A single tear rolls down her cheek. With the back of my finger I wipe it off, but she jerks away. “I’m sorry.”
“Yeah.” Lux quickly turns away from me and heads back into her house.
I’m left staring at the empty spot on the wall, contemplating my choices from the last week and the one’s I know I’m about to make. I can’t bring myself to give her space and I haven’t figured out why.
Chapter 10
Lux
My gaze blurs as I struggle to keep my eyes open while staring at the empty screen of my computer. Despite the deadline with my editor looming over me, I’m struggling to get the words out. I can’t focus on anything else but what happened last night.
I’ve spent all day in my office, meticulously documenting every detail I recalled from that weekend since writing wasn’t happening. Some memories have been clear, while others haven’t. I usually do best by relying on my senses, but they are failing me now. The parts that come in murky are the memories I need to retrieve the most. And as soon as I get frustrated with myself, a dark image of River flashes in my mind. Although I haven’t seen his face, his presence and need to keep me safe is enough to create a little flutter in my stomach.
Frustrated, I get out of my seat and run a hand through my hair, when I catch sight of my phone on the floor, charging.
What if I texted him? Why do I want to?
He’s the only other person who knows what happened to me and he’s the only one I’ve spoken to about it. But the waiting is making me anxious. I can’t focus on writing, or getting back to my regular life, because the unsettledness of what I went through has formed an itch that’s embedded itself into my nerves. Unable to satisfy it for the sheer ignorance of having no clue how to move forward. The desperate need for closure orvengeanceis pointing me in River’s direction.
I glance around the four walls in my office as my breathing picks up. Like they’re closing in on me, I panic and rise from my chair. With a quick glance out the window, I see the sun is setting over the horizon, and I realize I’m destined to spend another night chasing sleep, so I may as well get a coffee and some fresh air.
I swiftly slip on my shoes, grab my purse, and head out the door. Typically, I’d walk to my favorite local coffee shop, because it’s only a short distance down the street, but after everything that’s happened recently, driving seems like a safer option. I’ve been going there for coffee since I moved into my townhouse a couple years ago. It’s the perfect spot for those long days of writing on a deadline.
When I walk in, the fresh aroma of coffee grounds hits me and gives me a temporary boost of energy while providing a desperate hit of relaxation, too. I take my place in line behind a taller gentleman.
While I wait for my turn, I take in my surroundings—instinctively analyzing the place and the people inside. I take note of the amount of customers, what each of them are doing, and if anyone looks out of place. Growing up with a police officer as a dad, I grew used to these behaviors but I’m even more diligent now.
“I guess they’re out of vanilla scones,” I hear the man in a navy suit in front of me say. At first, I think he’s muttering to himself but when I glance toward at him, he’s looking straight at me.
I flash him a quick smile before turning my gaze away, making it clear that I’m not interested in small talk with a stranger.
“In case that’s what you planned to order,” he adds, gliding a hand through his greasy hair.
His sudden interest and demeanor raises the hairs on my arms and my stomach churns, putting me on alert.
There’s something off about him, but I don’t want to draw his attention, so I simply say, “I wasn’t, but thanks.”
“Of course,” he replies with a leery smile.
Once he’s done placing his order, I do the same before standing to the side and keeping my distance from him. But instead of getting the message, he moves to stand next to me, and I catch the faintest breeze of his cologne.
Cherry cigar.
The scent triggers a sense of fear combined with familiarity, but it could simply be a coincidence. Cherry is a common tobacco scent. I’m probably being paranoid.
While we each wait for our orders, I can sense him watching me intently, and it sends chills up my spine.
Do I know him? Was he one of the men that took me? Does he recognize me?
He might not have been the one who raped me, but a strong cherry stench clung to him. One that almost made me gag when the other had finished and he leaned in and whispered in my ear,“I’m next, so keep the pretty little pussy wet for me, darlin’.”
My heart rate skyrockets forcing me to take a breath. But I force myself to shake the thought away.
He couldn’t. I was blindfolded and naked while being held chained to that bed.
“Rich!” the barista shouts as he walks up to her.
My eyes widen at the name.
