Page 74 of Nightmare

My sunglasses are perched on my nose, even though the sun is already setting, and the chill of the wind is making my lips sore, so I keep my head tucked into my hood to try and mask myself from it.

I feel eyes on me, realizing I probably look like A onPretty Little Liars– the thought sends a little fear through me.

Why was that show so scary?!

I pull my hood down – fuck the chill – flipping my hair over my shoulder, then look around when I start to convince myself that someone is following me.

Breathe, Olivia. You’re freaking yourself out.

You can do this.

I’m balls deep in my pep talk that I don’t notice him before it’s too late, then hands are thrown around me and I’m being pulled through the alley to my right, my feet dragging on the concrete.

No, no. No.

“I just want to talk.” His voice is like nails scraping along my mind, so my veins fill with rage and panic.

I’m shoved against the brick wall of a building behind me, then I’m meeting the eyes of my nightmare.

Brody Rockport.

I search the alleyway for anyone that can help me. People hustle outside the mouth of the alley, but they’re too busy or rushed to take a glance at us.

The sun is setting fast, the last thing I want is to be left alone in a dark alley with this man – so I focus on his face.

He’s unshaven, like he hasn’t had the energy or patience in a while, so stubble covers his jaw and cheeks. His clothing is messy, his t-shirt wrinkled all over and his jeans loose at his waist, showing off the boxers he’s wearing underneath.

“What do you want?” I choke out the words, finally finding his eyes.

The chocolate eyes that once brought me joy, bring me fear and pain, and my stomach falls, anxiety sitting just on the cusp of my mental barrier – threatening to fall over and consume me.

“You haven’t returned any of my messages, Liv.”

My fists clench at my sides, then I start yelling, the anger simmering inside of me so hot that I can’t contain it anymore. “Oh my god! Leave. Me. Alone!”

His face twists, I’m making him angry, but I can’t stop.I’mfucking angry. “Stop fucking following me! I don’t want to see you! You’re INSANE! GET AWAY FROM ME-”

My yells are cut off when the back of his hand comes across my face, striking me and sending my neck twisting to the side. I feel a trickle of blood from the side of my lip so I pull my hand up to press my fingertips to it.

When I pull my hand away, my fingers are glistening with red. My entire body goes numb instantly – my vision starts to darken.

Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. I’ve got to breathe or I’m going to pass out.

His face appears a hairs length from mine, his voice is gravel and fury as he spits his words at me, “Don’t ever speak to me like that again.”

I swallow, my mouth suddenly going dry.

His hand finds my neck, placing it around my throat. He doesn’t grip it roughly, just leaves it sitting on my skin to remind me that he has all the power.

I feel myself shrinking under his gaze, under his touch, under the feeling of his breath blowing across my mouth when he starts to speak again.

“I miss you, Olivia.” His eyes search my face, trying to read me. “You miss me too.” He declares and I almost choke.

I shake my head under his hold, “No.”

His hand tightens a little on my neck. I try to swallow instinctively but instantly regret it when saliva gets caught in my throat.

“You do.” He says, pressing his body against mine, “I can feel the way your body is reacting to me.”

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