Damon's eyes open a moment later and find mine like a magnet. “Ahhh, Kiera…want to join in the fun? I’m sure Hayley could give you a lesson or two, teach you the way around a dick.” The smug look on his face makes the whole situation worse. He tips his head back in pleasure, a moan escaping his full lips—lips I kissed not long ago. My hands shake, and bile begins to rise in my throat.
I can’t look at them another second.
I need to get out of here. I need to find some way to leave.
Slamming the office door for a second time tonight, I scurry back down the hall, tears threatening to escape. I try my best to blink them away, refusing to cry over Damon. He doesn’t care about me or my safety. He just cares about making mehis, controlling me. I hate this place, and maybe even Damon.
Everything about him reminds me of a prison, and I want to escape—need to escape. He doesn’t intend on protecting me, so why am I still here?
You have nowhere else to go, idiot.
I huff out a breath and walk down the hall, unsure of what to do. I’ll have to wait for the perfect moment to escape, for one of the bouncers to take a break or something—which basically means I’ll have to watch as many of them as I can without drawing too much attention to myself. Until then, I’ll just walk around the bar and try to blend in. I almost laugh. I’m not dressed in sexy clothes. I look like I belong in a nunnery. There is no way in hell people aren’t going to notice me.
I move slowly out onto the floor while scanning the exit doors. Then I finally see it: my chance, my out. One of the guys at the side door leaves his post and walks up to the bar. He starts telling Candy something, and she laughs, but I don’t wait around to see what he plans to do or say next. This might be my only chance.
Trying not to run or draw any attention to myself, I move toward the door. A nervous sheen of sweat coats my hands. Every step, I expect someone to grab me from behind and drag me back to Damon’s office. My body trembles as I reach the door. My hands rest against the heavy metal, and as I push it open, I nearly pass out. When the outside air hits my lungs, I sigh in relief. I can’t believe I actually made it outside.
I glance over my shoulder, assuming someone is surely going to come throughthat door at any second and run after me. After a few moments, I realize no one seems to have paid me any attention. I let the heavy, metal door shut behind me and make my way into the parking lot. Only then, with my newfound freedom surrounding me, does something occur to me: I have no phone, no money, and no place to go.
What the hell am I going to do?
“Keira?” I turn at the familiar voice, and blink, shocked to see the one person I never expected to see here. Lily Baker. My lab partner and close friend. She stands about five feet away staring at me, looking completely confused. Probably as confused as I am.
“Lily!” I look at her like she’s an angel sent to me from God—and maybe she is. I close the distance between us and take her into a fierce hug. “Oh, Lily, you have no idea how good it is to see you right now.” I wonder if she can tell how sad I am. How exhausted I am.
“Keira, what are you doing here?”
Oh god, what am I going to tell her? I could ask her the same thing, I suppose.
“I’ve had a rough couple days. I—I honestly don't want to talk about it right now. Anyway, what are you doing here?”
She doesn't bat an eye. “I’m here with Gunner.” She points her thumb over her shoulder, and only then do I realize there’s a guy standing a few feet behind her.
“Oh, hey.” I give him a small wave, but can’t even bring myself to force a friendly smile. All I want is to get out of here, away from here, as far away as I can get. I’m sure Damon will feel the same relief to be rid of me when he discovers I’m gone.
“Are you here with someone?” Lily asks softly, her eyes peering into mine.
“No, I’m alone.” I almost break down and cry, realizing just how true that statement is. I am alone…so fucking alone.
“Do you need a ride somewhere? We were just about to leave.”
Gunner grunts behind her, and I’m certain he doesn’t want me to tag along with them. Then again, I don’t understand why he’s hanging out with Lily anyway. Last I knew, they hated each other.
“Sure, I…actually, I don't really have a place to go to right now.” I pause. “I mean, my brother just passed away, and I don’t really want to be alone right now.” I’ll take Lily’s pity, so long as it gets me away from Damon.
“Oh, Keira…is that why…you’re here?” Her gray eyes soften as she looks at me like she just put some puzzle pieces together. She couldn't be more wrong, but I figure this is easier than telling her what I’m actually doing here. So I let her believe I’m here to strip.
I nod my head, lowering my eyes to the ground in shame.
“Why don’t you come with me tonight? You can crash at my place, and tomorrow, we can figure something out.” Lily wraps an arm around me and pulls me into her side. Her touch is kind, calming. She’s a good friend. I want to tell her there’s no figuring out my problems, but the thought of getting away even for a night is too tempting.
If I have to lie, then I will. I’ve already partially lied, so what is the harm in another?
“Okay. That would be great.” I force a smile. I feel eyes on me, and notice Gunner’s dark gaze. He’ll just have to deal with it. I’m not scared of him, not as much as I am of the man inside those walls behind me. There is no way in hell I’m passing up the chance to get out of here.
“All right. Let’s go.” Lily smiles, and for the first time in days, I feel like everything is going to be okay.
Chapter 8
