Page 126 of Mine

I was no match for Luke though.

“How fuckingdareyou!” I tried to push him away as he slammed me back against the door, his arms gripping me close to his body, his mouth near my ear.

“Do you know what, maybe I’m done with fucking asking,” he rasped, as he smothered my mouth with his, pushing me against the wall as his hands roamed over my body.

I tried to push his hands off me, as he pushed his hands up my top, his fingers tugging at my waistband.

“Don’t deny it, Gretchen, you want me,” Luke smirked, pressing his hardness against me as he tried to force his hand down my jeans.

“I don’twant you!”I cried, bringing my knee up to his crotch, hard.

He doubled over in pain as I shoved past him, running out of the door.

I gasped as I ran down the street, terrified he was going to chase me. I didn’t look back as I ran, streets whizzing past me, adrenaline keeping me going. I slowed after a while, a stitch crippling my stomach as I pulled my phone out and called an Uber, my fingers trembling.

I couldn’t believe what Luke had just done. I couldn’t believe I let myself fall for his shit, and he’d gotten worse as he grew older.

My stomach turned as I remembered his hands all over my body, and I closed my eyes.

I just want Cal.

I dialed his number only to hear the voicemail, and I cried fat, salty tears that I wiped away with the back of my hand, still scanning behind me for Luke.

I knew Cal would beincensed, and I feared he wouldn’t come back for me.

I half-hiccupped, half-snorted when I tried to breathe, my heart aching as my stomach churned.

Why did I meet up with Luke?

After what felt like an eternity, my cab arrived. I climbed in, slamming the door shut with relief.

I tried Cal again and sent him a text.

GRETCHEN:

I know you are mad, but please call me. I’m so sorry.

The cab reached my house, and I climbed out, exhaustion weighing me down suddenly. I made my way inside and made a beeline for my bedroom.

My head hurt from thinking, and my heart ached from loving.

I was furious at myself for doing this to Cal and me. Tonight could have gone down a darker path, had I not gotten away. I shuddered, burying my head beneath the covers.

I needed Cal.

I cradled my phone as I fell asleep, waiting to hear it ring or beep with every fiber of my being.

I woke later, the room now dark. Something had woken me up, but I couldn’t figure out what.

I grabbed my phone as I sat up to see no missed calls or texts. It was two in the morning.

“Hey,” came a voice from the corner of my room, and I shrieked, jumping from my bed as I ran for the door.

Arms circled me as I recognized the scent, my heart jumping from my chest.

“Cal?” I moaned as fresh tears fell down my face.

He’s back!