Run to Me by Christy Reece Read Free Book Online Page A

village. I’m going to tie you to this tree, go find someplace we can stay the night, and then come back for you.”
    For the first time, real emotion flared in her eyes … pure panic. “But I have to go back to the compound.”
    Since he didn’t have an answer for such an asinine statement, he ignored it. Squatting, he untied her hands. Resisting the urge to caress the reddened skin around her wrists, he retied them in front, then pulled rope from his pack and wrapped it around the tree, then around her waist. After a strong tug on the knot to ensure that she couldn’t somehow wiggle out of it, he stood. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
    Her heart thudded against her chest as she watched her abductor disappear into the jungle. What was she going to do? She was due for her shot … she cast her eyes up at the darkening sky. It was past time for her injection. Soon, when it became dark, the demons would attack. She had sworn she would never go without her shot again. That she would do anything and everything to ensure that she never went through the agony. Now not only was she miles from the compound, she would be sleeping in the jungle beside a man who wanted to kill her. A wave of despair swept through her, and despite all her training, she couldn’t seem to fight it. What was she going to do?
    She pressed back against the hard surface of the tree, her eyes darting left and right. Animal sounds that had seemed normal earlier now sounded ominous. Fear dehydrated her mouth; desperate breaths wheezed through dry lips. The heavy pounding of her heart increased in speed, racing toward a foreign rhythm.
    Darkness slid with easy familiarity over the jungle floor. A rustling in the bushes behind her had her panting and twisting, trying to see. He had her tied so tight, her body wouldn’t swivel. What if something attacked from behind? What if he attacked her from behind? She still didn’t know what he wanted from her. Why hadn’t he killed her?
    Sweat popped out all over her body. Breath rasped through her lungs as her pants increased, faster … faster. Ink-black nothingness obliterated everything in sight. Tiny little sobbing noises pierced the night. Where were they coming from? She squinted, her eyes struggling to drill holes into the darkness. Holding her breath to listen, she was surprised when the sobs stopped. She resumed breathing, and they grew louder. Shock roared through her … they came from her.
    Panic soared, overwhelmed all logic. Would he leave her here? Had he planned this all along? Abandon her and let wild animals devour her body?
    Rustling steps grew closer and closer. Her heart would soon burst from her chest. She couldn’t see anything in front of her. What was it? Who was coming toward her? Was it the demons? Were they attacking?
    “Okay. I found us a …” A hand touched her face. “Shea? What’s wrong?”
    It was the demon. He had come for her. Tied up, knowing she was going to die, she did the only thing she could. She opened her mouth and released an unearthly scream.

four

    Ethan slapped a hand across her mouth. Anyone within half a mile would’ve heard her screech. Muffled under his hand, her screams continued. Pressing his forehead against hers, he growled, “If you don’t shut up, I’m going to knock you out again. Understand?”
    His hand stayed firmly on her mouth until he felt her nod. Pulling away, he whispered furiously, “What the hell’s wrong with you?”
    “Someone is after me.”
    “No shit, Sherlock. With that banshee scream, you pretty much ensured they’ll find you.”
    She clawed frantically at the rope at her waist. “We have to leave … I have to go.”
    “Finally, you said something sensible.” Untying her, he put his hands under her arms to pull her to her feet. Her slender frame shuddered and shook. “What’s wrong?”
    “Need … to go … now.”
    “Okay, fine.” He untied her feet but kept her hands bound. “This way.” His grasp tight, he