Chapter One –
The hallway was silent but I could hear Marco's footsteps on the stairs.
My hands shook so badly that the lock pick kept slipping. I could still feel the sting of his belt across my back. My head quickly darted in the direction he was coming.
He couldn't catch me.
I wouldn't let him.
Finally, the door gave way and I opened it, tumbling inside a strangers apartment, and quickly closing the door shut behind down. I leaned against it, chest heaving as I closed my eyes, hands trembling as I held both against my chest.
Marco's footsteps passed the door and once I could no longer hear it, I heaved a deep breath.
But I knew I couldn't go out, I had to seek safety here for a few more minutes or…hours.
The apartment was dark and sparse. It had only a couch, a coffee table, an
