Page 2 of His UnBearable Touch

She felt something under her hand and then something swatted her away. “Buzz off, lady.”

“Sorry, I’m looking for-”

“Watch where you’re going!” Someone bumped into her from behind. It was only her cane that kept her on her feet. “Get out of the way!”

She couldn’t answer back. Didn’t they understand that she didn’t want to be in the way? Didn’t they see, even though she couldn’t?

Someone grabbed her elbow, steadying her. “Come with me.” They didn’t wait for a reply, pulling her along with them through the crowd.

Allegra struggled to keep on her feet as she managed to match the pace he set. “Please, I just need some help finding my friend.”

“You don’t need them.”

She tensed at the tone, smug, aggressive.

“I’ll take you somewhere.”

She didn’t feel reassured at his words. Instead, she felt even more confused. “I need to get home.”

They came to an abrupt stop when he pressed her up against a wall. She felt the uneven surface at her back and started to pull away, but he wouldn’t let her go. One hand grabbed at her wrist before the other let go of her elbow and tugged the cane free from her hand. “Tell me your address, I’ll make sure you get there.”

“I don’t know you.” Allegra shook her head and felt a rush of air on her face as if something was waved back and forth near her nose.

His laugh made her shiver. “You really can’t see.”

Allegra trembled, her knees locked up, pressing her back against the wall. “No, I can’t, but-”

Something pressed between her legs, a thigh from the feel of it. She drew in a breath to scream and choked on the acrid smell of cheap cologne.

A hand covered her mouth, a finger pressed tight under her nose, cutting off her air. “Just stand there. No one can see us here.”

She had a hand free but she couldn't think. She couldn't manage a single breath.

“I could choke you right here.” She heard him laugh and felt tears gather on her lashes. “But I don't want to, not unless you make me.”

He shoved his leg closer, if that was even possible, lifting her higher until her toes barely touched the ground.

She heard a soft clink of metal and the heavy rush of leather. A belt opening. The zing of a metal zipper pulling apart. A harsh sigh of relief from a stranger’s lips.

“That's right, baby,” she smelled his fetid breath on her skin, “you just stand right there.”

Allegra felt a rush of warm air on her knee, the soft whisper of her skirt being lifted from her thigh. “Please, no.”

“It’ll only take a minute.”

No. Her mouth moved but she'd been robbed of her voice. It wouldn't last a minute. It would be another waking nightmare that she'd carry with her. She struggled to turn her mind off and save herself from the pain, but all she could do was feel. Allegra tensed as his fingers reached higher, squeezing his hand against her thigh.

“You better stop-”

“I agree,” another voice pierced through the darkness. “Release the lady now.” He didn't raise his voice, didn't shout, but the man’s voice cut through her fear and gave her a sliver of hope to hold onto. “If I have to make you,” he promised, his voice filled with cold intent, “you’ll regret it.”

Allegra felt the menace in the man’s tone, but it didn't frighten her.

It did make the other man angry.

“Well,” he huffed, leaning into Allegra’s body, pushing the air from her lungs, “I’d like to see you make me.”

The feeling came as a rush. One moment she was frozen, held breathless against the wall. The next moment she staggered free, feeling an arm fall around her shoulders, holding her securely.