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The rhythmic pattern of my breathing calmed me down, gradually bringing me back to reality. I lifted my head from the tiles, panting heavily. I pushed myself upright, leaning against the wall as I regained strength. The panic attack had been triggered by my circumstances, but also the raw grief that lingered within me.
I splashed water on my face, staring at my reflection in the mirror. It was distorted by the droplets on the glass. In a single day, I'd lost control of everything, but I refused to give up hope.
I needed to regain control somehow.
For a fleeting moment, I considered running away, but the fear of being caught by Sasuke held me captive.
I returned to the table with a steadier composure, hoping that my brief absence wouldn't raise suspicions. Sasuke watched me intently, his piercing gaze seemingly able to penetrate my deepest fears.
"Everything OK?" he asked casually, picking up his fork.
"Yeah," I lied smoothly. "Nothing to worry about."
Sasuke arched an eyebrow at me, but I pretended not to notice. Instead, I grabbed my plate and started cutting into the eggs. I wasn't hungry anymore, but it gave me something to focus on other than the heavy atmosphere hanging between us.
"Excuse me," he said after a moment.
I glanced up to see that he was making his way to the washroom.
The waitress's eyes flicked over to me for a moment before returning to serving other people. She had a look of pity on her face, like she knew that I'd had a breakdown in the washroom.
I forced down another bite of food.
This was my chance. This was my chance to make a run for it and get the hell away from Sasuke. I didn't care what happened anymore. I couldn't stay like this. I needed to get home to mymom, even without a phone or a wallet. I had to find some way to escape.
I couldn't bear the thought of spending another moment with this psychopath. I picked up my mug of coffee with a trembling hand.
"You alright, hun?" the waitress asked, appearing at the edge of my peripheral vision.
"Yeah," I managed to utter. "Just a little queasy." She looked unconvinced, and I could sense her concern.
I sucked in a breath. If I was going to run, I had to do it. Now.
Chapter nine
Julia
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As soon as thewaitress turned her back, I dashed out of the diner and down the street.
The morning sun had shifted to a dreary cloudy afternoon.
I sprinted down the block, my heart pounding in my chest. Adrenaline coursed through my veins, fueling my desperate attempt to escape Sasuke. I knew that if he caught me, he might kill me.
I darted into the alleyway. My lungs burned and my breath came in ragged gasps. I had to slow down. I had to find a way home. There was a handful of change in my pocket from the randomtips I got as a barista. It wasn't enough for a cab, but it might be enough for the bus.
Now that I was on the edge of town, it would take me forever to get home on the bus, but I had no other options.
I pulled the change out and counted it.
As I looked down at the quarters, the hair on the back of my neck prickled. I was being watched. A familiar feeling.
Harris?
I looked around, but there was no one around. The sidewalks were filled with people going to and from cafes and stores, minding their own business.
How could Harris have found me out here unless he'd followed us to and from the hotel?
