Desire (Desire, Book 1) - By Missy Johnson Page 0,64

have done to me. And what was I supposed to do now? Call the police? Act like nothing had happened? I looked up as Mauve came in, followed closely by Emily, who was carrying my tea. I smiled as she handed me the steaming cup.

“How are you, honey?” Mauve sat next to me, her arm around my shoulders. I smiled at her. Still shaken, I was much better than I had been a few minutes ago.

“I’m okay. Has he gone?” I asked, concerned. Mauve nodded.

“There was no point calling the police, because he didn’t hurt you or technically threaten you, but you might want to think about going to the police if he hassles you again. He’s been banned from here.” I nodded, a bit taken aback that his almost punch to my face apparently didn’t classify as a threat.

“Okay.” I murmured, taking a sip of my tea. I was too exhausted to argue. I just wanted to go home.

“Your check.” Mauve handed me a check. I stashed it in my bag, not wanting to think about that, or anything else, right now.

“Thanks.” I said, letting her hug me, “I’m okay. I think I just want to go home”

“I’m sorry you had to go through that, Kait.” Mauve shook her head sadly, “We try our best to weed out the crazy ones, but no security is fool proof.” I forced a smile, and stood up. I turned to Emily.

“Call me, okay?” She mumbled, tears springing in her eyes. I nodded and smiled. I would definitely miss seeing her happy face.

Barry waited by the door to escort me out.

He’d offered to walk me to my car, which I had accepted. I was sure Charlie was long gone, but having Barry next to me made me feel safe.

“Thanks, Barry.” I smiled at him as I climbed into my car. He waved, and walked back into the building. I started up the car, letting the heater warm up.

“Fuck!” I cursed. My purse.

I’d left my purse inside.

I contemplated calling and asking Barry to bring it out to me. I glanced around the parking lot. It was empty, apart from a few cars. I knew Charlie’s car, and his car wasn’t here. I was sure he was long gone.

Taking a deep breath, I unlocked the door, and climbed out. I rushed across the lot, my heels clicking on the asphalt with every step. I’d almost reached the door when I heard something behind me. The sound of a shoe crushing crumpled leaves.

“Well, look at you.”

My heart stopped. Literally.

That voice.

I slowly turned around. Charlie stood before me, his eyes red.

He had been drinking. I spied the empty bottle of whiskey in his hand. He saw me looking at it and laughed, throwing the bottle against the wall. The sound of shattering glass made me jump.

“Charlie. I’m sorry…” I backed up slowly.

In one swift move, he was on top on me, his weight pressing down on me. I tried to struggle, but I could barely breathe through the pressure his body placed on my lungs. I gasped for air, as his hand covered my mouth.

“You think you can just cut me off like that?” He hissed, ramming my head into the cement footbath.

Pain shot through my head, excruciating, throbbing pain like I’d never felt before. I could feel blood oozing from the wound, matting my hair.

“You owe me, you dirty fucking whore.” He hissed, spitting on my face. A strangled sob escaped my mouth.

Holding me down with one arm, he ripped at my skirt with the other, groping around inside of me. I cried out in pain. He was by no means being gentle. He laughed, grabbing me even harder. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I stared into his cold, dead eyes.

His knee pried my legs apart as he brought my legs up around my waist. His gripped slipped off my knee.

I was in the perfect position.

This was the only chance I was going to have before I wound up dead in some shallow grave. With all the strength I could muster, I kicked him right in the groin.

“Jesus Christ, you fucking bitch!” He rolled off me, clutching his manhood.

His face screwed up in pain. Scrambling to my feet, I screamed at the top of my lungs, realizing just how close I’d come to being raped.

Out of nowhere Barry appeared like an overweight ninja, gripping Charlie in a headlock, until he passed out. Emily came rushing outside.

She caught one look at me face, and ushered me