Then, I force myself to turn and open the door, cautiously peeking out and taking in the entire RV. I prowl across to the side door when I don’t hear anything.
As I’m tiptoeing across the floor, I see women’s clothing sticking out of a drawer. I tug on a shirt and shorts, but I’m unable to find any shoes.
Right as I’m about to open the door, I notice pieces of Ryan’s pants on the floor, and I dive for them, holding my breath as I shove my hand into the piece with the front pocket. Relief overwhelms me, and I shakily take out the keys to the truck and carefully put them in my pocket.
Spying out of one of the windows that face the bonfire, I notice that the area is vacant. I check the trees to make sure there is no movement.
Guessing Georgia and Cora must have gone with the guys to get supplies, I don’t give it a second thought as I swing open the door and shut it softly.
Not wanting to waste another moment, I run for my life.
Sweat pours down my face, and I wipe it roughly, not slowing my pace. My lungs burn, and my shins hurt like they might break with each stride.
I choke back tears at the image of Ryan’s dead body flashing in my mind. Squashing down the sobs about to crack from me, I steel my emotions and refuse to let myself dwell on it right now. Ryan would want me to live and get out of here, no matter what.
At last, the truck comes into view. Nervous energy propels me forward as the first smile in days engulfs my face.
I made it! I fucking made it!
Shooting out of the trees and sprinting to the driver’s side door, I push the unlock button on the key fob, and the lights flicker on.
My hands are trembling as I hurl the door open and jump inside. My foot presses on the brake as I push the ignition button, and the truck switches on. The AC blows on my face, whipping my hair back. Breathless, I allow myself the smallest reprieve, letting my shoulders soften. I reach for the lock button and hurriedly click it.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Darting my head up and over to the window, AJ holds my gaze, smiling with clear amusement dancing in his eyes. He’s wearing a black hoodie over his head and has a knife in his hand.
Swallowing terror, my fingers slide under the reverse button at the same moment AJ smashes my window with an object.
Glass shatters everywhere, and pieces penetrate my body.
Immediately reacting, I crawl over to the passenger side, my fingers clawing into the leather. Clicking the unlock button, I bring in the handle, shoving my shoulder into it, and it flies open.
I tumble onto the ground, landing on all fours. I kick off the ground, absolutely terrified, unsure of what direction I’m going.I pump my arms back and forth, hoping it will allow me to move faster.
My skin is slick with sweat, and I’m panting.
After what seems like mere seconds, AJ lunges forward, and his hand wraps around my ankle, both of us falling to the ground on our stomachs. The wind gets knocked out of me, and I roll myself over.
Before I can push myself up, AJ straddles my chest.
“Marley, did you think our time together was over?” he asks, provoking me.
I flail my body with every fiber of my being, clenching my teeth as I swing at him with my fists. He tips his head back, and an ear-piercing laugh spills out.
Still laughing, he slaps me with both of his hands across my face.
I bring my hands up and bend my elbows to protect my face, but he stops shortly after.
Hastily, his hands wrap around my throat, crushing my windpipe.
I buck my hips, feverishly trying to get him off me. My hands latch onto his wrists, pushing with all my might for him to stop, but he just chokes me more firmly.
My vision blurs, and he lets go. I sputter, taking in deep breaths, holding my chest.
Concentrating on taking in air, he seizes one of my wrists and locks a handcuff onto it, and the familiarity hits me like a ton of bricks.
Recalling the mental damage inflicted on me in that fucking room, I become a delirious mess, jerking my head back and forth, screaming, “NO! Just kill me, kill me!”
