Page 28 of Pushed Through The Dark
I'm going to fucking kill him!
Kicking and screaming, I slammed around in the backseat trying to break the window. I didn't care if I broke a bone, I just wanted out. Sweat trickled down my temples, and the shirt was sticking to my skin as I used all the energy I had.
"I hate you!" Dropping back exhausted, I closed my eyes and took in deep breaths.
Koa shook my leg, waking me up. "We're here. You feel better? Get that out of your system?"
Giving him a dirty look, I didn't answer. Rubbing my eyes, I sat up and yawned.
"I'll take that as a yes. Here's what I need you to do, when we go inside, just stay close, don't talk to anyone, and don't look at anyone. If someone tries to talk to you, ignore them. I'll handle everything, understand?"
Grunting, I rolled my eyes. "Sounds familiar, but you're not like him, right? You're not a monster?"
"Don't, not here." He gripped my chin and forced my eyes back on his. "This isn't a place for games, minx. I need you to trust me, and do as you're told."
"Trust," I said, laughing lightly. "Why would I ever trust you?"
"Because one fuck up here, and neither of us will walk out alive. Understand?" His eyes ignited like liquid fire, burning me from the inside out. "Let's go."
Koa wrapped his hand around my wrist and pulled me out of the car. With strong steps, he walked us towards a brick building. There was no sign outside, or any defining features to let me know what it was exactly we were walking in to.
I could smell salt in the air, and taste it as I breathed in. The sound of ocean waves smashing against rocks was close by. A seagull squawked overhead, drawing my attention up. The sound of the waves grew closer as we approached the building.
Looking to my right, the water was crashing against the rock wall that lines the edge of the parking lot. And for the first time, I saw a real escape. No fence, no barricade, just open ocean.
I know how to swim. . .
A plan was forming in my head, one that was so tangible, I could feel it. I could already taste the saltwater on my lips, and feel the cold ocean on my skin. But my timing needed to be perfect if it was going to work.
Jiggling my wrist lightly, his fingers clenched harder, letting me know he was highly aware of my arm in his hand. I deflated a little, but not enough to ignore the itch for escape.
Patience, Aubrey. Patience.
"Don't even think about it," he barked, reading my mind. Flicking my eyes to his face, he was shaking his head.
"You don't know what I'm thinking."
"I know exactly what you're thinking."
Pursing my lips, I jerked my arm as hard as I could. To my surprise, my thin wrist slipped between his thumb and forefinger easily, breaking the chain he created. Taking off, my feet pounded against the ground, my skin getting cut up from cracked seashells and sharp rocks.
Throwing my arms up, I was about to dive into the ocean. The breeze washed across my face, and my feet lifted off the rock wall, ready to plunge in headfirst.
This is it, I'm free!
Suddenly, a burning pain hit my scalp as his thick fingers tangled in my hair and yanked me back. Wrapping his arm around my waist, he threw me over his shoulder.
"Nice try, but you can't escape that easily." My body folded over his shoulder, and he wrapped a strong arm around my hips.
"I hate you," I said.
"I know you do, but you won't hate me forever." Setting me down on my feet, he gripped my shoulders, forcing me to look up at him. "No more games, they stop here. I'm warning you now, no more."
I could feel the seriousness in his voice, and see it in his eyes. Nodding, I give in. I'll get my chance, it just wasn't yet.
"Good, you're finally using your head."
Standing outside the thick metal door, Koa knocked. The door creaked open slowly, but no one emerged. A faint light trickled out, and the scent of an old basement hit me instantly.
