Page 159 of Saving Her

“Open up,” he warns. “Get out of my goddamn car.”

“Penny, please,” Sarah tries to soothe me. “We can talk.”

There’s no turning back now. Not when Hunter’s expression bleeds with anger—fierce eyes and snarled teeth.

I shift the car into reverse and press my foot on the accelerator. The car launches, the movement far more vicious than I anticipated.

I squeal, clutching the wheel tight as the vehicle bounces onto the road.

Both of them run after me, Hunter reaching the passenger side to pound on the window with a closed fist, his eyes promising retaliation.

I should be scared. I’ve seen that look before. I’ve had it bear down on me from men who left scars that will never heal. But the fear doesn’t breach the betrayal spurring my pulse harder. What Hunter could do to me is nothing in comparison to what Luca has already done.

That pain is far greater. Ten times deeper.

“I’m sorry.” I shift into drive and press my foot down, screeching the tires as the car propels forward.

I ignore the thunder of Hunter’s fist against the side of the car. I push back the internal voice telling me to stop. I drown out the fear of the outside world that barrels down on me and drive, and drive, and drive, passing unfamiliar streets and houses.

Each mile spurs my pulse higher, makes my thoughts more punishing.

I need to get out of here.

Out of Portland.

Out of Oregon.

All I need now is money… and I know just how to get it.

13

Luca

“Doyou use the dating app often?” The blonde seated before me leans forward, her tits plumped, her ruby lips set in a coy curve.

“No. Never.” I look away, focusing on anything but her cleavage as the waitress places our drinks on the table—mine a beer, hers some colorful cocktail covered in fruit.

“You’re not much of a talker, are you?” Her knee brushes mine under the table. Once. Twice.

I don’t enjoy the connection.

“Not usually.” I swipe at my beer and throw back a gulp. “Small talk isn’t my thing.”

“We don’t have to talk. Why don’t we skip dinner and get out of here?”

I take another mouthful. Continue to avert my gaze.

I should be jumping at the chance to get laid. That’s why I’m here. I can’t keep walking around the house drowning in lust, my dick constantly at attention.

Penny worked her way so far under my skin I can’t catch a fucking breath through my need to have her.

Banging out the obsession with another woman is the only option. Yet, here I am, sitting before a sure thing, stalling for reasons unknown.

“Okay. I guess we’re staying.” The woman sips from her straw. “Why don’t you tell me about yourself?”

“You first.” I hate this. Not just the small talk—the fucking pathetic hesitation.

I should take this woman to the restrooms. Fuck Penny from my system in a filthy bathroom stall. Then get home.

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