“Jett,” I call out softly, scanning the shadows as I walk deeper into the alley. “You out here?”
My steps are heavy and uncoordinated, sneakers shuffling along the uneven blacktop in the neglected alley. I curse myself for having too many drinks, but sue me for wanting to enjoy a day in the sun with friends.
Another firework detonates, the sound echoing off the buildings. A small yelp escapes as my eyes dart around.
Halfway down the alley, closer to Main Street, I pass a narrower alley that cuts perpendicular—a small stretch of asphalt connecting the alley to another side road. Something shifts down the darkened path, and my head jerks toward the noise.
Pain explodes across my face.
White-hot and blinding, like my skull cracks open from the inside. The impact snaps my head to the side, stars bursting behind my eyes as they well up. My feet stumble backward as a noise escapes me, one I don’t recognize.
My hand flies up instinctively, cupping my nose as warmth floods my fingers, and I brace for another hit. The taste of iron mixes with the alcohol lingering on my tongue. My ears ring so loudly, I barely hear myself cry out.
I’ve experienced pain before. Kicks and punches, but never in the face. It hurts like a motherfucker, but I stand there, paralyzed.
My brain is screaming at me to run, but I can’t will my feet to move. It’s as if Medusa’s eyes locked on mine and turned me into stone.
A hand clamps around my bicep, yanking me back before pushing me against the concrete wall.
“No,” I choke out, voice weak and altered.
A face appears in my line of sight, but I can’t make out the details with the shadows playing against his bearded jaw. But I don’t need the light to illuminate him. Even with a long beard, I can recognize his scent.
Terror seizes my bones as my stomach drops.
Wild, pupil-blown eyes greet me.
“Princess.” He drawls his pet name for me. “I finally found you.”
His words are calm, as if this has all been a big game. Maybe it has to him, but it isn’t to me.
Shaking my head, I mumble incoherent words. Elias leans forward, skimming his nose against my jaw, and I fight against his hold. Fireworks erupt overhead, colors blossoming over our faces and drowning out our noise. I spit in his face, my bloody saliva coating his face.
I don’t see the backhand coming as more pain explodes over my cheeks. His face twists in an ugly smile, and it’s then I realize how much danger I’m in.
My heart hammers so hard I think it might burst.
“Don’t scream,” he whispers against the shell of my ear. “It’ll be a lot easier if you don’t.”
I open my mouth, refusing to be silent as his hand clamps over my blood-soaked lips.
“You didn’t really think you could leave me. Did you, princess?”
Chapter 43
Jett
Astringofcursesleavesmy lips as I storm down the alley. The streetlights cast shadows that have me second-guessing everything I see. I called Mark to fill him in on what’s going on since he skipped the festival this year. And to say the man was pissed would be an understatement. He’s driving around the area, looking for his daughter, refusing to wait for the police. I can’t say I blame him. I’m itching to go search for my girl.
Levi clamps a hand on my shoulder, the movement causing me to square up.
“We’ll find her.” His voice leaves no room for doubt.
Pulling out my phone, I dial the last number that called me. “She’s gone.”
Blackwood curses on the other end of the line. “Any witnesses?”
“I don’t know. I can’t find her.”
