Page 3 of Inked Desires
The shout hit me like a bullet to the chest.
I threw the door open and rushed into the freezing night. The air stabbed at my lungs as I ran across the garden. Behind me, voices yelled, floodlights flared on, illuminating the lawn.
My heart thundered in my chest.
The fence was just a few meters away.
An engine roared.
I jumped, grabbing the sharp metal. My palms tore open from the effort. A jolt of fear ran through me as a gunshot split the air.
They were shooting.
But I didn’t stop. I swung over the top and hit the ground hard on the other side.
My legs screamed in protest, but I ran.
I didn’t look back.
I didn’t breathe.
Not until the house was gone.
Not until darkness swallowed me whole.
Not until I was free.
CHAPTER 1
ANDREW
Ten thousand dollars. How could I have been so fucking stupid? I stole ten thousand dollars from Jace. Is he already looking for me? Of course he’s noticed I’m gone by now. Shit. Fuck. If he finds me, I’m dead. He’ll make me pay for betraying him.
I’m screwed.
I let out a sigh and drop my head onto the sticky table. Whatever grime is stuck to it can’t possibly be worse than the future waiting for me. It’s been five days since I went on the run. My limbs twitch with exhaustion, begging for a few hours of sleep. But my mind won’t let go. It clings to everything, refuses to shut down, to rest.
I lift my head when the only employee in this diner refills my cup again. It’s my fourth coffee this morning. In the window, I catch my reflection. I’m still not used to this new version of me. The pale blond hair, almost white. The blue eyes. This is me. Not the mask they forced on me. Back then, the black hair and green eyes were nothing but a fantasy—my captor’s fantasy. A look designed to please, to show off, to satisfy a whim, to strip me of any sense of self. Now I’m no longer a puppet to be dressed up and displayed.
The bell above the door chimes. I tense and shrink into myself. Is it Jace? Has he tracked me down already? I glance sideways, trying not to move too obviously.
Someone walks toward my table. There’s a darkness about him, sure—but it’s nothing compared to what I’ve known. I let myself relax. It’s not him.
The man stops at the counter and nods to the server. Even through his leather jacket, you can tell he works out. His hair is neatly combed, his legs long and muscular, and his jeans hug a perfectly shaped ass.“Coffee and a donut,” he says in a voice so low and rough it sounds like he’s smoked and drank his entire life.
His voice is so deep it sends a shiver down my spine. I rub my forehead. I’m tired. Too tired. It’s making me weak, vulnerable. I force myself to look away, silently promising not to let my desires own me ever again.
But I can’t help stealing glances. He turns, scanning the room. The moment his eyes find me, his body tenses. He straightens, fists clenched, and stares at me like he sees through skin and bone. There’s something primal about him, something savage that punches the air out of my lungs. Behind his eyes, I see the beast—coiled and waiting.
The shiver turns to a tremble. His dark brows dominate his face, overshadowing almost-black eyes, a small upturned nose, full lips, and a thin scar cutting across his cheek. I know better than anyone: a monster can hide behind any face.
I shake my head and toss a twenty on the table. I need to get out. Jace looked at me that way once, and it never led anywhere good.
I move quickly, heading for the door and stepping into the street. Maybe I should’ve picked a different place. Maple Creek had seemed like a smart choice when I saw the sign at the city limits. Far enough from him and all his operations.
But the way that guy looked at me—it’s messing with my head. Did Jace send people out here? Did someone spot me? How much time do I have before I disappear for real? I rub my forehead and exhale. Calm down. Paranoia won’t help. If that guy really worked for Jace, I’d already be tied up and gagged in the trunk of some car.
I keep walking, trying to slow my breathing, but my heart slams painfully against my ribs. I stop in front of a building that stands out with its sleek modern design. A neon sign readsDevil’s Sign, and below it, a small board says:Help wanted.
