~Nicole~
“Back off.” The voice cut through the pressure crushing me.
Suddenly the choke loosened, air rushing back into my lungs.
I spun, slow, dizzy..
Fredrick.
I collapsed against him, coughing hard, fingers shaking.
“What… what are you doing here?” My voice was a whisper, clingy and weak and pissed at the same time.
He didn’t answer.
Just scooped me up like it was nothing.
“You’re okay,” he muttered.
“You’re safe.”
“She…did you see her?” I forced out, pointing to the empty street like a lunatic.
His jaw flexed. “Yeah. Come on. Car’s right there.”
Inside the car, the world finally stopped spinning.
He handed me water.
I chugged, staring at him, confused.
“Explain. How'd you know where I was?”
He swallowed. “Had a hunch.”
I laughed, sharp and hysterical. “A hunch? So y
