“Yeah, it’s nearly done.” His grin grows full, making him a hell of a lot less scary. Out of the guys here, Nix and Sy are the two I know least about. Sy still scares me. Ever since the night Beau saved me, Sy’s made it clear I’m too much trouble for the club, and Nix is the Prez of this club. He intimidates me.

“Come find me when it’s ready,” he orders, and I can’t help the smile as it lifts the corner of my mouth.

“Sure. And if you need help, I can start right away,” I add, eager to start.

“You can start tomorrow.” He moves toward the door, done with the conversation. I nod, trying not to show too much excitement. I mean, it’s not like I’ll be leaving the clubhouse, but at least it will get my mind off things and give me my own income, hopefully enough to help me find my own place. As much as staying here has been great, I’m slowly starting to feel comfortable enough to leave and be on my own. The need to always watch my back is fading and with each day, my confidence grows.

Maybe it’s really over?

“So it’s sorted then. No more washing nasty-ass sheets.” Kadence stands, her eyes shining with achievement.

“I can still do washing,” I add, not really caring either way. Over a month of free rent, feeding me and keeping me safe? These people are my saviors. Cleaning and washing are the least I can do.

“No, no more washing, Mackenzie.” She levels her stare at me. I don’t want to piss her off, so I don’t say anything. I don’t bother arguing. A few loads won’t hurt anyone. She doesn’t need to know.

Past Mackenzie

His arm rests heavily on my chest, pinning me down to the bed. Paralyzed with fear, I continue counting in my head. Starting at one and finishing at one hundred. Over and over I repeat it. I’ve made it through counting to one hundred over fifty times now. Each one bringing me closer to my freedom.

Not knowing if he’s feigning sleep, I force myself to wait it out another twenty rounds of counting. Chad is a heavy sleeper most days, but I can’t trust he isn’t waiting for me to make a move.

Once I count through the final hundred, I slowly shift my weight praying to God he doesn’t wake. Each small movement cracks at the carefully constructed armor I’ve erected to stay strong. Once I know he’s asleep, I untangle myself, and tiptoe my way to the bathroom and make quick work of changing out of my nightgown.

I know leaving Chad may bring more pain, but it doesn’t stop me from trying. I know out of anyone, Heidi will help me. Most people don’t want to know about the ugliness that hides behind people’s doors. They prefer to look away, pretend to not notice the bruises, the busted lips. But Heidi has never been one to shy away. She’s been begging me to leave him.

In the beginning, Chad would leave marks that wouldn’t raise suspicion, until he didn’t. On one occasion after he had blackened my eye he told me that he liked to see his mark on me. The sick bastard enjoyed it. I didn’t know then how bad it would get.

Until tonight.

After the big blow-up earlier, that ended with me lying on our hallway floor used, abused and broken, I knew it was the end. Knew I had to leave. I wasn’t sure if next time I would survive.

Trying to forget the nightmare of earlier, I give one final look at a sleeping Chad, and then slowly creep out of the room, down the stairs and out the front door to my escape. I know this is risky walking out the front door, but there is no other way. Our house is closed in on both sides.

Josi, Chad’s dog, would have a fit if I walked out the back door and didn’t take her out and there’s no way I can take the car. Sparing one last thought of Josi, I swallow my tears at leaving her and continue my escape. I can’t think of her or anyone but myself tonight. For once think of yourself, Kenz.

Careful to keep looking back to make sure I’m not being followed, I keep my pace until the end of the street. Only then do I start to jog, freedom calling me forward the further I move away from our home. My jog turns into a run when I get three streets away. The flip-flops I managed to put on in my rush were kicked off five minutes ago. Gravel, stones, and sharp objects pierce my feet, but I don’t let it slow me down. After ten minutes of running, I turn down my best friend Heidi’s street. It’s not the smartest move coming to Heidi, but if there is any chance of me getting out of town tonight, she is it.

Managing to make it to her front door, I hope my panicked knock is enough to bring her to the door before I’m seen. My prayer is answered when after just thirty seconds, she answers.

“What in God’s name?” She takes one look at my face and pulls me inside. “I’m going to kill him.” She moves me straight to the kitchen as I try to bring my breathing back under control.

“I need you to get me out of here right now, Heidi. We don’t have much time.” I finally find my voice as she wets down a cloth, preparing to clean me up.

“I need to take you to the damn police and the hospital, is what I need to do,” she counters and I know this is going to take some work to get her to listen.

“Heidi, we don’t have time for this. I need to leave town now before Chad has every cop out there looking for me.” I start pulling her back to the front door.

“Just wait a second, Kenzie. Tell me what happened.” She breaks free from my hold. My panic is only growing each second she fights me on this.

“PLEASE!” I scream, starting to see my chance slipping away. The idea of freedom is teasing me. I’m so close. Yet so far.