Between The Lines

Chapter 141: 'Are You Her Parents?'

Lane's POV (1st Person):

I pulled up outside Rebecca's house, anticipation buzzing in my chest. I hadn't seen her all day, and I couldn't wait to get her out, show her a good time, make her forget about everything else for a while.

The front door opened, and she stepped out, her eyes lighting up when she saw the car. She looked incredible—effortless, but still absolutely stunning. She was wearing a simple black tank top that clung to her curves and a pair of well-fitted jeans, the same ones she'd changed into this morning, but somehow, they looked even better now. Her hair was loose, slightly tousled, and the moonlight caught in the strands as she moved. She wasn't trying to be sexy, but everything about her screamed it.

I could feel my pulse quicken as she slid into the passenger seat, her excitement infectious. "Hey," she greeted me with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling as she glanced over at me.

"Hey," I said, my voice rougher than I intended. She was so beautiful it hurt.

As I pulled away from her house, I reached over, placing my hand high on her thigh, rubbing it gently with my thumb. Her skin felt warm through the denim, and I watched her blush, turning her face toward the window. God, she was cute when she was flustered.

But then, out of nowhere, Rebecca gasped, her entire body tensing beside me. "Pull over!"

I blinked, glancing at her in surprise. "What?"

"Pull over!" she said again, her voice urgent, her eyes wide and panicked.

I didn't waste any time, swerving to the side of the road, my heart racing. She unbuckled her seatbelt and jumped out of the car before I could even ask what was going on. I followed her, utterly confused.

She was running toward the side of the road now, her steps quick and determined. "Rebecca!" I called after her, my eyes scanning the street. That's when I saw it—a small figure sitting hunched over on the curb, barely visible in the dim light.

A little girl. She looked no older than six or seven, her hair messy, her face streaked with dirt and tears. She was clutching her knee, wincing in pain, and there was a nasty scrape on her leg, blood trickling down onto the pavement.

Rebecca was by her side in an instant, kneeling down beside the kid with her hands hovering over her like she wasn't sure where to start. Her expression was full of fear and concern, motherly instincts kicking in.

"Hey, sweetie," Rebecca whispered gently, brushing the girl's hair back from her face. "What happened? Are you okay?"

The girl sniffled, looking up at Rebecca with wide, tear-filled eyes. "I... I don't know," she whimpered. "I fell, and it hurts."

I crouched down beside them, my heart pounding. Where the hell were her parents? Who would let a little girl like this wander the streets alone at night?

Rebecca's face was pale as she looked at me, her voice trembling. "Lane, she's hurt. We need to call an ambulance."

Without hesitation, she pulled her phone out, dialing quickly. I could see the fear in her eyes, the protective worry that had taken over. My chest tightened at the sight, feeling this overwhelming need to make sure both Rebecca and the little girl were okay.

"We're going to take care of you," I said softly, trying to keep my voice calm as I focused on the girl. "Help's on the way, okay?"

Rebecca was already on the phone, talking urgently to the dispatcher, her voice cracking as she gave the details. "Yes, a little girl, she's hurt... I don't know how bad, but she's bleeding... Please hurry."