Take a Breath (Take #1) - Jaimie Roberts Page 0,38
to get back.
Turning around the last corner before heading home, I see a group of young boys. I instantly tense as I get nearer to them. Of course, they all look up and see me, which is the last thing I want.
“Hey, pretty lady, are you having a nice run?”
I study him a moment. He isn’t very old, I would say about nineteen with short, cropped brown hair. There’s another two with blonde hair, possibly brothers, but I don’t want to stay any longer to try and figure that out. Instead, I try passing the guy who spoke to me, but he blocks my path. “So what is a nice girl like you doing out so late on your own? You know, there are bad people out late at night.”
I look into his dark brown eyes. “Do you mind moving out of the way please? I can’t get home and be safe away from all the bad people if you’re blocking my path, now can I?”
He laughs, obviously finding my statement amusing. “Pretty and funny, guys, not to mention the sexy British accent. You know, we’re off to a party, would you like to come?”
The other two are getting closer to me, and it’s making me panic somewhat. I’m about to speak when I notice that their eyes are no longer on me. I jump when I hear the sound of his voice. “I think you boys better be running along now, don’t you?”
They all step back, but the brown-haired boy retains some of his cockiness. “Look, mister, it ain’t none of your business, okay? We were just talking to the pretty lady here. That’s all.”
Jake looks about ready to blow his top. With his chest heaving, he storms past me, grabs the boy by his neck, and lifts him up like he’s made of straw. He chokes, instantly trying to catch his breath. The other two step back in horror, watching the scene unfold.
“I won’t ask you again. Take a hike before I really lose my temper. Do you hear me?”
Eventually, I find my voice. “Jake, for God’s sake, put the boy down.”
The boy’s starting to turn a funny color, and I’m a little uncertain of how much of a hold he has on the situation. Luckily, Jake puts him down, and the lad starts choking, trying to catch his breath. “Look, I’m sorry, mister, okay? I didn’t realize she was your girl and all. We just wanted to ask her out to a party. We didn’t mean any harm.” He looks over to me, panting. “Sorry, lady. We’ll be on our way now.”
I nod my approval and quickly turn to walk back home. Jake instantly grabs my arm and spins me around. He’s mad Jake again, and it’s starting to become a bit of a habit lately.
“I told you not to go out. If I hadn’t turned up—”
I snatch my arm away. “Nothing would have happened,” I answer. “I’m going home.”
Jake lets out a heavy sigh. “There is a mad man going around killing girls with blonde hair and blue eyes. You’re practically advertising yourself out here, running on your own at this time of night. You can’t be out here, it’s too dangerous.”
I open my mouth in shock. I can’t believe he’s ordering me about. He’s right about the killer, but I just can’t believe the gall of the man. “Being a protective father again, are we, Jake?”
He winces at my choice of words, and I feel the tears sting again. “I’m going home.” I take off, running towards the house, feeling Jake’s eyes watching me as I go.
I’m sweaty and exhausted, so I jump in the shower and have a quick wash. Afterwards, I get into my comfy pajamas. Right now, I need the comfort.
Needing a drink, I walk down the stairs and open the fridge door. Again, I feel like I have to sneak around. This isn’t normal. Feeling like I can’t be in my own home isn’t normal.
“Ana?”
Closing my eyes, I don’t dare close the fridge door. I don’t want to have to face him again after everything that has already happened.
“Ana, close the refrigerator and talk to me.”
I do, but only because I’m angry. “Talk to you about what? About the fact that you blow hot and cold on me every five minutes? Or maybe about the fact you ripped my clothes off earlier today and fucked me?”
Jake fists his hands together and takes in a sharp breath. “Don’t. Fucking. Swear.”