Page 74 of Wolves & Watercolors
My phone tips out of my hand and I roll over, burying my face into the comforter as I let out a muffled scream.
What if I went home to drop off the paintings and waited to see if Jarrod really could sell them for triple price? And then I’d have time to pack up my things and arrange a move with Hazel. That would be the smartest move.
Maybe, with some luck, I could change my life.
Even the thought of moving to be with Cedar and Hazel has my heart racing. It’s too good to be true.
It’s unlikely to work out. Jarrod was probably wrong. I shouldn’t get my hopes up.
I want to sketch. It’s the only way to get this nervous energy out. Unfortunately, my art supplies are in my bag in the car. I shouldn’t have left them out there.
Scrunching my nose in frustration, I pull my shoes on and head for the door with my car keys in my fist.
The motel’s dim lights barely illuminate the dark parking lot. At least it’s quiet. The stale smell of smoke and gasoline makes me gag after a week of breathing crisp pine air.
“Hey, pretty girl,” a nasally voice croons.
I twirl, looking for the cat-caller. In the city, I would have ignored it and kept walking, but out here I feel isolated. Vulnerable. There are no bystanders to protect me or shops to duck into.
A man pushes off the block wall. His clothes hang off his gaunt figure. “I can’t believe you’re out here alone.”
There’s no use in ignoring him. “I’m not alone. My boyfriend is in our room.”
“Little liar,” a second man says, coming from the other side of me. True fear spikes like ice in my chest. As I scan the parking lot, I see no one.
Turning, I stride back in the direction of my room. The taller man steps in my path. “Rude too. Maybe we need to teach you some manners.”
My hand goes to my back pocket, but I left my phone in my room. How could I be so stupid.
“You don’t want to do that,” I say, keeping my voice low to hide my fear. “You need to leave me alone.”
“Why?” he says, stepping closer.
I’ll only get one chance to run, and I know better than to glance the direction I plan to go and give away my move. My muscles tense and I keep my eyes on the immediate threat.
As he takes another step, I launch myself sideways. Darting around him, I race for my room. I’ll only have seconds to get the door open and locked behind me, or risk them following me into the private space.
Hitting the door, I slide the keycard and watch it blink red. Hand shaking, I try again.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Nasal voice says with a laugh that sounds like a farm animal.
“Get away from her.”
The men look up and my heart jumps into my throat. Spinning, I take in Cedar. He holds no weapon, but the promise of violence in his voice is enough to make the men take a step back.
The taller one regains his arrogance and makes a poor choice. “You weren’t with her earlier. She isn’t anything to you. Go away and mind your own business.”
Cedar bristles and takes a step closer. “She is mine, and if you touch her, you’ll wish you were dead.” I shiver at his dark tone.
“You think you’re a hero?” the thinner man says, throwing his hands up and advancing on Cedar.
Everything happens so fast. Cedar grabs the man’s shoulder and yanks him forward, winding back and slamming a fist into the guy’s face. He drops, blood gushing from his nose.
The taller man abandons me and rushes toward Cedar. Metal flashes and I shriek a wordless warning before he shoves a knife into Cedar’s gut. Eyes flaring bright blue, he grips his opponent by the shoulder and throws him into the block wall. He scrambles up and hobbles away.
Cedar sways on his feet and reaches down, tugging the blade from his stomach. My words are incoherent babbling, trying to stop him, but it’s too late. Blood seeps into his shirt, spreading rapidly.
“We need to call 911.” I feel for my phone in my pocket again, and then search for his. It’s on the ground with a shattered screen.
