Red Thorns (Thorns Duet 1)

For my life.

Thudding footsteps come from behind me, sounding almost too steady as I sprint the fastest I can.

The hardest I can.

Oh, God.

Who are those men and why are they chasing me? I want to ask that, but I don’t trust my voice, not with the amount of panting I’m doing or how hard my chest is rising and falling.

Besides, who cares? They could be one of the freaks who are always in this forest waiting for their next prey.

Someone like me.

I deviate through the narrow paths I used to take when running from Sebastian. I slide down shortcuts that I know will get me to my car faster.

A shadow appears from the side and I shriek as it closes in on me.

I’m about to hit and kick when the familiar bergamot scent fills my nostrils.

My movements come to a halt as I stare up at him. “Sebastian…?”

“What is it?” He removes his white hoodie and grabs my shoulders. “Are you okay? What are you doing here and why were you running?”

“There are…there were two men…they…were wearing black…and they were chasing me…and…maybe they’re from the black van that followed me or maybe…they don’t even…know me…”

“Hey.” He strokes my shoulder. “Deep breaths, baby.”

I nearly sob at the sound of that endearment coming from his mouth. I didn’t know I missed it so much until now.

“Now, repeat what you said. Slowly. Who was chasing you?”

“Me. Told you we’d meet again, Hitori-san.”

I shriek as one of the dark figures closes in on Sebastian from behind. He doesn’t even have time to turn around as the man’s gun glints and he aims it at him.

Bang!

To be continued…