White stars bloom across my vision as Tyler’s fist clenches in my hair, dragging me across the concrete like a ragged doll.
“What is a pretty little thing like you doing here?” His mouth presses to my ear, his hand twisting tighter, sending waves of pain. “Gosh, you’re making all of this ten times more fun.”
I thrash wildly, twisting enough to see his face now monstrous under the red glow.
“Fuck you.” I spit at him, blood spraying across his pristine white shirt.
A small victory that costs me immediately as he releases my hair only to clamp my throat in his fingers. My airway closes and panic claws through me. I rake at his hand, nails drawing blood, but his grip never loosens. Just when I think darkness will swallow me, he lets go.
I take a breath of air. “Was this your plan all along, Tyler?” I hiss inches away from his face. I collapse on the ground, gasping, bracing for the next blow as his arm rises, and I squeeze my eyes shut.
But instead of pain, I feel the gentle brush of fingertips against my cheekbone, tracing to my jaw with a tenderness that makes me want to vomit.
He hauls me up by my arm like an animal, slamming me against the wall.
“Such a pretty face,” Tyler murmurs in my ear over the pulsing music. “Would be a shame to damage the merchandise. I was starting to like you, Sara.” He tsks.
My stomach heaves. I’m their inventory, a product to be sold. This “gentleness” isn’t mercy…it’s business.
“You are as stubborn as they come, aren’t you?” he barks, and I’ve about had enough of this prick.
He wore a mask this whole time, one that has fallen as he looks at me with evilness staring into my eyes, and it’s repulsive how some men can be so deceiving.
I drive my knee up into his crotch with everything I have, and he staggers back, letting his grip on my arm go. A wicked satisfaction washes over me, and I manage a breathless smile as I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand.
I run, begging for an exit, until I spot a door at the far end that looks different from the other ones, with a metal push bar against it. I run and throw myself against it with every ounce of strength left, half-expecting another trap, but it gives way and a blast of cold sea air hits my face like a physical blow.
I’ve never been so thankful. The relief is so intense I nearly collapse on the spiraling stairwell in front of me. My lungs burn as I gulp in massive breaths and look up to the concrete stairs twisting tighter with each step, and I realize where I am with the lighthouse standing across the way.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck—where the fuck is she!” Liam’s voice bursts through my earbud, stabbing at my heart. He sounds like fear has knotted his throat.
“Liam… Liam…” I manage, breathless. “I—I’m okay… Artemis—please, help her. Please, Liam.”
“She’s safe. Where are you, Sara? Tell me where the fuck you are.” His voice cracks.
“I’m—”
Tyler’s fingers lock around my ankle and he yanks me so hard my body careens down the concrete steps. I try to slow the fall, but my temple slams into an edge, skin splitting, and I feel blood flooding my face instantly. The pain is disorienting but I force myself back up.
“Let me go!” I shriek, nails breaking against the stairs, but he’s too strong.
His arms lock around my waist, and I know that if he gets a full hold, it’s over—it’s all over. I’ll never go back to him. I’ll never see him again, and this is where I disappear forever. Liam’s face flashes behind my eyelids, already fading like a photograph burning at the edges.
No. No. NO.
I writhe myself out of his disgusting hold and hit him straight in the head with my heel landing on his cheek, and I curse I didn’t gouge his eyeball out.
“Lighthouse! Liam, Lighthouse!” I scream but there’s no answer.
Tyler curses losing balance and I climb higher up the stairs, desperate to get out of here.
I’m so close, I can feel it.
Once I reach sea level, I run along the pavement that gives way to the wall above the ocean-side rocks where waves crash violently against them. My heart pounds as I climb up along the narrow wall, the lighthouse looming across from me.
One misstep and I’m either meticulously jumping from one rock to another against the churning sea, or I’d fall to my death between quaint, peaceful restaurants on the port.
Enjoy your dinner, folks!
