What are you gonna do, Esme?
“Excuse me, sir!”
My head darts in the direction of the sound.
That was Sara’s voice.
She speaks up again. “You can’t be in here. The diner’s restrooms are on the other side of the restaurant.”
“Well, I’m already here, so don’t be a bitch about it.”
I recognize the gruff voice instantly and I freeze.
The burly man with the eagle tattoo.
Is it possible that these men are on Artem’s payroll? Or worse, are they on Budimir’s?
Are they intentionally hunting me down or is this just a cruel coincidence?
“I’m sorry, sir—”
But before I hear an end to Sara’s sentence, I hear her gasp.
A second later, there’s a low thud and a shocked cry.
The son of a bitch hit her. He put his hands on her.
I rush to the door and inch it open to peer out so I can figure out what’s happening.
I can see the eagle-tattooed man. He’s pushed Sara up against the corridor wall that serves as a gateway between the staff quarters and the main restaurant. It doesn’t get much traffic, which is probably why he’s followed her here in the first place.
I catch a glimpse of Sara’s face. Her head is craned back in an awkward position, held in place by Eagle Tattoo’s meaty paw clamped around her neck.
“You want my cock, don’t you, you little slut? Just like your whore friend who ran away,” he growls at her, licking her neck as she whimpers in terror underneath his clutches. “Don’t look so scared, baby. You’re gonna love it.”
I back away from the door, frozen with horror.
No matter how far I run, it seems violence is destined to plague me. And I am in no position to confront it, either.
Not in my current condition.
But Sara... Sara needs help.
Your friend needs you.
What are you gonna do, Esme?