Page 1 of Cupid's Arrow

1

CORINNE

Ican’t believe I’m actually doing this.

My sweaty hands slide over the steering wheel as I approach the giant wall of chain fences. Barb wire is wrapped around the top edges, and large signs with lightning bolts are posted every few feet, warning people of the electric current running through the metal.

Slowing down my car, I delay the inevitable arrival at the gate. When I left my house, I sped the first half of the drive because I was so excited. But the closer I get, the more scared I am.

Judging by their faces, the two guards in the gatehouse must realize the same. Yes, I’m freaking out; my heart is racing, and my breathing is erratic. The two uniformed men give me a concerned look. I force a smile and roll down my window.

“I’m just here to pick someone up,” I announce.

The two guards exchange an odd look before one of them says, “The only inmate that’s supposed to get released today is not someone I would let get in your car.”

“I’m here for Arrow Dawson.”

Both guards stare at me as if they are waiting for me to say something else. Maybe an explanation, or do they want me to laugh and admit I was joking? Well, neither one is going to happen.

“Listen,” the guard on the right steps closer to my car, resting his elbow above my window, “you look like a nice girl.” His sleazy eyes travel down my flowy summer dress, making me feel exposed. I squeeze my legs together and tuck my dress down until it covers my knees. “You don’t want to be involved with someone like that. You don’t know what kind of guy he is.”

“I’ve known Arrow since I was six. Maybeyoudon’t know what kind of guy he is.”

The guard straightens up and takes a step back. “Suit yourself, little girl.” He shrugs, and I want to shove his police baton down his throat for calling me little girl. Only one person is allowed to call me that. “Make a U-turn and wait on the other side. We’ll have someone bring him out.”

“Thanks.” I force a smile and roll my window back up. Mumbling, “jerk,” before turning my car around and parking on the other side of the gatehouse.

Keeping my eyes glued to the rearview mirror, I wait impatiently for Arrow to get released. I can’t believe he’s been locked in here for the last six months. He didn’t deserve it. Yes, he stole a car, and that was fucked up, but no one was hurt, and the owner got their car back without a scratch on it.

Arrow didn’t answer any of my calls or letters, but I kept trying. I wanted him to know someone was thinking of him, that he wasn’t alone. I’m not surprised he didn’t answer, either. He has been my brother’s best friend since they were kids, but he hardly ever spoke a word to me. He mainly ignored me, with the occasional grunt and head nod.

Maybe that’s why I have been so obsessed with him? Most guys hit on me constantly, especially at the bar. Even though I never wear anything sexy, I get asked out constantly. Arrow has never hit on me, and I wore anything I could to get his attention. He barely even acknowledges my existence. He is an enigma, the epitome of emotionally unavailable, and I often wonder if I only like him because I can’t have him. Perhaps, I just need him to pay me attention once, and that will end my obsession.

Could it be that easy?

The thought evaporates into thin air when I see the huge metal gate creeping open behind me. Actually,allmy thoughts evaporate. The air in my lungs turns to ice, and my heart skips a beat.

His large frame comes into view, filling up the small rearview mirror. Even from afar, I can tell he has put on a good amount of muscle. His forearms are completely covered in tattoos, and even his shaved head is covered in ink now.

He is wearing the same dark jeans and black shirt he wore the last time I saw him. His hands are in his pockets, and he isn’t carrying a bag. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that he didn’t have anything in there worth taking home.

Our eyes meet in the mirror, and his face contorts into anger when he realizes it’s me. Anyone else would probably be scared if they saw an angry six-foot-four Arrow walking toward them. I, on the other hand, can’t hide my excitement. The smirk on my face is a dead giveaway.

My smirk turns into a full-blown smile as he comes closer, but when he suddenly stops, so does my smile. The gate closes behind him. My eyebrows draw together, and my lips turn into a pout.

When he finally does start moving again, it’s not toward my car.What the hell is he doing?Not bothering to turn off the engine, I throw my door open and climb out of the car, carefully holding my dress in place since I’m not wearing anything underneath.

Arrow away from me and the car. He starts walking down the side of the road, past the guardhouse, while ignoring my presence completely. The two police officers stand tall, one of them with his hand on his gun as if he is getting ready to draw it.

“What the hell are you doing?” I yell after him.

He stops, turning to face me, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe. It’s only been half a year, but Arrow looks so different. His face looks weathered and aged, and his eyes look darker as if he has seen things that are haunting him. He even seems taller than before, more dangerous too. All of this just adds to his appeal. At least it does for me because I know the real Arrow deep inside… deep, deep inside. He doesn’t show himself often, but I know he is in there.

“I’m taking the bus.” The deep timbre of his voice spreads warmth through my body. “No way I’m getting in that car with you.” His voice feels like a warm blanket wrapped around me, but his words feel like a bucket of ice-cold water being poured over my back.

“Why?” I hate that I can’t hide how hurt I sound. I lower my head, forcing the tears to stay inside my eyes. I glance at him through my lashes.

He curses under his breath and looks away at something in the distance, like he can’t even stand to look at me.

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