Page 122 of Tempting the Player
When I’m fairly certain that I’m not going to be sick again, I move as quietly as I can to the door and peer out. The living room and kitchen are empty, and there’s a light on across the apartment where the bedroom is located.
I cannot stay here another second. I will go off that balcony if it comes to it. Some of my movements seem easier after throwing up. My legs aren’t quite so heavy and the room isn’t spinning as badly.
When I get into the living room, I can hear Ted talking from the bedroom. He’s on the phone from the sound of it. His words come in short bursts like he’s waiting for a reply. I don’t try to make sense of what he’s saying, I just bolt.
Holding onto the banister so I don’t fall, I take the steps as quickly as I can manage. My heart races and blood thunders in my ears. Every step closer makes me want to cry with relief.
I don’t hear him coming, but as my hand reaches for the doorknob, Ted slams his palm against the door to keep it shut.
“Are you stupid? I said, you’re not going anywhere yet.” He grabs my arm and pulls me toward the stairs.
“Please?” I beg. “Just let me go home. I won’t say anything.”
“You won’t get a block in this condition. You have to stay here.” He tries to tug me again, but this time I hold my ground and yank my arm free. I go for the door again, and this time I get it open.
“Fuck!” He wraps his hand around a chunk of my hair to keep me from fleeing. My scalp burns with pain, but all I focus on is getting the hell out of here.
He’s more frantic now, gripping me anywhere he can and trying to place himself between me and freedom. “Dammit, Jane. I don’t want to hurt you.”
He manages to get in front of me. We’re about the same height and his face leers inches away. With every ounce of strength I can summon, I shove at his chest. He staggers back a step. I ball my right hand into a fist and then attempt to sweep his foot out from under him. It doesn’t work, but it throws him off balance enough that I’m able to land a punch on his jaw.
He recoils in shock. “You bitch.”
My hand screams with pain but I push it all away as I throw open the door and rush out. It’s dark outside, but the streetlights give me some sense of direction. A black truck comes to a screeching halt in front of the apartment.
I see Knox first. His eyes are wide as he rushes from the passenger side of the truck toward me. But then someone else is in front of him. Hendrick.
My Hendrick. His expression is relief and rage, and fear.
I run toward him, even though my legs feel like they’re seconds from giving out. My arms wrap around his middle before I go down, and he clutches me against him so tightly it steals the breath from my lungs. I close my eyes and let my body melt into him. I’m safe. Safe, safe, safe.
43
JANE
The next timeI open my eyes, I’m lying flat on my back in a dimly lit room. My heart rate begins to accelerate as I take in the sterile and cold surroundings. I’m hooked up to at least two different machines and my head feels like it’s been split open.
It’s when I see the familiar dark head bent over at my side that I relax. He’s barely touching me. His pinky finger covers mine, the smallest amount of contact like he was afraid to hurt me but couldn’t bear not to feel my skin against his.
I raise my pinky finger. He jolts upright from the chair he sits in and scans my face. Some of that fear I remember seeing on his face earlier surfaces.
“Hey.” My voice is still raspy, but my throat hurts less.
“Hey. You’re awake.” He leaves his hand touching mine, but raises the other to my face. “How are you feeling?”
“Better, I think. What happened? Where’s Ted?” I swallow thickly. “He put something in my water bottle. I couldn’t walk or talk.”
“I know.” His jaw hardens. “They gave you something to flush it out of your system faster.”
“It was him. The email, the text, all of it.” My voice cracks.
“I know.” His touch is feather-light against my cheek. “I’m so sorry.”
“For what?”
His face twists with pain. “I should have figured it out. I should have been there. I should have checked on you sooner. No excuses. I failed you, but you’re safe here. Ted is in custody and I’m not going anywhere. Just rest and get better. I can take you home tomorrow.”
“Hollywood! You’re awake,” Knox greets me as he walks into the room with two coffees. He offers one to Hendrick, who shakes it off.
