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CHAPTER SIX
Lulu
My breathing is obnoxiously loud in the small tent, or maybe I’m just being paranoid. My ears practically twitch at every sound outside the flimsy walls. It’s never nice on nights I have to run, but today feels different.
Another sound makes me sit up, and the thin sleeping bag falls, bunching at my hips. Goose bumps pop up and spread down my bare arms.
Definitely need to remember a sweater next time. Sleeping in the forest in a tank top is just not it. My leggings aren’t much better.
Relax,I remind myself,it’s just the wind.
I start to lower myself back when I hear it again.
It’s not the wind.Fuck.
Why couldn’t I just tell Sam what’s happening? The Cromwells would take me in.Stupid pride.
Tears fill my eyes. The sound is getting closer.
A voice calls out, and even though I can’t make out the words, I know it’s him. Running wasn’t enough this time. Andrew’s come for me.
His mocking tone taunts me.
Fear punches me in my throat.
What the fuck am I supposed to do? There’s no one out here. That was the point. No one to stumble upon, no one to help me.
I crawl forward, but my hand hesitates above the zipper.
Stay or run.
My mind screams at me to pick one.
“I’m going to teach you a fucking lesson, you little bitch,” Andrew threatens. His voice is clear, so he’s close.
Spying my sneakers in the corner, I make a decision.
I’m not waiting for him to find me. I can’t best him in a fight, but I can outrun him.
Slipping my shoes on quickly, I curse myself again for forgetting a jacket. I take a deep breath and then another.
Now or never.
Don’t stop.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Ajax
The house is brightly lit, illuminating the backyard and making me cringe. I keep close to the wall that leads to the back door. There’s no camera, but I don’t want any residents to glance out and see me sneaking inside.
Even dressed in camouflage and a ski mask, there’s no hiding from this light. It’s coming from every fucking room. It’s the middle of the night. They’re supposed to be in bed like the rest of the town.
Reaching out my right arm, I grip the door handle while staying plastered to the wall. With one hard shove, the door slides on the track.
It’s unlocked.
A grin takes over my face, even as a stab ofdisappointment hits my chest. I was hoping for a good hunt tonight, but they’re making it easy.
