Counting Stars

CHAPTER FOUR - CAUGHT

So...this chapter is dedicated to @sun-bird, because frankly, anyone who shows support and comments a lot on my story gets a dedication. I really appreciate it when people vote and comment, because it makes me feel like there are people out there who are taking the time to read my story.

I was going to update earlier today, but I completely forgot that I had an ice skating lesson and had to rush like hell not to miss it when I realised. Anyway, here you go!

I raced down the corridor and rounded the corner to the front door. I heard a few groans behind me, and then there were four sets of footsteps chasing me, right on my heels.

My fingers closed around the handle, my hands shaking as I twisted the knob.

I wrenched the door open, darting forward -

Two tanned arms encircled my waist just as I hit the ground.

We rolled for a few seconds, my fight instincts finally kicking in. I arched my back and twisted, jerking my leg forward and catching my opponent in a very sensitive place. He groaned in pain, loosening his hold enough for me to wriggle free.

I was up on my feet in a second, racing for the gate and grabbing hold of the bars. Using my hands for momentum, I vaulted up and leaped over the rails, landing with a jarring impact on the rough pavement outside my house. Gritty rocks cut into my soft flesh and I bit my lip to stop myself from crying out. I hadn't been wearing shoes earlier on, and my socks did little to shield my feet from the ground.

I took off again, heading for my local convenience store, which was about a five minute walk from where I lived. At the rate I was going, I would probably make it in two.

My heart was pounding. The only sounds I could hear were my almost bare feet thudding against the pavement and my own ragged breathing in my ears.
Thankfully, after a quick check I concluded there were no signs of pursuit behind me.

A few seconds later, I thought I heard footsteps.

I stopped for a second, panting, and glanced behind me, my gaze sweeping the street.

There was no one there. No dark figures were chasing after me. I was utterly alone. It seemed that they had given up and stopped pursuing me.

Damn. I can't even hold the attention of a group of robbers, let alone my so-called family...but I guess that works in my favour in this case.

With that comforting thought in mind, I continued jogging to the store, which I could clearly see now.

I made my way into the parking lot, past the familiar billboard with the cleaning spray advert and the small rosebush that stood next to it. Past the glowing entrance sign for the toilets.

Just a few more strides until I reached the door. A few more steps to safety. I quickened my pace, striding forward eagerly.

I was in the mood for a steaming cup of Gregori's famous coffee. Hopefully he would understand if I told him I would pay tomorrow, seeing as I was dressed in pyjama shorts and a white tank top and I didn't have a penny on me at the moment.

I reached the small dark alley between the shop front and the parking lot.

And that's when it happened.

Two hands shot out of the darkness, grabbing my arms and dragging me into the alley.

I turned around to deck my captor, my heart jumping into my mouth when I saw who it was.

Mr Robber Guy tightened his grip on me, a punishing glint in his eye.