He twists me around on the ground and grabs me with his burly arms, throwing me over his shoulder. My heart races, and my mind is reeling.
No. I can’t go back. I can’t ever go back.
In desperation, I grab the hairpin in my hair … and stick it right into his side multiple times.
The bodyguard collapses to his knees, and I fall right on top of him.
I scramble to my feet and glance at him over my shoulder. My feet are ready to go, but I can’t leave him like that, can I?
Blood pours from his wounds as he growls in pain, and guilt rushes through my veins. But I can’t tend to him. I won’t get another chance to escape, I have to grasp this moment. I have to go … now!
“I’m sorry,” I mutter, and I turn and run off.
“Charlotte, no!”
A sharp voice makes me turn my head.
It’s Jill, her eyes widened, her jaw dropped as we come face to face while she clenches the doorpost, and I’m outside in the alley. The moment of silence seems eternal. Her eyes reflect the pain of betrayal, the regret of not stopping me, and all the consequences she’ll have to endure because of my escape.
I’m sorry for putting all of this on her because I know Easton won’t treat her well once he finds out, but I can’t stop now that I’ve come so far.
I wish I could say goodbye. That I could tell her I didn’t hate her, I don’t blame her for what happened to me, and I wish she’d make a better choice the next time around.
After all, Easton will still be the same power-hungry control freak.
But one thing’s for sure … it’s not going to be me.
And with a final smile sent her way, I drop her pager on the ground and run.
###
The End