Twisted Confessions

Chapter 4

With my heart in my throat, I ran down the passage and down the stairs, hauling my body out of the door.

I didn't have a car and I left my purse at the reception. Stupid, I know. I really didn't want to go back in there. Surely, there would be someone willing to give me a ride around here.

With that thought in mind, I started down the gravel driveway, but immediately halted. A chill ran down my spine and the hairs on the back of my neck rose.

I slowly turned around and froze. Near the expanse of trees behind the house, there stood a man. A haggard man with baggy clothes and a beard that reached his chest. His eyes were red and his teeth were yellowed.

I saw the glint of a knife he was holding to his side. I didn't think, I just ran back towards the house and slammed the door shut behind me.

My chest was heaving up and down as my eyes connected with grey ones. I sucked in a breath and rested my head against the door. What do I do?

I wanted to cry, but I was made of stronger stuff. I angrily swiped a lone tear away, trying to formulate a plan, but it appeared that I didn't have to as a hand landed on the nape of my neck, dragging me away from the door.

I was mentally and physically exhausted to fight, so when he opened the door, I followed him.

"Take me home." I told him. I didn't need to ask him. Not after what he did.

"This is your home." I watched his gaze flicker to the haggard man before turning to me.

"This is not my home. Please take me to my real home. Better yet, drop me off at the cafè." It killed me to say please, but I needed to get the point across.

He moved to his car and I followed. He opened the passenger seat and I got inside. Before I could grab the seatbelt, he dragged it across my body and clipped it in.

I could've done that myself. I tilted my chin up and refused to look at him. He got into the driver's seat and the engine purred to life.

We zoomed out of the driveway and thankfully, he dropped me near the cafè.

I immediately jumped out when I saw Brandon and leaped into his arms.

"Woah, babe, what's wrong?" I shook my head, finding comfort in inhaling his apple scent.

"You left your purse there, I grabbed it."

"Thank you Bran." I kissed his cheek and took my purse.

"You okay?" He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me close to him.

I glanced at Geoff, leaning against the car with his arms crossed, watching me with narrowed eyes.

I narrowed my own eyes at him and answered Brandon. "I'm fine now."

"Come on. Let's get you home."

I turned around and walked with Brandon to my real home.

"I hate him."

"Don't blame you honey."

"Did he do something to you?" He whirled me towards him with his hands on my shoulders and peered into my eyes.

I shook my head and gave him a small smile.

"Your mom told me that she's going to the Hollow Creek."

I dramatically shuddered at the name of the raunchy pub.

"You know you're always welcome to crash at my place." Brandon offered.

We started walking again and my chest swelled with affection.