Running Wild by Kristen Middleton Read Free Book Online

ashen and his pupils were dilated. The handsome cowboy I remembered looked like he’d been dragged around by a bull. He was really messed up. But then, right now, so was I.
    “Austin, you really don’t look so well.”
    His lips tightened into a thin line. “I’m fine.”
    “Listen, my dad is going to freak out. You have got to take me home.”
    He shook his head. “No, you’re safer with me. I promised your mom I’d protect you from harm. That’s all I want to do.”
    “No, this isn’t what she meant! She’d never want you to take me away from my father.”
    He smiled. “See, this is why you need my protection. You’re too naïve to be wandering around by yourself or making decisions about your life.”
    “That’s ridiculous! You have to take me home! Everyone’s going to wonder where in the heck I am.”
    “Don’t worry,” he said. “I grabbed your phone. When your mom calls, I’ll let her know you’re safe. She can relay that message back to everyone else.”
    “That’s crap Austin!” I yelled, losing my temper completely. I was so furious I wanted to kick his ass, screw using martial arts just for self-defense.
    “You don’t have to get so hostile Cassie,” he said, trying to touch my cheek. “I’m only trying to protect you. Someday you’ll understand.”
    I stiffened at his touch. “I don’t need your protection! Jesus, I could probably take …” Then it hit me, he wasn’t aware of my martial arts skills. At least I didn’t think my mother had mentioned it.
    “Rest now,” he said standing up. He was swaying and the thought of him driving scared the crap out of me. “We have a long drive ahead of us.”
    “Where…where are you taking me?” I asked.
    The smile he gave me made my skin crawl. He licked his lips. “Somewhere safe; where we can finally be alone.”
    ~~~
     
    I’d fallen back asleep, which was probably for the best because my head felt much better the next time I opened my eyes.
    “Austin!” I yelled.
    Just like last time he ignored me until I began to kick the walls of the truck.
    “Austin!” I screamed louder. My bladder was aching for release and I just knew I’d pee in my shorts after a few more bumps.
    Finally, the truck stopped and Austin came back around.
    “What?” he asked. He looked weary, his face even chalkier than before.
    I smiled sheepishly. “I have to pee.”
    His eyes narrowed. “You’re not trying to escape are you?”
    I shook my head. “No, I really have to go. It’s been quite a while since I’ve went.”
    He sighed. “Okay, but just so you know, there aren’t any bathrooms nearby. You’ll have to squat next to the road.”
    “Whatever,” I said, waving my hand. “I really can’t wait any longer.”
    He helped me down from the truck and I thought about kicking him hard and running, but my hands were still tied. I was more afraid of being attacked by a zombie than Austin, who looked pretty fragile at the moment.
    The sun was shining as I took in the surroundings and my eyes began to water. I’d been locked inside of the truck for who knows how many hours and now everything seemed so bright. From what I could determine, we were somewhere on interstate thirty-five. The roads were deserted and the only thing visible for miles was farmland.
    “Turn around, please,” I said as he followed me to the side of the road. He was staring at me again with such intensity that it was creeping me out.
    Austin shook his head. “Right, so you can just run off?”
    I smiled. “Oh Austin…I already thought of that, but I’m not stupid. If I were to run into any zombies, I’d be totally defenseless with my hands tied.”
    His shrill laughter made me wonder if he was losing his mind. “You’d definitely be an easy meal,” he replied.
    “Tell you what,” I said. “I’ll go behind that tree over there,” I said motioning to a thick oak tree. “And come right back.”
    Austin pulled the gun out from behind his back. “Okay, fair