockstar

Chapter 11

Elli

My heart races and my stomach is in knots as I look around for Stan and the other bodyguard. Where is the car? Shit.

I wish Dev was with me. But he was busy singing Happy Birthday to God knows who and I couldn’t wait. I need to get to my dad as soon as possible.

I was in the bathroom when I got my sister’s text. Dad’s had a heart attack. Come to Mercy Hospital. It took everything in me not to vomit into the gleaming sink.

I run out of the building, not caring about the photographers. My panic gives me tunnel vision. Why didn’t I ask where the cars would be parked?

I make it to the street, dimly aware of the paparazzi on my heels. I start to walk, not knowing where I’m going. I need to find a taxi.

And as if my prayers are being answered, a yellow cab approaches. I throw my hand into the air, stumbling toward the road. Please, let them stop.

The taxi comes to a halt and I jump into the back.

“Mercy Hospital,” I gasp. “Quick. Please.”

The driver only nods, a hat drawn deep into his face, as the engine roars and he speeds off. With shaking fingers, I grab my phone and text Dev where I’m going. I hope he comes soon. I need him by my side to face this.

Please don’t let him die. Please don’t let him die.I bury my face in my hands and take in deep breaths, trying not to cry. My dad and I may not have the best relationship, but I love him. I’m too young to live without my dad. I still need him.

The taxi slows, and I jerk upright, wondering if we’re already there. No. We’re in a dark side street. The hair at the back of my neck stands up.

“Is this some sort of shortcut?” I ask, acid bubbling in my stomach.

“No.”

There’s a clicking sound. When I try the door, it’s locked.

The driver takes off his hat and turns to face me. “Hello, Eleanor.”

All the air whooshes out of my lungs. I blink, sure I must be imagining things. But no. Right here, in the front of the taxi, is Adam. My sister’s fiancé. And my ex.

“Adam?” My voice sounds like it’s coming from far away. “What are you doing here? What’s going on?”

He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Did you really think I’d let you dump me?”

“I—what?” I shake my head, trying to clear it. “You slept with my sister. Of course I dumped you.”

He scoffs. “A stupid mistake. But you and I, we’re meant for each other. That’s why I started to date Mel. I wanted to be close to you. And I knew seeing us together would make you realize what you lost.” His smile is the scariest thing I’ve ever seen. “Did you miss me?”

Undiluted fear pumps through my veins. It really is him. Adam is my stalker.

I stay silent, trying to figure out what to do, trying to find a way out of this.

“Did you miss me?” he asks again, a dangerous edge to his voice.

“No,” I spit. Immediately, I regret my reaction. His face flushes purple with rage.

“It didn’t have to be this way, Eleanor.”

Before I can react, his hand jabs toward me and something pricks my thigh. I glance at my leg, but there’s no injury to be seen. Did he inject me with something?

He shakes his head, as if he’s disappointed in me. “You forced me to do this. I had no choice.”

I want to answer, to tell him he had every choice not to fucking kidnap and terrorize me, but my tongue is thick and slow in my mouth, and my eyes grow heavy. The last thing I see before losing consciousness is Adam smiling at me.

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