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“Is that what drew you two together?” Noah asks, his interest piqued.
“Partly,” Aunt Sara replies, “but we really connected when we started talking about hiking. Turns out, we both love spending time in the mountains.”
Peter nods enthusiastically. “Sara mentioned her favorite hiking trail, and it’s the same one I’ve been going to for years. We spent hours that evening comparing notes on our favorite spots and planning future hikes.”
“Speaking of which,” Aunt Sara adds, “we’re planning a trip to the mountains in Colorado this fall. We’re hoping to catch the fall colors at their peak.”
“That sounds amazing,” I say, genuinely happy for them. “I’ve always loved the mountains. There’s something so peaceful about being out in nature.”
Peter smiles. “Absolutely. It’s a great way to disconnect from everything and just enjoy the moment.”
Noah leans forward, his charming demeanor still firmly in place. “Do you have any favorite trails?”
Peter’s eyes light up. “Oh, definitely. There’s this one trail that leads to a hidden waterfall. It’s a bit of a trek, but the view is absolutely worth it.”
Aunt Sara chimes in, “We’re planning to hike that trail during our trip. I can’t wait to show Peter the spot where I used to go as a kid.”
“I’d love to hear more about your hiking adventures,” I say, wondering how I can join their trip.
“You should join us for a hike sometime, Aria,” Aunt Sara suggests, her eyes twinkling with hope. “It would be great to have you along.” For a moment, I see a future where I’m free, where I can breathe without fear. But Noah’s grip on my hand tightens imperceptibly, a silent warning that shatters the fleeting dream.
“I’d love that,” I say, the idea of a peaceful hike with Aunt Sara and Peter sounding incredibly appealing. Maybe that is when I can escape Noah. Maybe I can convince them to go sooner rather than later.
Noah does have that business meeting coming up.
“Fuck, I missed you,” Aunt Sara says, her eyes misty with emotion. “You don’t visit enough.”
“You’re right—I don’t,” I say sincerely. It’s also a dig at Noah. He keeps me away. “It’s been really nice.”
Noah nods, his smile still firmly in place. “Yes, thank you, Sara. We should do this more often.” He lies so easily.
Bastard.
“I’ll be right back.” I stand and step around to the hall.
“Where are you going?” Noah questions, sending a flare of discomfort through me. He wouldn’t do anything here. Would he?
“The bathroom,” I say, waving a hand behind me. I might pay for it later, but the wine has me convinced I don’t care.
Once in the bathroom, I take care of the important business before tugging the scarf down to peer at my collarbone. It’s bright purple, and the white button-down barely hides the bruise.
It hurts to touch, and Noah dug his fingers in tight enough to bruise the bruise. How is that even possible?
A knock on the door makes me jump.
“One sec,” I grumble, hastily adjusting my scarf. But in my wine induced carelessness, I forget to check if it’s fully covering the bruise.
I swing the door open, and Aunt Sara’s eyes immediately lock onto my collarbone. Her expression shifts from concern to horror in an instant. Her eyes swing from the bruise to me and back again. “Are you in danger?” she asks.
This isn’t how I wanted this to go down, but I give her one curt nod.
Time seems to slow, each second stretching into eternity. I see Aunt Sara’s lips moving, forming words I can’t hear over the sudden roaring in my ears. Then, in a heartbeat, the world explodes into chaos. A deafening crack splits the air, and warm droplets splatter across my face. It takes me a moment to realize it’s blood—Aunt Sara’s blood.
All I can do is stand there in shock as my ears ring.
My chest tightens. My body vibrates.
There’s screaming.
