The Past Between Us novel Chapter 23

From: Megan Adams

To: Scarlett Hudson

You know how I always believed that there was good in this world, that the universe had a way of ultimately making things okay.

Well, guess what? The universe finally proved me wrong.

There is no balance. There is no justice in this world. Bad, unspeakable things happen to people who have done absolutely nothing to deserve them.

Sometimes things get taken from you, things you can never get back.

Men are despicable, vile creatures Scarlett. Don't trust them. Don't trust anyone.

Trust, love, happiness; these feelings are a trap, something monsters can use to hurt you. Don't let people in, the moment you open your heart to someone they're going to hurt you, they will strip away your soul until you're left with nothing.

I'm glad you left this god-forsaken place Scar.

I hope you never come back.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What happened to you Megan?

Who hurt you?

My heart was pounding hard. I was going to be sick.

Air.

I needed air.

My head started to spin. I was gasping when I finally stepped outside.

I didn't know how long I had been wandering aimlessly but somehow by the time my mind cleared the sky was dark and I was standing in the middle of an empty street.

I looked around the unfamiliar surroundings.

Shit. I was definitely lost.

I didn't even have my phone with me.

Why are you so stupid Scarlett?

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps.

"Well, what do we have here?" A man's voice spoke up.

I could feel my panic start to build as two bulky men came into view. Both of them were walking towards me. A chill crawled up my spine when I saw the menacing looks on their faces.

I couldn't help but think that they looked familiar.

The sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach intensified as I realized who they were.

They were the same men I'd seen with Ryder.

"Are you lost darlin'? The one with the buzz-cut asked me.

I took in a deep breath. I had to keep my composure.

"No. I was just heading home." I answered him evenly.

"What's the hurry?" He asked with a smirk.

Suddenly the other one spoke up. "Wait I minute! I recognize you!"

I could feel the color draining from my face.

"You're Hunter Adams girl." His voice was low, threatening.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I spat out.

I started to run but Buzz-cut was faster. His hand wrapped around my arm in a death-grip.

"Let go of me!" I screamed but his grip only tightened.

"Ryder's going to be really pleased when we bring her in." He chortled.

I struggled against his strong grip but he pinned both my arms behind my back, restraining me.

"Yeah, we'll take her but let's have a little fun with her first. I'm sure Ryder won't mind." The other one commented.

Bile started to rise up my throat.

"Don't worry doll-face. We won't hurt you. . . too much." He snickered.

His finger started to trace my cheek.

That's when I turned my head and bit down hard on his finger. The coppery taste of blood filled my mouth.

The man screamed as he held up his injured finger. His eyes blazed when he finally looked at me.

"Keep her restrained. I'm going to teach her a lesson." He ordered his friend.

I watched as he raised his fist in the air preparing to hit me. I squeezed my eyes shut waiting for the impact.

But it never came.

Instead I heard a loud thud and a muffled groan.

My eyes shot open and I gasped when I saw the man's body lying unconscious on the ground.

"I'm going to say this only once. Let her go." Hunter's deep voice broke in.

My eyes darted to his familiar tall figure standing in front of us.

I watched as he slowly rotated his shoulder and flexed his neck from side to side. His expression was dark, it scared me. It was almost inhumane.

"Or what?" Buzz-cut challenged.

Hunter's lips curled into a sadistic smirk. His eyes briefly met mine, conveying his message.

"I'm going to count to three." Hunter said calmly. "One. . . Two. . ."

"Three!" I yelled as I twisted around and slammed my shoulder into his jaw.

The movement caught him completely off guard and his hold on my arm faltered. I didn't waste any time with freeing myself.

The moment I was free Hunter tackled him.

I watched in horror as the two of them fought. An involuntary scream left my lips when the man punched Hunter square in his face.

I needed to help him.

I started to move but Hunter's voice stopped me.

"Stay where you are." Hunter's voice ordered. It was almost as if he'd read my mind.

They both struggled for a few more minutes. Hunter clearly had the upper hand.

Hunter aimed a sharp kick to his abdomen causing him to topple down. His knuckles connected with the man's face knocking him unconscious. Terror consumed me as I watched Hunter land blow after blow.

"Hunter stop!" I shouted.

But he didn't. He kept hitting him. I could feel myself growing nauseous.

I walked over to him. I caught his fist just as he was about to strike again.

His head snapped in my direction and the wild look in his eyes made me shudder.

"Please stop." I whispered. I looked at the man's bloodied face and cringed. "He's barely breathing. You'll kill him."

He just sat there motionless for a while, not even blinking. He suddenly got up and started walking away, without even turning to look at me.

I sprang to my feet after him.

"Hunter wait!" I called out but he didn't stop he just shoved his hands in his pockets and kept walking.

I had to run to catch up to him.

"How did you find me?" I asked panting. "Were you following me?"