“Uh, yeah. No one has their name under mine. I can stay until ten when they close up.”
“Good. Do that,” Enzo said. “One of us will come get you at that time.”
“Why?” I ventured softly.
Silence greeted me.
“Enzo? Fox?”
“Just… we’re working on something right now. We want to ensure it’s not a threat,” Enzo said delicately. “I don’t think it is, but I want to make sure. There’s security on campus, and Jake and Randy will remain there. You’ll be safe. So stay, OK?”
“OK,” I agreed, grateful this room had a couch to lounge on. I’d grab a snack in the commons or maybe even order dinner. I’d be fine. I kept telling myself that anyway. I didn’t want to dwell or worry, but I could feel the panic working its way up my throat.
“I love you, Rosie,” Fox murmured. “Be safe, OK? Call us if you need anything.”
“I will. I love you. All of you.”
They all said it back to me before hanging up. I put my phone on the edge of the piano, my heart filled with worry.
With nothing else to do, I let my fingers move slowly over the keys, a new song brewing in my soul.
I stareddown at my phone. It was ten-thirty, and I hadn’t heard from the guys. Night had fallen, and I was tired. They weren’t answering my calls either. Scared, I decided I needed to get home. The very real fear that something was wrong waseating at me. I knew I promised to wait, but security had already been by to let me know it was time to go.
Sighing, I got up and grabbed my bag, and headed out. I’d poured myself into my work today, getting further ahead than I had in a long time. I tried Fox’s phone once more before I tried Cole.
Still nothing. Not even a text.
Fearing the worst, I walked out to the parking lot to see that Randy and Jake weren’t out there. The worry grew as I quickly rushed to my car in the dark lot. It had been so long since I’d been alone that I didn’t realize how scared I’d be.
I didn’t like it.
I unlocked my door and made to grab the handle, but a hand slammed over my mouth. I let out a muffled scream as I kicked and bucked against my attacker. He was strong, whoever he was.
I managed to land my elbow in his guts, dropping my keys in the process. He released me with a grunt. Knowing better than to spend the time searching for the keys, I dropped my bag on his foot and ran, calling for help as I went.
I ran as fast and far as possible, going off campus and to the empty streets. I ducked into an alley that led to the back door of my favorite coffee shop. I knew the owners kept that back door open when they closed. If I could make it there, I’d be OK.
A scream tore from me as I fell to the hard pavement in the alley, way too far away from my goal, my palms and knees smacking hard. He’d knocked me down and was on me in a minute. I bucked and kicked at him, desperate to fight him off. So many ugly memories flooded my mind, but only one I could focus on. My guys. If something happened to me, it would kill them.
I didn’t recognize the man, but I couldn’t see him because of the black ski mask he wore.
He was solid muscle, though, and seemed unconcerned about the damage he was doing to me.
His fist came down hard on my face once. Twice. Three times. My vision blurred as I tried to blink away the pain and blood. “You’re a pretty little bitch, aren’t you?” He let out a raspy laugh, the sound of his zipper coming down filling my ears.
God no. Please.
Roughly, he spread my legs as I weakly fought against him.
“Boss didn’t want me to touch you, but I’ve never fucked a redhead before. And one as hot as you?” He slapped me hard as I tried to fight my way out. My ears rang, and my arms were tired.
He leaned down, his lips at my ear. “My only wish is that prick De Luca was here to see me pound into this pussy. Maybe he’d start fucking listening when he’s told to do something.”
He kissed my jaw. My lips. I gagged against him, sobbing so hard my chest burned. He sucked against my neck, marking me.
I couldn’t get away. I wasn’t strong enough.
I felt his rock-hard cock press against me over the skirt of my dress.