My heart hammers as he nears the door.
I gasp, fighting to steady myself. "Mr. Johnson, I need rest. Please leave. "
He takes a step closer, his eyes narrowing. "You know, Tara, I can make your life here very easy... or very difficult. It's up to you."
"Leave now or I'll..."
"You'll do what?" he says, edging closer to me.
My grip tightens on the door handle. I'm a half-second from bolting. His face darkens. He steps closer. I can smell alcohol on his breath. He's drunk.
A chilling certainty hits me: this isn't his first stunt on an unsuspecting server. Nor will it be his last.
"You're making a big mistake, Tara. This could have been the summer of your life. You're not like the other girls I hired."
There's a manic light flickering in his eyes. My hand trembles, but I pull the door wide open. "Please go."
He sneers, his voice dropping to a low growl. "Leave my property? This cabin is mine. And you are mine."
He lunges, kicking the door shut. He throws me onto the bed, grinding himself against me. I feel his raging erection. I try to jerk free, but he pins me down. His hands grab at my curves, reach under my dress, tear off my panties in a single motion.
"No!"
He presses himself against my naked flesh. His right hand fumbles for the zipper of his fly. Horrific memories rise up from the past. Giving me a burst of strength.
Surging with raw outrage, I knee him in the groin.
I slip from beneath him, grab my phone, and run outside.
My hands tremble as I stare at the phone screen. Call 911? What would I say? The hotel owner, who employs half the island with his various estates and interests, tried to assault me. Who would believe me over him?
I just stand there. Where can I run? Where can I go? I have no friends on the island except Chloe. Or Cameron. But I barely know him, and have no idea how to reach him.
Mr. Johnson staggers to his feet, clutching himself and glaring at me with pure hatred.
"You'll regret this," he snarls. "You're fired. Be out by morning's light."
With a final, threatening glare, he stumbles out of the cabin. I watch him leave beneath the full moon. Then I dart inside the cabin, slam the door shut, and lock it quickly.
I lean against the door, gasping for air, fighting to regain control.
The room feels cold and empty. I walk to the window, draw the curtains tightly, ensuring he can't see inside.
Then, I shove the desk chair under the doorknob to prevent his entry.
My mind races.What next?I look at my phone, resisting the urge to snatch it up and dial Chloe.
It's late. I can't ask her to pick me up. She'll need permission from her employers. They may be sleeping.
"Tomorrow's a fresh day," I tell myself, the thought feeling hollow. I'll call Chloe in the morning, see if I can stay with her a night or two.
I also resist calling Zaza or Keesha for comfort. It would only make them worry.
Nothing to do but pack and wait uneasily until dawn.
CHAPTER 12
TARA
