Page 44 of Forget Me Not

I cringe at the sight, but find the courage to whisper, “Please help me.”

“Did you guys hear that,” he spits. “She thinks I’m gonna help her.”

I swallow hard, turning back around slowly to face my oppressors, knowing pleading with them is my only hope.

“I’ll give you whatever you want. Just please don’t touch me.”

The taller of the two circles around me, his side brushing my body as his eyes drink me up. Then, he approaches Earl, smacks something into his hand, and tells him to scram.

The shorter one bites at the corner of his lip and that’s when I notice he’s missing one of his front teeth. My stomach twists into tight knots. “Please,” I say again, hopeful for even an ounce of humanity in these two.

Suddenly, a hand strikes me across the face so hard that my bag of food goes flying, and I’m forced to the ground. “Help!” I shout, before that same hand slaps to my mouth, stifling my screams. “Don’t hurt me,” I cry into the damp palm that’s trying to silence me.

Pinned with both hands over my head, I squirm and fight, pinching my eyes shut because if I can’t see it, it’s not really happening. Or at least, that’s what I tell myself.

“Hey!” I hear someone shout from the end of the alley. I open my eyes to see a flashlight pointed in our direction, but I can’t make out the handler. “Police. What’s going on down there?”

By the grace of God, the guys let me go. “You’re gonna keep your fucking mouth shut, bitch! And I’m gonna make damn sure of it!”

I feel a boot connect with my jaw, and I taste the warmth of my own blood. A sharp pain sparks through my arms as I'm hit again and again. My stomach twists painfully with every kick and an overwhelming ache settles into my limbs.

The men disappear and I lie there helpless, worthless. Nothing and nobody to everyone, in desperate need of medical attention.

But that attention never comes, and I'm grateful for that. The last thing I need is to be plagued with questions about who I am, or where I'm from. I've done a good job staying away from the law, and I'm not about to give up now.

I push myself off the ground, grunting and groaning with each move I make.

Somehow I manage to stumble out of the alley, my heart pounding and my legs threatening to give out from beneath me. I catch my balance and slam against a red brick wall. Glancing down at my jeans, I see a bright red spot slowly spreading across my crotch. I shakily touch it then raise my fingers. "No!" I cry out as my breath catches in my throat. "Please, God! No!"

I never felt pain like that before. Even losing my mom doesn’t touch the unwavering ache in my chest that I carry with me day in and day out from that loss. It’s indescribable. But I keep on living. Because that’s what I do. I survived that, and I’ll survive this.

ChapterFifteen

ALARIC

“Fuuuuck!”I growl under my breath as my fist meets the mattress of the bed. I punch it over and over again, alternating fists while releasing as much aggression as I can without making a sound.

She will come around, Alaric. It’s only day one. You knew this would be hard at first.

I don’t like having to punish Rhea. I especially don’t like having to be forceful with her, but it’s the only way to show her that I’m the one in control. She needs to understand who is calling the shots here. If I let my guard down for even a minute, she’ll think she holds the power and she’ll run. Or worse, she will use it against me. There isn’t a doubt in my mind.

If she wants to run again, that’s fine. But this time, I’ll be coming with her; right by her side the whole time to protect her the way she deserves. I’m done playing this idiotic game where I keep her safe from the sidelines and she has no idea who I am or all I do for her.

Pulling myself together, I run my hands down my shirt, take in a deep breath, and exit my bedroom.

I move slowly toward Rhea’s door, only stopping once my ear is pressed to it. There’s a lot of shuffling going around. There’s also the sound of sniffles and moans and it hurts me to know I’ve made her cry.

I wish I knew what she’s thinking. Is she plotting an escape? Or is the reality settling in that she isn’t going anywhere?

My only hope is I’ve instilled enough fear in her to stick around.

Lockhaven is growing on me. I could see us being very happy here for the time being. I’d hate to leave so soon. Not to mention we’re safe here, living off the grid without worry of someone finding us.

When the sounds on the other side grow louder—banging, thrashing, and sobbing—I know I need to give her some space.

Returning to the dining room table, I apologize for my swift exit. “I’m sorry for the interruption, I had to take that call.”

“Oh, that’s okay,” Gladys says in her sweet, old voice. “Go ahead and have a seat beside Heather and we can dig into this lovely feast she and I prepared.”

---