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“Don’t worry. Your father told him to get the hell out.”
“Seriously?”
“No. In my mind he did. But he declined the invite. Jeff had his chance and blew it.”
“He just texted me. Said he was sorry—”
“Don’t. Don’t you dare, Dev. Be strong. He cut and ran when he should’ve committed.”
“I know.”
“Don’t respond. Ignore him and he’ll go away.”
“Okay. We’ll talk soon.”
“We better. Love you, bye.”
“Bye.”
I pick the blades of grass out that cling to my toes. Standing up, I stretch and slip my sandals back on. I might not run here today, but I want to at least investigate the trails.
It’s quiet. There’s nothing but chirping birds, the sound of wind in the trees and the water running over rocks in the creek.
It’s a paradise.
My heart feels clear. Talking to Mom really helped and I feel foolish for not calling sooner. I walk for a bit, each step taking me deeper into the woods. My phone pings with a text. What the hell?
Jeff:We were so good together baby. Come back, I’m ready to give you the world.
My hand grips the phone so hard, I’m shocked it doesn’t crack.
Me:You had your chance. I’m done waiting for your empty promises. Move on. I have.
The sound of my ringing phone is so loud in the woods, I almost drop it. My exes name flashes across the screen. I hit ignore, sending him to voicemail. Head bent down, it looks like I’m stretching when I’m trying really hard not to cry, I’m so angry.
Someone’s coming.
Heavy feet pound on the ground so hard, it vibrates.
Twigs snap.
My heart races, remembering the last time I was caught by the woods alone.
I straighten, preparing to face whatever’s coming.
A man’s running around the bend in the trail, racing towards me. He’s wearing a hoodie with the sleeves cut. Every muscle in his arms pops as he pumps them. I can’t see his face, but his eyes are so blue they glow from under the shadow of his hood. My eyes take in his form, traveling down to the muscle in his thick legs. They’re huge, tan and covered in tats.
Holy fuck.
My knees shake.
My body trembles.
I freeze. Like prey and he’s the predator, barreling down on me. I’m in his sights and I don’t care if he catches me. I want to becaught.
He reaches me, arms snaking out, grabbing me by the waist. He pushes me up against a tree, hard thighs pressing into mine.
He growls, breathing hard against my neck, “Fair game. Out in the woods alone… a sweet thing like you is fair game.”