I made a promise that I would get her out, and now that I’m free to go where I please, nothing’s going to stop me from going after her.
He turns around in the bed, facing away from me while I slip out from under the sheets. The desire to find Ashley is too strong. I’m wrought with guilt over not trying to escape sooner and finding her. She’s in there, all by herself, and I waited far too long to do something about it.
The first thing I do is unplug the hotel phone.
It’s simple, but a move only a maniac would make.
It means that I know that he will try to follow me when I leave and I don’t want that to happen. It means that I will trap him here, so he can’t leave. I’m going down the path of darkness on my own without him. Sebastian taught me well.
I slip on some shoes, put on a pair of jeans, and slip into a thick coat. Even in June, the nights can be cold, and I have no idea how long I’ll be away. If I’ll ever come back to this place.
Keeping my eyes on Sebastian, I rummage through his pants to find his wallet and take out a few bills. I hate stealing, so I make a promise to myself that I’ll pay him back someday. I walk to the table where we had a late dinner last night and grab a steak knife. It’ll have to do as a weapon because I know that I’ll need something to protect myself and get her out. Those men won’t go down easily, and certainly not without a fight. I know how it feels to puncture flesh with a knife now, so it’ll only be easier the second time around.
In a hurry, I reach for a second knife. It drops to the floor, taking with it a fork and a glass.
It shatters on the ground.
In an instant, I flee toward the bathroom, my heart pounding in my throat. The bed creaks and Sebastian groans. I can hear him get up from the bed. Shit. Shit!
I peek around the corner and see him barge through the room in a sleep-drunk haze.
“Lillith?” he calls. “Where are you?”
I don’t answer. Biting my lip, I watch him open the door to the outside. His head turns both ways before walking back in and closing the door again. “Lillith? Answer me!”
Nerves fill my body with energy and rage. Watching the man who caused all my troubles call my name as if it is his to claim makes me angry for some reason. That I could let this man ruin my life like that and still take my heart … it sickens me to the point of wanting to wish him gone.
He turns to face me.
Within a second, I’m behind the door and hide when he comes inside.
“Lillith!” he growls.
When he can’t find me, he steps outside again. I watch him bounce through the room. Half asleep, his body is tensed up and his muscles bulging as he strains them all, roaring out loud. He snorts, stampeding to the door to open it again.
I realize that this is my only chance to get out. If I want to get away, now is the time.
So I creep out of the bathroom while Sebastian is too busy walking to the window so he can stare outside to look for me. Seeing him vulnerable like this fuels the victorious feeling in my heart. He needs me, but all I want is to escape his grasp. I hate him. I hate him for doing this to Ashley and me. I repeat this mantra in my head, because it’s the only thing that keeps me going. I have to get to her; I have to save Ashley, no matter the cost.
I sneak up behind him, take out the knife, and hold it in front of his throat.
“Don’t move.”
He holds up his hands, swallowing. “There you are.”
“Stop.”
“I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Where were you?”
“I said stop. Stop talking.” I swallow away the impending tears.
“I won’t. I’ll never stop wanting to connect with you, Lillith, in whatever way possible.”
“Can’t you see that I’m done? I’m holding a fucking knife to your throat!” I scream, trying to make myself believe the words that I’m speaking. “In the middle of the night!”
“I know. It’s okay, little fairy, I understand. You’re mad; you’re tired. I did some unforgivable things, and I know that you’re angry. Let’s talk about it.”
“No, I’m done talking. I’m getting out of here.” The knife shakes in my hand.
“I understand, but please … wait until tomorrow. Sleep on it. Tell me again if you want to leave and I’ll let you go willingly.”
“I don’t want to tell you anything!” I yell, pushing the knife deeper into his skin.
I’m so freaking mad, but mostly at myself for almost wavering. He would let me go on my own free will? I don’t understand, which is why I hate him so much right now. How could he confuse me so much?
“Lillith … I love you. Nothing you do now will change that.” He lowers his head. “Even if you were to kill me right now, I would take my fate with dignity. I put my faith in you to make the right decision, and I know that whatever you do, you’ll do it with conviction.”