Take a Breath (Take #1) - Jaimie Roberts Page 0,37

won’t I?”

As I finally begin to climb the stairs, I hear his voice. I don’t know if it’s because of where I’m standing or what, but it has an eerie quality as it seems to echo off the walls, surrounding me.

“Over my dead body.”

I turn to face his anger, and—to my relief—I find I do not falter. “Why, Jake? Why is it that I can’t go out on a date with someone? Tell me!”

I see his fists clenching. Whatever he needs to say is on the tip of his tongue, but he just can’t seem to get the words out. “Fuck!” he finally shouts before walking back towards the kitchen.

Shit, what is wrong with him? Why does he feel this need to fight me at every turn?

The man is so confusing and so bewildering that half of the time, my head doesn’t even know which way to turn.

With a sigh, I close my eyes and will away the tears that are threatening to overflow. I’m angry, but as always, anger has that uncanny knack for making one want to cry. I’m determined not to, though. I’m determined not to let him win.

I shake my head and make my way upstairs. After sitting in my room for a while, I hear the distinct sound of Jake punching his bag in the gym. He’s obviously letting off steam. I, on the other hand, still have mine coursing through my veins. As I close my eyes, the sound of him grunting through the walls heightens as my senses kick in. It makes my lips part, and despite not wanting it to, it also makes my pussy throb with need. I remember those sounds when he was on top of me. I remember those sounds as he pounded inside of me over and over again.

I need to get a grip and remove this man from my head.

He’s everywhere. In my thoughts, in my body, and, unfortunately, in my heart as well. I just can’t seem to shake him.

With a shake of my head, I decide to put on some music and concentrate on my plans for tomorrow. I switch on my iPod and click on Maroon 5’s “Payphone.” I’m in heaven because once it’s on, the song successfully muffles the sound of Jake grunting two doors away from me.

Once the music is sorted, I load up my laptop and start searching the internet, looking for some dresses and shoes. I book my hair appointment at Tyson’s Corner for two-thirty, conscious that the party starts at six. Once I’m done, I gaze outside, and it is only then that I realize night is now upon us.

It’s nine o’clock, but as exhausted as I am, I’m also too wired to rest. I need to clear my head. A run is probably the best solution.

With that thought in my head, I grab my kit and get ready. It’s muggy outside, but at least the sun is down. Besides, the more I think about it, the more I feel I need this. Once dressed, I put my hair up in a high ponytail and run down the stairs. Jake is on the sofa, so I quickly move to the door to open it.

“Where are you going?”

I don’t look around. I can’t believe he wants to know where I’m going. Isn’t it obvious what I’m doing? Ignoring him, I run out the door and shut it behind me, starting at a steady pace.

I hear the door open behind me. “Come back. You can’t go out. Ana!”

How dare he talk to me like that? Who does he think he is?

I quickly get out of earshot and make my way around the main roads. I know it isn’t wise to be on my own too often. There are plenty of people walking their dogs, so I feel safe. I put my iPod in my ears and start listening to music to keep me going. My adrenaline’s pumping as “White Noise” by Disclosure is thumping in my ears. I’m in my own little world, trying desperately not to think about Jake’s every touch.

I’m not sure how long I have been daydreaming, but the hairs on my neck are suddenly standing to attention. It’s really dark, so I know it’s very late by now. Glancing down at my watch, I see that it is in fact already after ten.

Shit, I must have been out of it while running. I’m only a mile away from home, so I know it won’t take me long