𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐀𝐃𝐔𝐋𝐓 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐎𝐅𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐒
Newly engaged couple Sierra and Nick were eager to graduate college and move in together-finally starting their happily ever after.
But life isn't...
TW // this chapter contains content of stalking, self-harm, and sexual assault.
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I press my fist to my mouth and gag. Even though it's a completely natural reflex when standing near the man who assaulted me, I'm mortified.
"Are you okay?" Doug asks, touching his hand to my raised elbow. "It's nice to see you again."
His scent. The way he looks me over like I'm naked. I choke as I remember the weight of his body against mine in the alley, and the sound of his belt clinking as he loosened it.
The familiar open concept of the conference room is gone as the walls seem to press in. Without warning, work now resembles a prison. Nabbing a bottle of water from the table, Colton edges his way in between me and Doug, breaking the physical contact. He points to the chair Sonny drew out for me. "You look like you're about to faint. Drink this."
With shaky hands, I unscrew the cap and swallow some of the water. Sonny's voice behind me is filled with concern. "Mrs. Garrett, do you need to step out?"
I meet Alex's eyes as Colt slides into the chair next to me. She tilts her head in a question of my wellbeing. Pasting a smile on my face, I blink hard and place the bottle down.
I don't want anybody hearing a whisper about what happened to me. Not my boss, not Colt, not Alex. That shit is behind me. Doug doesn't get to do this to me again.
"N-no." I clear my throat as everybody takes their seats. "No. Sorry about that." I swivel my chair toward Teddy Haas. He seems to be the one who is in charge. His smile is warm, but his looks favor Doug's. I wouldn't be surprised if they're related.
"So, Mr. Haas." My voice is clearer and stronger than before.
"Call me Teddy."
The meeting continues, and I prompt him for details while taking notes. My demeanor is so professional that nobody would believe I'm seconds away from hurling my lunch.
The sun begins setting in the background as the meeting winds down, and I'm desperate not to be in the same building with him as it gets dark. I turn to Sonny. "So sorry, but I need to step out for a conference call with a client."
Rising to my feet, I gather my belongings. "May I follow up tomorrow via email?" I ask Teddy. He nods, smiling, and says he'll leave his information with Colton.
Doug's eyes bore into my back as I exit the room, but I take calculated steps to avoid him thinking he is the reason I'm running away.
He doesn't get to do this to me again.
******************
"How was your first day?"
Luke and I drag our feet as we walk toward the parking lot. Lampposts cast long shadows on the gray sidewalk, bright amber light spilling over it every ten feet.
