Page 105 of Love Me in the Dark

“You’ll what? Take away the only thing I have left?” I growled. After all the bullshit she’d put me through I wouldn’t let her take away my running. My only solace in my otherwise dark world.

“Just put your things away. It shouldn’t take you long.”

Yeah, no shit. She’d barely let me bring anything from our old house here. Most days I wondered if she wanted to leave me behind too. She probably would have if she could get away with it.

Pulling my suitcase out of the back, I wheeled it up to the front door. Narrowing my eyes at my mother and her boyfriend, Trent, I cleared my throat in an attempt to get them out of my way and to break apart. I didn’t like the fact that she looked at Trent the way she used to look at my dad.

How was it so easy for her to forget him when he was all I thought about morning, noon, and night.

With my hands on my hips, I squared my shoulders as I glared at them. “I thought you wanted me to unpack.”

“Hi, Harley,” Trent said. His eyes racked over me making my insides sick. I didn’t like the way he always looked at me. I’d toldmy mother numerous times how I didn’t like how his pervy eyes took me in, but she didn’t believe me or didn’t care.

I tipped my chin up at him and waited for them to get out of my damn way. If they don’t, I’m ready to leave all of my earthly possessions out here and for it to be gone by the time I get back.

They must see something in my eyes because they break apart and let me inside. Not that I know the lay of the house or anything. This was the first time I’d stepped foot inside. Which was pretty messed up if you asked me, but no one was asking.

It doesn’t even take me thirty minutes for me to hang up my winkled clothes and put the few personal items I have in the bathroom.

Tightening my ponytail as I descend the stairs, I didn’t bother to speak to either of them as I pass where they’re sitting in the living room. The second I stepped foot outside the front door, I ran. And not a jog either. My body went full out as I tried to forget the last year of my life.

To forget that I’d left all my friends behind.

To forget that I’d lost the only parent that cared about me.

2

HARLEY

My feet pounded on the blacktop. I had no idea where I was going since my mother hadn’t bothered to even show me around. All she could think about was moving in with Trent. I was just a nuisance put into their path until I turned eighteen.

All I knew was I’d need to get a job in order to save money to buy a car since my mom sold mine if I wanted to get out of here the moment, I was free.

I only pause briefly when I smell the salty air. At least there’s one good thing about San Sebastian. I’m drawn to the water like a moth to a flame. I don’t stop moving until I’m waist deep. I only looked back a second at the twinkling lights of the city before I submerged my body into the icy water letting it take away all of the pain. Even if for a minute.

When my lungs started to burn, I opened my eyes scanning the dark water wanting to stay under for a moment longer. I knew then this place would be my reprieve for my mom and Trent. Hell, even from the world. We weren’t on the best of terms as of lately.

Just as I was about to climb back to the top, I was gripped around the waist by a strong force. I wanted to fight, but I had nothing left. I needed air before I could do much more than float to the surface.

Was this how my life would end?

I gave up what little strength I had left and gave my existence up to the water gods and whoever else. I would let them decide my fate.

Closing my eyes once again, I waited only for my lungs to breath in the salty mist that hovered over the Pacific water. My eyes flew open as I coughed. The strong pressure around my middle was still there as was a hard, warm surface behind me.

My hands met my middle where I came into contact with an arm corded with muscle. It flexed underneath my touch, and I felt my body being dragged through the water. Craning my head back, I was met with a dark shape. The sun had finished settling for the night and now the world around me was a dark shade of blue.

“Stop fighting me,” the figure growled. The voice was low and deep sending shockwaves through me.

I hadn’t realized I was trying to pry the arm away from around me. My hands dropped to my sides as I leaned back against the hard body of my captor, and stared up at the stars twinkling in the night.

Cold air washed over my skin and sent goosebumps racing across every inch of my exposed flesh. Maybe it hadn’t been such a good idea to dip into the water.

One second, I was against the warm body and the next I hit the coarse sand on the beach. I sputtered trying to get my bearings.

“What the hell did you think you were doing?”

“Me?” I sat up and narrowed my eyes at him even though he couldn’t possibly see them. “What are you doing attacking women at night?”