Page 37 of Bred

Hailey

Instead of thanking him, I ran the moment he turned his back. One look at the intimidating man in a suit with his captivating chocolate eyes, and I was immediately wet for my savior. I was horrified since just seconds before, I had been hoping someone would come to my rescue, fearing that slimeball would take what wasn’t his. But the minute I saw those dark eyes, I knew he was just as dangerous to me as the other man in the room, perhaps even more so.

He was beautiful, devastating in that powerful suit that hugged his muscular frame. He screamed power and money but the darkness rolled off him in waves. He could leave someone like me devastated beyond repair. Not that someone like him would ever want someone like me. But the electricity that sparked between us when I took his hand scared the hell out of me. I’ve never reacted to someone that way. With one look, I knew he was all kinds of trouble, so I ran the second I could. There was no room for that in my life. College and work, I didn’t have time for anything else. Working two jobs and taking night classes was already hard enough. I was determined to make it on my own, even if it killed me.

Hopefully, the handsome stranger knew I was grateful. I’d never forget what he did for me. I would never forgethim.

CHAPTER TWO

HAILEY

Two Months Later

Mylegbouncesupand down incessantly. The pencil I’m holding taps repeatedly against my book. Another glance at the clock, another minute passed. Apprehension flows over me with every tick of the clock.

“Alright, that’ll be all. Oh, and don’t forget your thesis needs to be turned in by next Friday.” Everyone quickly gathers their belongings barreling out of the room ready to start off the weekend. “Miss Burnett, can you stay a minute?”

A quick glance at the clock; and my stomach sinks further. Class went over by almost half an hour. Dread fills me thinking there won’t be anyone left in the parking lot by the time I’m out. Swallowing down the fear that threatens to take over, I gather my book and papers putting them into my bag before making my way to Mrs. Parker.

“Hailey, I’m going to be blunt with you.” She stacks her papers and puts them into her bag before turning to me. “Your grades are dropping.”

“I know, I’m sorry…”

Holding her hand up, she halts me mid-sentence. She tilts her head studying me. “Is everything okay?” Concern written across her face. “You started out strong in this class but the last couple of months your grades have steadily declined. You’ve got bags under your eyes and your jumpy. When Kayden dropped his bag earlier, I thought you were going to have a coronary. What’s going on with you?” The sincerity in her voice brings tears to my exhausted eyes.

When was the last time someone actually cared? Cared enough to ask?

Dropping my head, I quickly blink back the tears before clearing my throat. “I umm… I’m just not sleeping well.” I shrug. “Stressed between school, work…” I trail off.

“Is everything okay at home? Is there someone bothering you?”

I barely choke back the maniacal laughter that tries to erupt from me.Besides me coming home to find my back door left wide open? The one I never use and always keep locked? Items on my makeup vanity rearranged? Constantly questioning my sanity because I don’t remember moving stuff around or why I would in the first place? The feeling of being watched but never seeing anyone? Am I so busy and tired I forgot to lock the door? Am I losing my mind? The chaotic thoughts sound delirious even to me, so imagine what she would think, let alone, the cops that I refuse to call, afraid they would confirm my insanity.

“No, there’s no one bothering me.”

There’s no one that cares…that inner voice taunts me.

“Honestly, I think I just need a break. To get away maybe. The stress of everything, well, I guess it’s finally taking a toll on me.”

The look in her eyes says she’s hesitant to believe me. “Alright, well if you need anything, the school provides many counseling services...” My body immediately tenses.

Ah, there it is. You fool, you should’ve known. It’s her duty to report troubled students.

“I’m good, but thanks.” My sneer clear in my voice as I cut her off. Slinging my bag onto my shoulder, I give her a forced smile. “Have a good weekend, Mrs. Parker.”

Turning on my heel, I race through the door and down the isolated hallway to the exit. Barreling through the door, the frigid air nearly takes my breath away as I make my way towards the now empty parking lot. The hair on the back of my neck stands on end in an all too familiar feeling.

“Shit.” I mumble scanning the parking lot for the source. My breath and my feet pounding against the pavement are the only sounds that can be heard echoing across the deserted lot.

Snatching my keys from my bag, movement out of the corner of my eye startles me. All the air rushes from my lungs as panic washes over me; at seeing the large hooded figure stalking towards me. Rushing the last few feet, I quickly unlock the car and throw myself inside locking the doors. His strides are slow. Measured.

Turning the ignition, my stomach sinks hearing nothing but theclick click clickof the engine refusing to start.

“No. No, no, no, no!” I shout. “This can’t be happening.” A fearful sob threatens to escape. The hooded figure’s large form is growing larger with every footfall. Turning the key over and over desperately while bouncing in my seat, dread consumes me and the tears fall obscuring my vision of him.

Blinding lights filter through the car before I realize another car is pulling up to mine. A quick glance back to the hooded figure and my heart drops. Nothing but empty space remains.

The driver of the car rolls down their window and a familiar face smiles back as relief floods through me.