But sometimes life doesn't give us those opportunities, and we’re left with regrets.
I also regret the first time Loxley and I got into deep shit together. It was the night we went bar hopping, and my mom had to come get us.
She was always the prim and proper, quiet friend who squeaked by. My mom knew she was a good person, but I got us into our fair share of trouble.
Loxley sat beside me, her hands tucked neatly into herlap as my mom berated me from the front seat. Eventually, I inched my hand across the leather until Loxley got the hint and intertwined our fingers. While she needed solace from my mother’s harsh words, I was her rock. I didn't think about the verbal lashing my mom was giving because my friend needed my strength at that moment.
I only regret putting her in that situation. I can't even remember what mom droned on about. All I can remember is Loxley’s thumb brushing mine as we stared silently at one another. While her expression was filled with apprehension, mine was a calming smile in a rough sea of uncertainty. We didn't know if we would be allowed to see each other after that, but I never let my facade slip. I stayed true to her, keeping her mind from spiraling to the what-ifs.
I was always that friend—the one who protected us. I’ve always been strong, but that doesn't mean I was invincible. There are plenty of times in my life I wished someone else had taken the reins.
But I didn't allot myself the hope of my prince charming sweeping in to save me.
Not untilnow.
My last regret.
Running from Rowan.
“Drop. Her!” He sounds like a beast—something from a nightmare. He makes me go still, my limbs ceasing their shaking as relief washes over me.
He’s here.
He’s going to save me.
My captor can’t move. Not with the phantom squeezing his neck in a death grip. Luckily, his hold is loosening as he focuses his energy on not passing out.
I kick my legs free of his arm before ungracefully sliding to my feet. The moment I touch the ground, Rowan’s arm snakes across my waist, and I’m dragged back into his chest. The rope in his hand slaps against my thigh, a reminder that he’s still holding onto it, most likely for nefarious reasons.
“You’re in a lot of fucking trouble, Sunshine.” He breathes harshly into my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.
I swallow. “I don’t suppose saying I’m just a girl will get me out of this, huh?”
“Not a chance in hell.”
Shit.
“You’re done hiding from me,” Rowan speaks as if his word is law as he chokes the life out of the man before us. I have the world’s worst seat to my own horror flick, and all I can do is watch him kill this man. I have no strength left to fight. My body is battered and bruised, and I feel exhaustion weighing me down. My lungs burn, and my legs feel like jello from running so much.
My captor’s face turns blue as his eyes roll back, and I watch with morbid fascination as he slumps. I can see the moment the light leaves his eyes, and it’s an image that will haunt me for the rest of my life. As will this whole night. I don't think any amount of therapy will reverse the damage done here. Rowan has ruined me, and he knows it.
He drops the man into a crumpled heap at our feet. When the body hits the ground, I finally snap out of my shock as I turn out of Rowan’s grip. In my efforts to escape, I trip and end up on my ass in the brush. I back away from him, the forest closing in on me as I reach my mental limit.
My back hits a tree, and I realize there's nowhere else to go. I'm trapped.
Rowan peers down at me, a daunting presence in the night. The air around him is authoritative and striking. He’s a reaper and my end.
“You can't run from me, Addison. I’llalwaysfind you.”
My eyes roll back as everything goes dark.
Chapter Sixteen
Addison
I groan, my body feeling coiled tightly as I regain consciousness. I’m disoriented, and something doesn't feel right. The aches and pains in my limbs are one thing, but as I wiggle my fingers, I realize I'm tied up.
Panic claws at me as my eyes shoot open. It takes me a few seconds to adjust to the darkness, and those seconds are spent trying to move my arms and legs.
