Page 14 of Rescuing Mia
Almost there.
The café is just down the street.
I take a deep breath, square my shoulders, and lift my chin. I may be afraid, but I refuse to let fear control me.
I picture myself handing over the tablet. I imagine the weight lifting from my shoulders as I unload the burden I’ve been carrying.
My heart races, pounding against my ribcage like a caged bird desperate to break free. I swallow hard, my mouth dry as I scan the sea of faces, searching for any hint of danger lurking in the shadows.
Just a little farther.
The café is close, and all of this will be over.
“Hey, beautiful, come party with us.” A man’s slurred voice cuts through the noise, and I stiffen, quickening my pace as his leering gaze rakes over me.
He’s unsteady on his feet, swaying slightly as he closes the distance between us. The smell of alcohol and sweat wafts from him, a pungent reminder of his inebriation.
He stumbles forward, reaching out a grimy hand to grab my arm.
“Don’t be shy, sweetheart,” he slurs, his grip tightening as he pulls me closer. His eyes are bloodshot, and his breath reeks ofcheap beer. The weight of his body leans into me, forcing me to step back to keep my balance.
My pulse thrums in my ears. I can’t afford any distractions, not when I’m so close to this horrible ordeal being over.
Suddenly, a young woman appears at my side, linking her arm with mine.
“There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” she gushes, leaning in close. Her presence is a sudden, unexpected shield. “Just play along. I’ve got you,” she whispers, her breath hot against my ear.
To the drunken man, she flashes a disarming smile. “Sorry, we have to run. Lots of catching up to do.”
The man’s grip loosens, confusion flickering across his face as he tries to process the sudden shift.
He opens his mouth, but the young woman doesn’t allow him to say anything. She tugs me away, her grip firm and reassuring.
Relief rushes through me as he slinks away. I turn to my unexpected savior.
“Thank you. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t come along.”
“Men are horrible, and atrociously so, when they’re drunk. I’m Lena, by the way. How about we get out of this crowd and chat somewhere quieter, shall we?” Her hand tightens on my arm, her grip like a vice.
Warning bells clang in my head, but I tell myself I’m being foolish. This woman just saved me from an obnoxious drunk, and I’m being paranoid.
As much as I would love to thank Lena for saving me, I must get to my contact at the café. Before I can say anything, shouts ring out behind us, followed by the unmistakable sound of a fight.
A full-on brawl breaks out, bodies surging and colliding like waves in a stormy sea. People push and rush in every direction, their screams and curses mixing with the thud of fists on flesh. In the madness, a sharp sting nicks my neck, the unmistakable graze of a needle slicing my skin.
Panic rips through me as Lena’s hand slips from my arm, thecrowd pushing her away from me. My legs turn to lead, uncooperative as I try to run. The world spins, shapes and colors blurring together. I pitch forward, bracing myself for impact with the hard ground.
Instead of cold concrete, I collide with a solid, warm chest. Strong hands grip my arms, steadying me. I look up, my eyes locking with a pair of striking blue ones.
He’s a tall and muscular American with an air of rugged adventure. A heavy duffel bag is slung over his shoulder, dive gear by the looks of it. His dark hair is disheveled, his chiseled jaw dusted with stubble, but it’s his eyes that draw me in—a piercing, hypnotic blue that seems to see straight into my soul.
“Careful there,” he says, his voice low, soothing, and captivating despite the mayhem surrounding us.
Behind me, Lena curses, her voice swallowed by the growing tumult. I risk a glance over my shoulder and spot her fighting against the tide of brawling bodies. Her face contorted with rage and frustration as she tries to push her way back to me.
For a split second, our eyes lock, and her chilling gaze promises retribution. Then, she’s swallowed up by the throng and disappears from view.
I sag against the stranger’s sturdy frame, my breath coming in ragged gasps as the adrenaline coursing through my veins starts to ebb.