One single step toward me.
I run.
I know the door is locked, that it’s a waste to try and break the door down. I learned that the last time. The only way I survive this is to run and outsmart Beckett.
I start running, knowing the smoke will start soon, which might assist me in hiding from him.
The smoke creeps in, but all it does is make me break out in nervous hives—memories flood my head.
Out!
I stay focused on my goal—run until I can’t run anymore. I hope to find a bed, some piece of furniture I can use either as a weapon or to hide under while I make my next move.
I find nothing.
It will be exactly the same as before.
You are strong.
You are powerful.
You are in control.
You can block out all evil with your mind.
I feel Beckett’s hand grab onto my hair.
I was so close to getting caught. Luckily, I’m still wearing the black wig, so all Beckett grabs is the wig, and I keep running.
That was too close.
My time is running out.
Beckett is better than the last man who chased me. He’s faster, smarter.
I should give up.
I can’t give up.
I run.
Run.
RUN.
My hair falls from the bun—loose and free. Something I’ll never be.
It will be my downfall—I know it before it happens.
I feel the tug on the back of my head, my feet stop in their tracks, and my body slings back as Beckett pulls me tight to his body, still holding on by my hair.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers.
“Me too,” I say back. I’m already broken. Technically, I’ve been broken since Enzo’s dad raped me. But it didn’t have to be this way for Beckett.
He starts dragging me by the hair. I grab onto his hand with mine and sink my nails into him.
He hisses but doesn’t release me.