Chasing Jade

Chapter 3

Trigger Warning- Sexual Assault

It rings in my ears as I stop in my tracks.
That's him. The guy who ran into me, the guy who left his number.
I can tell by the soft voice he has when he says the five-letter word.
I turn my neck to look at him, his eyes are on me. I walk away quickly and go to the lounge to put my apron away and gather my things. I put my black jacket on and tie the straps around my waist. I can't get out of here fast enough.
I slowly walk back out and they are gone, I let out a sigh of relief and wave goodbye to the last few employees cleaning up. I walk out the door and the crisp air hits my face.
Their limo is still out front and the one with the long hair is stepping in when he looks in my direction. I turn away and start walking, even though the bus stop is the other way.

"What's your name?" He yells out.

I keep walking and ignore him, I slow my walk down and a few minutes go by.
I don't hear the limo anymore or them. I stand up a little straighter as I turn around and walk towards the bus stop. It's about a 5-minute walk now.
I just pass by the doors of Jar and Daniel comes out.

"Need a ride?" He asks as I walk by, his words are slurred.

"No, thanks though." I just want to get home and take these shoes off.

I hear him run toward me and I turn around.
His arms grab me, he pushed my chest against the wall, and he has his hands gripping my chest.
"Daniel! Get off me!" I'm struggling to get free. He pushes his weight against me and my ribs feel like they are going to snap against the concrete wall.
I let out what I can of a scream but my airflow is constricted from his hand around my throats as he grinds against me.

"Why do you play so hard to get Jade?" He laughs in my ear.

I hear a vehicle approach and I try to scream again. His hand is slipping up my dress and I close my eyes tight, I feel him pulling my underwear to my knees.
The next second the pressure of him is released. His hands are off me and he's on the ground.
My legs collapse under me and I fall against the cold hard sidewalk. I can't hold back the sobs as the reality sets in.
It's the guy in the shades.
He kneels next to me carefully as I am curled up against the wall; he barley touches my back trying to say it's ok.
I lunge at him; my arms around him and my tears fall into his neck.
"It's alright. I'll take you home." He repeats over and over in his low voice.
He reaches towards my ankles and pulls off the red underwear, "No reminders."
I nod my head in his neck, he stands up with me wrapped around him and he brings me to my feet. I unwrap myself from him and I lean on his shoulder as I take my shoes off.
My eyesight comes clear and the limo isn't there, I look at him and an uneasy feeling comes over me, it must show in my eyes.
"I called a taxi. You're safe." He steps closer to me, he doesn't want to scare me off but he also wants me to know he won't hurt me.

I look at Daniel out cold on the ground and then back at him, "Who are you? How did you get back here?" I wipe my tear stained face and a few sniffles escape.

"Shannon. I stayed back; I had a gut feeling about something. My brother made sure everyone else got home safe."

I reach over and take his shades off, "Thank you." I start tearing up again looking into his eyes.
He seems soft but incredibly hard to figure out. I can't wrap my head around all of this right now, I just say "Thank you." again in a whisper.

He seems unsure of what to do but still hugs me, "Lets walk away from all this."
He keeps his arm around my shoulder and I keep my arms at my side, occasionally wiping a tear that strays.
He's warm and comforting. Our steps in sync as we make out way to the corner of the street.
I feel like people are staring at me, as if they know what just happened. My anxiety starts to set in. I think he senses it as my shoulders get tense, he pulls me in tighter rubbing his hand on my arm.