Chase is straddling Riley’s torso as he continues to hit him repeatedly in the face. Riley’s not moving. Shit. After what he just did to me I don’t care, but I don’t want Chase to get in trouble. He saved me from that monster.
I reach for him. “Please Chase, stop,” I cry. He doesn’t stop though. He continues to hit him. He’s either not hearing me or he’s ignoring me. “Chase please, that’s enough,” I scream in a panic.
After everything that’s happened I feel like I’m on the verge of losing it. I’m trying real hard to hold myself together.
This time he stops and looks up at me. He’s breathless. I watch his chest rise and fall as he continues to breathe heavy. He looks down at Riley again. He’s still not moving. I think he’s knocked out. Well I hope that is all. I don’t want something like that on my or Chase’s conscience.
I notice his shoulders slump before he looks up at me. He exhales a heavy breath and gets up off the ground. He looks down at Riley one more time. He’s still not moving, but I can see his chest move as he breathes, so I know he’s still alive. Thank god. His face looks pretty messed up though.
I can’t bear to see his face. When my eyes move down his body and I see his pants still down around his thighs, I feel the bile rise to my throat again. I quickly turn away. I have enough horrible images in my mind of tonight. I don’t need that as well.
Chase moves around so he’s standing in front of me. When I look up at him, he’s staring at me. He looks concerned. He runs his hands through his hair. “Are you okay?” he asks with concern. I think he’s in shock like I am.
I think about what he just asked me. Am I okay? I can’t even answer that. I feel my face flush with embarrassment from everything he’s just seen. I’m humiliated. Tears rise to my eyes as I cover my face with my hands.
“Hey, come here,” he says as he closes the distance between us and wraps me in his arms. “I’m sorry he did that to you. I wish I could’ve got to you sooner.” His words touch my heart. When a small sob escapes me, he tightens his embrace.
“You have nothing to be sorry about,” I whisper against his chest. “You saved me…thank you.” I hear him sigh but he continues to hold me. It makes me feel safe. I need safe right now.
“Do you need to go to the hospital or something?”
“No. I just want to go home. That’s where I was heading when Riley…,” I stop talking, not wanting to say the words. Chase hisses loudly through his teeth and I feel his body stiffen. I can tell he’s still angry about what he witnessed. I’ll never be able to thank him enough for what he did for me tonight.
He lets go of me and cups my face in his hands. “You sure you’re okay? Did he hurt you?” he asks as he looks over me. I shrug my shoulders. I’m not sure how to answer.
“Not really. More my ego than anything else.” It’s the best answer I can give him right now. I’m still feeling numb, so I’m not sure if I have any physical injuries. Mental ones? Yes. As to the extent of that, only time will tell. His eyes search my face as I talk. He’s looking for something, I’m not sure what.
Suddenly he pulls me into his arms again. “I’m so fucking glad you’re okay,” is all he says as he holds me tight against him. The tears rise to my eyes again, but I manage to hold them at bay. I don’t want to break down in front of him.
“Come,” he says after holding me for a few minutes. “Let me take you home.” After what happened last time he took me home, I’m not sure it’s a good idea. I’m not going to argue though. I need to get as far away from this place, and Riley, as I can.
••••
Chase
My mind is spinning a hundred miles an hour as I lead her towards my bike. I’ve never been more grateful that I listened to my instincts and went looking for her. Fuck knows what would’ve happened to her if I didn’t. The thought makes my insides churn.
I should’ve killed that fucker for what he did. I probably would’ve if she hadn’t stopped me. She’s being so brave considering what she just went through, but I can tell she’s not okay. She’s putting on a front for me. I wish she wouldn’t do that. I suppose she’s lost all trust in me after the way I’ve been with her lately.
Angel is the nicest person I’ve ever met. She wouldn’t harm another soul. Look how bad both Riley and I have treated her. She didn’t deserve any of it. She’s so kind and trusting and both of us took advantage of her. I feel like an arse all over again.