She stares at me. “Did he… Did he do something to you?”
“Just be careful.”
The rest of the day passes in a fog. I move, but I’m not there.
Casey messages multiple times to make sure okay, and I feel better knowing he’s only on the other end of the phone if I need him.
By 5 p.m. I’m still transferring stuff to the main server. I can’t stop without having to restart it in the morning, so I drop Casey a message telling him I’ll get a cab back to the clubhouse when I’m ready to leave.
Casey
You don’t owe them your time.
I know, but I’m not doing it for my bosses. I’m doing this for my friends.
Casey
Fine. But don’t get a cab. Message me when you’re ready and I’ll come and get you.
The office empties out creating an eerie stillness. I clean out my desk drawers while I wait for the upload to finish and then I head to the break room to refill my water bottle.
I peer over the top of cubicles, usually filled with colleagues, but every single one is empty.Am I the only person still here?
Shit. Okay, get some water, finish this damn upload. Maybe call Casey to come and sit with me until it’s finished.
I head into the break room. The only sounds are the fridge humming and the water cooler gurgling. I fill my bottle, and then I hear it. A noise behind me. I turn quickly and my stomach plummets.
James.
He’s standing in the doorway, blocking my entrance. Cold spreads through me at the way his arms are folded over his chest.
I swallow the lump blocking my throat and fold my hands over my belly to hide the shaking.
“You’re leaving.”
“End of the week,” I say. “I’m sure you’re pleased to hear that.”
He clicks his tongue. “Why would I be pleased to hear that, Alexis? You’re a key part of my team. We’re going to feel your loss.”
He walks toward me, and I step back, my spine hitting the counter behind me. “I need to finish my upload.”
I try to slide around him, but he moves into my space. Then his hands are either side of me and I’m trapped between him and the counter.
Scream.
Shout.
Do something.
But I can’t. My body is frozen.
“You’re really glowing. Pregnancy suits you.” He leans in, his breath hot and vile against my neck. His hand cups my belly and that’s what breaks through my fear.
I shove him and he stumbles back. “Get the fuck away from me!”
I move, darting toward the door. I barely make two steps before he grabs my wrist with bruising force and yanks me back. I slam against him, trying to protect my belly.
“Where the fuck are you going?” He hisses the words in my face, his eyes wild. “We’re not done here, you teasing little bitch.”
