Protecting My Hart (Protectors Series Book 1) by Danielle Wright Read Free Book Online Page B

both my bags outside my window. Then I sneak back down the hallway to JD’s office, silently listening for any noise—all I hear is the sounds of sex upstairs. Reaching for the bottom drawer of his desk, my hand lands on the box in the back. Pulling it out and opening it, I count out about twenty-five hundred dollars. This will get me to Montana for sure. Stuffing it in my pocket, I replace the box and close the drawer. Back in my room, I take one last look around, say goodbye to my books, and climb out the window.
    With both of my bags slung over my shoulders, I head into the woods to the creek and follow it. The moon is high and bright, lighting up the way, but not too bright that I’ll be spotted. I’m careful, watching and listening for anyone following me. I have to stay focused and get as far away as I can before the house starts to wake up. I try not to think about it—I will just become paranoid. I think the part that upsets me the most is the fact that I will never see Slyde again. I could have left a note, but if JD went through my stuff then he would track me down. Not that Slyde would go looking for a note; I’m not sure he will even care if I’m gone. He might be relieved, actually, to not have to babysit me. I know that he was just being nice, he was always nice.
    The creek has led me to a road which I follow and eventually end up in town. The anxiety is starting to lessen, but not by much. I can’t stay here at all—too easy for him to find me—but I do need to find a place to hide for at least a day before I can get to the airport. Walking down the street, I try to stay in the shadows. The uneasy feeling of being watched and followed hasn’t left, it’s been there since I made it to the creek, but I couldn’t find anyone following me. The feeling is getting stronger now and I’m not quite sure what to do, so I just keep a tight hold on my bags and keep walking. Suddenly, there is a loud crash behind me causing me to jump and let out a small scream, but when I turn around nothing is there. Turning back around to continue my walk I’m overcome by a large man, his hand clamps over my mouth, his arms wrap me tight, and drag me into the alley.
    “You fucking little no good whore, you should have never left. You had a good life. Now you get what you deserve,” the voice growls in my ear. It’s familiar, but because of the sheer terror consuming me, I can’t place it. I feel cold metal sinking into my side, pain exploding. “Fucking cunt.” Again on the other side, and I cry out. “Worthless piece of shit.” I’m sinking to the ground, and again I feel the pain in a different spot. “Trash.” Pain again. “You’re nothing, you never should have left.” Again the cold metal sinks into my body, but I don’t have the energy to scream—I can barely breathe. Satisfied with the damage he has caused, he gets up and walks away. My body fights for breath but is quickly losing the battle. I close my eyes, and the last thing I see before the darkness takes over my head is Slyde’s smile. The last thought that passes through is, Momma is sorry, my little baby. So sorry. I love you.
    Darkness.

Five Years Later
    I see her across the street, I call her name. She stops, turning to look at me. Her lips form a wide smile, and it’s the most perfect thing I have seen in five years. I start to run across the street, but the distance between us continues to increase. I run faster but still don’t get any closer.
    “Hartley!” I call out again. Her smile begins to fade, her eyes become sad. I keep running to her, but I’m not getting any closer. Tears fall from her eyes as she turns around and walks away. I can’t catch her.
    “ Hartley!” I yell out again. Suddenly, I’m awake and breathing heavily. The light comes on, and Beamer comes around the corner.
    “You OK man?” he asks sleepily, but his eyes are razor sharp and watching me intently.
    “Yeah. Just a dream.”
    “Hart