Promiscuous (Tease 2)

Beth

Pacing around the bedroom, I didn’t know what to do. I was so worried about Roman, that he’d do something stupid or get himself hurt. I felt dizzy, sick, faint, and anxious—all the classic signs of a panic attack. Scarlett being there didn’t make me feel any better. How was she going to protect me if Ivan found out where I was? She was tiny, smaller than me. She looked like she’d have trouble lifting a fork.

I grabbed my phone, my hands shaking like crazy. Punching in one of the few numbers I knew by heart, I waited for Coop to answer.

“Beth, what’s wrong?” he asked.

I could hear the alarm in his voice. The words froze in my throat. All that would come out were sobs—loud, frantic sobs.

“Baby, you’re scaring me. Where are you? Tell me where you are, and I’ll come to you.”

“I don’t know. Some little cabin up on Forster Lake. Opposite the gas station,” I added, remembering the abandoned complex just before we turned at the cabin. Dropping the phone, I curled up on the bed. Wrapping my arms around myself, I shivered. I was so cold. What if Roman got hurt? Ivan was dangerous. I knew that, better than anyone. Or what if he killed Ivan? Or what if Ivan killed him?

The thought made me sick. Ivan had ruined my life enough. I didn’t want to lose Roman because of him, too.

***

“Beth?” Scarlett knocked gently on the door. “Are you okay? Can I come in?”

“Yes.”

She walked over and climbed onto the bed, curling her arms around me.

I exhaled, my hand gripping onto her wrist. “This is so messed up.”

“It’s not your fault. None of this is your fault.”

I turned to face her. “You know, then?”

She nodded.

My lip quivered. All the progress I thought I was making had gone. I felt like I had right back in that moment: Powerless. Hopeless.

“Nobody should go through what you did alone.” She stroked my arm. “And that bastard should pay for what he did. Roman’s not stupid. You don’t need to worry about him.”

“Beth!”

A knock at the front door startled me. I sat up, relieved. Coop. He was here. Turning to Scarlett, I gave her a hug.

“Thanks for being here for me.”

She smiled and hugged me back.

I stood up and raced for the door. I was so scared to see him again. The last time, at the restaurant, had not gone well. What if things felt awkward? I really needed a friend right now.

Taking a deep breath, I swung the door open. He threw his arms around me.

“God, Beth. I’ve been so fucking worried about you.” He kissed my cheek as I hugged him back. The emotion I felt was relief. If things had been strained I don’t think I could’ve handled it. “You look good.”

“You too,” I smiled. Fuck, I was almost in tears. I took his hand and led him inside. “Do you want a drink? A coffee?”

“Nah, I just had one not long ago.” His eyes grew concerned. “What’s wrong? Are you in trouble?”

I nodded. “Maybe a little.” God, where do I start?

“Coop, it’s such a mess. I’m scared. I think he’s going to kill him,” I whispered.

“Who?”