Page 117 of Enthrall Shadows
Without my previous suffering, I’d never have striven for a better life—turning to gratitude to see the brighter side. Things hadn’t always been easy. So many welcome lessons had been imparted during my time working at Enthrall and Chrysalis.
Maybe this helped with my decision to move on—because it was so damn scary to leave all that behind.
Leave them behind.
This, though, was scarier.
I was grateful for the experiences that had made and unmade me, forging me into this woman.
Whatever happened now, my time with Henry would always be cherished. I’d have that, at least.
Let him go.
Let him reunite with his lost love if that’s what he wants. Give them both the second chance they deserve.
The chance he deserves.
What we had shared was no morethan a moment in time between us.
Letting Henry know my thoughts might even reassure him.
Still, parting wouldn’t be easy.
I tripped and he caught me as I felt against him, grinning back at me as though he was proud to see me keeping up.
I gave him a big smile back.
The sound of a gunshot ricocheted around us, causing birds in the brush nearby to soar up into the sky.
Bang.
Another gunshot.
I bolted left, sprinting forward several paces and then glancing back, not seeing Henry. I crouched, waiting for him to catch up, my mouth dry with panic. I was terrified of being mistaken for a deer by a wayward hunter.
Rain poured down my face, obscuring my vision. I blinked, still unable to see Henry. I scanned the trees, my heart pounding in fear.
More shots rang out.
Henry!
I heard leaves rustling as creatures scurried for cover.
Pivoting, I realized I was alone with no idea how to find Henry.
My breathing grew ragged as I stepped through the brush and out of the dense trees, halting next to a slow running river, feeling wary of alligators that might be basking on the edge.
With relief, I saw a small motorboat tethered to a tree.
But then I noticed movement near the boat and froze, unable to breathe.
A slim, weathered man stood near the water, pointing his rifle at me.
Terror bit into my bones, turning my blood cold.
Whiteness blurred my vision as I crouched low against the base of a tree, palms pressing against the rough bark.
Fear erased my ability to think.
