All Souls' Night - Renee Rose Page 0,241

me. Phil’s already hurt her once. I can’t let him do it again. I jump when a hand lands on my shoulder.

Roxy’s brow furrows. “You okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Taking a deep breath, I pray my stomach settles. It doesn’t work. The sour taste continues brewing in the back of my throat. My stomach gurgles as if it’s laughing at my attempts to keep my dinner in place. “Sorry. I was lost in thought.”

Roxy leans close. “That was more than being lost in thought. You don’t have to worry when you’re here. You’re safe. If you need help, just ask.”

I nod, appreciating her assurances, but I know better. “I have to go to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.” I duck under the bar and race to the back hall. There’s a line to the ladies’ bathroom, so I dart into the men’s room. Empty, as usual. I slam my back against the tiled wall and slide down to the floor. Head in my hands, I let the tears fall.

Fuck! Just when I found a place I thought we could call home. Just when I thought we could start living in peace and finally enjoy our lives. We’ll be missing the big masquerade ball, as well. I groan and thump my head against the tile. We were so looking forward to the Halloween costume party. Karina and I spent weeks searching for the perfect costumes, too. The dress I selected has more layers than a wedding cake. It’s more decadent, as well.

My chest constricts, and I can hardly catch my breath. I just want a normal fucking life! Is that too much to ask for? I grab my cell from the tiny apron around my waist and text Karina. Where are you? You’re late. Are you okay?

I need to get the hell out of here and find Karina. I stare at my screen, waiting for a response that doesn’t seem to be coming. And I can’t stay in here all night.

I splash some cold water on my face and pat it dry with a wad of paper towels. I can’t let that fucker see me crumble. With a few deep breaths, I steel myself go back out there and shove through the door.

I cut across the dance floor, hoping to hide from the asshole until I get to the safety of the bar. I slam into a blue silk shirt, and the rancid smell of sweat triggers my gag reflex. Fucking Phil.

He grabs my shoulders, his hands biting into my flesh. “Zoe, my dear. I’ve been looking all over for you. You’ll love the new spa I’ve opened up here in Tucson.”

I shake my head in denial, as if that will make him go away. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”

“You can’t possibly enjoy tending bar.” He snakes his arm around my waist and holds my hand as if we’re slow dancing. “What a waste of talent. I know how skilled these hands are.” He presses his mouth to my ear and I cringe, trying to push him away. “My body misses these hands, Zoe.” There is nothing remotely human about him. Demonic possession is a possible explanation. He could just be a psychopath. No normal person can force women to do what he does on a daily basis.

He twirls me, and I squirm in his arms. “Big Tony keeps asking for you. I’m running out of excuses. You know I’ll make it worth your while. He has deep pockets.” Phil laughs at his double-entendre, and I shiver.

Bile presses up my esophagus. My skin crawls. And I am tired of running from this creep.

“Get your fucking hands off me, you slime bucket.”

Phil’s grip tightens, and he shoves me through the forest of bodies and pins me against the wall. He grabs my face and glares at me. “Get your shit together and get with the program. I’ve had enough of this cat and mouse bullshit. This playing hard to get is getting old and costing me a lot of fucking money.”

I writhe in his grasp, trying to get free. His fingers tighten on my shoulders, no doubt leaving bruises. I bite my tongue. I refuse to let him know he’s hurting me. I’m not giving him any more power over me.

“Is there a problem?” There’s a silent promise of pain behind Roxy’s words. To my surprise, Phil lets go of me and backs away.

“No. I was just catching up with Zoe, here. Nice to see you again,