Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 114551 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 573(@200wpm)___ 458(@250wpm)___ 382(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 114551 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 573(@200wpm)___ 458(@250wpm)___ 382(@300wpm)
The tunnel seems to go on forever when I finally reach the first security gate and start to panic before realizing I don’t need a key or passcode to get out. Relief pounds through my veins, and without wasting a single second, I pull the gate open and fly through before finding the heavy door that leads right out into the old train tunnel.
There’s an old brass key that remains in the back of the door, and after twisting it to unlock the big fucker, I find myself curling my fingers around the brass key and pulling it free from the lock. Never knowing when something like this might be useful, I slip it down the front of my ruined gown and into my bra. Then with both hands, I grip the heavy door and pull it open, having to use every last ounce of strength I possess.
Stepping out into the old train tunnel, I almost expect to be grabbed. My luck hasn’t exactly been great when it comes to trying to evade the assholes of Empire, but as I peer through the long tunnel, I find myself completely alone—not even a hint of goosebumps or hair rising on the back of my neck.
Then letting out a heavy breath, I go to make my way out of the tunnel, facing the way I came before I think better of it and turn in the opposite direction. There’s no telling how deep this tunnel goes or what kind of monsters could be hidden within it. All I know is that at some point, the masses are going to turn up here, and when they do, there’s only one direction they’ll be coming from, and I’ll be damn sure that I won’t be there when that happens.
Without another moment of hesitation, I take off at a sprint, racing deeper into the old train tunnel and hoping like fuck I haven’t just made a terrible mistake.
Chapter 4
OAKLEY
I’ve been running for what feels like an hour when I finally get just a hint of hope, hearing the subtle sounds of traffic on the street. My feet are blistered and aching, but I don’t dare stop, determined to see this through.
My chest heaves, and after another ten minutes of torture, I finally see the opening of the old tunnel. There’s a wicked chill in the air, and as I creep closer toward the opening and peer out into the world beyond, it’s clear that I’m not in Faders Bay anymore, and that thought alone is exactly what I need to push me on and give me just a ray of hope that I might survive this.
I slow as I step out of the tunnel, desperately searching the rundown town. It must be at least two in the morning, and despite the odd car speeding by every now and then, it’s practically a ghost town.
I stick to the shadows and keep away from the main roads, slipping up and down back alleys as I try to find some kind of salvation. Finally, I see the one thing I’ve been looking for—a rundown motel with the word vacancy flashing in the window.
Tears spring to my eyes, and I dart across the street, my heart pounding in my chest. I’m so close.
I all but fall through the door, startling the night shift attendant sitting behind the counter, watching videos on his phone. The room smells of mold, musk, and the scent of a man who doesn’t wash often enough, but I try to push it aside as I race toward him. “Please,” I cry, stumbling right into the reception desk and locking my gaze on his. “Please, you need to help me. I need a room.”
His filthy gaze sails up and down my body, taking in the expensive torn gown, and I watch as he makes some kind of bullshit judgment about me. The asshole narrows his gaze, hunger flashing in his eyes. “I’ve got a room, but it’ll cost you.”
My heart sinks. “I haven’t got any money.”
The attendant stands and rubs his cock through the front of his pants, making my skin crawl. “Good thing I’m not looking for money.”
Oh, fuck no.
After dealing with more than my fair share of assholes in Missouri, long before I came to Faders Bay, I force a fake smile across my face and prepare to show this asshole who the fuck he’s dealing with. I slowly walk around the reception desk and let a sparkle hit my eye, lighting up my whole face. “You want me on my knees, huh?” I ask, walking over to him, and watching how he watches me. I trail my fingers over his desk until I stand right in front of him before moving my hand to his chest and slowly brushing down to his dick. I grip him hard through his pants and watch as his whole body jolts. “You want to know how fucking good it’ll feel to have your cock slamming into the back of my throat, or would you prefer to spread me wide open and take my little cunt?”