Page 3 of Merciless

He can’t find me. I have to make sure of that.

I don’t have a phone, a map or anything useful.

I don’t even have any money, save those few stolen dollars.

But it’s going to work. I’m going to make it happen, even if I spend the rest of my life begging, stealing, and borrowing.

I’m stronger than the men who run this town. I can do this.

My body trembles with fear, exhaustion, and hunger, but I forge on.

The sight of the ‘You’re Leaving Harrow Creek’ sign illuminated ahead makes my heart beat wildly and my stomach flip with excitement.

I’m going to do this. I’m going to defy all the odds and get out.

Without looking back, I emerge from the darkness and pick up speed.

Once I get to the other side of that sign, everything is going to be easier.

Everything is going to get better.

Everything is—

My steps falter when headlights ahead get brighter, lighting me up like a fucking homing beacon.

I swallow nervously, tugging my bag up higher on my shoulders, and will my legs to just keep going. I lower my head, hiding from the driver.

But this is me, and my luck just isn’t that good.

The car slows, and I immediately take off running in the opposite direction and into the trees.

Darkness engulfs me once more as I stumble over thick tree roots and rocks.

The bang of a car door slamming startles me, and I pinch my lips closed before a scream of terror can rip from my throat.

Just keep running. Just keep running.

Your life isn’t going to be worth living if they catch you.

White noise fills my ears as I run. My bag slows me down, especially when it gets caught on a branch, but I refuse to abandon it.

I can’t.

Just when I begin to think I might have outrun the man in the car, my bag is yanked backward. I scream as an arm wraps around my waist, restraining me while a large, hot hand covers my mouth.

“Nice try, Doll,” a deep, deadly voice whispers in my ear.

Ice-cold fear rushes through my veins as I fight to drag the air I need through my nose.

I was so close. So fucking close.

“You’ve got a lot of dangerous men out looking for you.” I whimper, only vaguely relieved that the voice isn’t that of my father. Or worse, his boss. “You’ve no idea how lucky you are that I’m the one who found you.”

1

ALANA

Present…

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