“Okay, but why Ace?” Jonah pushes, and my smile grows.
“Because I am not,” I tell him and pick up the box. “Thanks so much for this morning, ladies.” Jonah clears his throat. “And gentleman,” I add. “I’m going to go put this in my car and then hope and pray the baby ballerinas are good today.”
After a round of hugs and goodbyes, I head for the parking lot behind Sweet Temptations and Hart & Soul with Jonah at my side. “Are you planning on coming with me to the dance studio?”
He shrugs as color blooms on his cheeks. “I heard ballet is good for football players.”
“I didn’t know you played football...” I narrow my eyes as we step behind the buildings, feeling like him playing football is something Jamie would have mentioned.
“I was thinking about trying out this year, and maybe didn’t want to tell Jamie until I knew whether I was good at it or not...”
“Oh, Jonah. Jamie won’t care if you’re good at it. He’ll just care that you like it. Do it to have fun, and the rest will come. And maybe mention it to him, and he could give you a few pointers... you know, if you wanted.”
I open the back door of my car, just as shadows fall over us, and a hand covers my mouth from behind.
The rancid scent of burned rubber threatens to make my stomach revolt, and I scream soundlessly, pulling and kicking, desperately trying to break free.
Fighting for my life.
Holy shit.
What is happening?
The world around me slows.
Moving frame by frame.
“Ashton—” Jonah yells, and I fight to see him.
The hand around me tightens, digging into my chest.
A massive figure blocks my view.
A dark spot against the beautiful blue sky.
I can’t see Jonah until he’s lifted from the ground.
His face appears in my periphery.
Ghostly white.
Petrified.
Staring at me in horror and shock.
And I can’t do anything to stop it.
To save him.
To save us.
I kick and stomp, desperate to make contact. He might have my arms held in a vice-like grip, but my legs are free, and my legs can withstand anything.
I will not give up. I will not die today. I will not let these men have me or my baby or Jonah.
I hear the crunch as much as I feel it when I finally catch what I think is my captor’s kneecap.
His roar is agonized as he drops his hold on me for a split-second.
