Page 7 of Hook
A few people curse and call out as I race to get away. It's doing nothing but drawing more attention to me.
Blood pumps like a freight train through my body as I sprint in the direction of the state park a few blocks away. It's so big I'm sure I'll be able to lose Lance's goons. Of course there's always the possibility that I'll be running into more problems. A dark park at night isn't the safest place for a woman who can barely stand.
Still, I have to try.
The front gate is locked since the park is supposed to be closed. I find a tree close by, climb it and jump over the metal fence designed to keep the public out.
The second my feet hit the ground I take off running again. I don't stop until I can't hear anything but the sound of my heavy breathing and the subtle movement of the animals in the trees.
My eyes stay glued on the entrance of the park just waiting for someone to come. Waiting for the monsters to pop out of the shadows and hurt me.
As my body shakes and the adrenaline leaves my body I realize that's exactly what I need.
I need a monster of my own—someone who's willing to help protect me.
The problem is, I don't know anyone who'd be willing to do that, but I think I know where I can go to find someone who can point me in the right direction.
When I jumped out of my car yesterday and attacked Hook, he didn't seem phased in the least. It was like he was trained for violence. I'm sure someone like him would be able to tell me where I could go to get some help.
After coming to the conclusion that Lance's goons weren't following me in the park, I go out the back way and start walking again.
Every muscle in my body hurts, not only from the sudden surge of adrenaline but also from the lack of food and water. I'm so weak. I just want to rest.
Slowly, I make my way in the direction of Hook's tow lot. Thankfully, it's not very far.
There are only a few lights on when I get there. If I didn't know any better, I'd think it was abandoned. I stop right at the back fence when I hear the sound of metal pounding against metal.
Rusty cars are scattered throughout, some on their sides with parts missing, giving the place a decaying and forgotten vibe.
Kneeling down, I look through one of the holes in the gate and see Hook snaking a long chain into a pile near another car. He's wearing a white wifebeater, and his overalls are down from his top half, hanging from his waist.
The muscles in his arms and chest bulge with every fluid motion. His face looks as if it's glossed with sweat, and the dull marks on his face and arms make him look a little dirty.
Not usually my style, but just watching him with all his rugged manliness makes my mouth water.
The hunger in my stomach intensifies as I watch Hook, my hormones raging as I observe him at work
He's hot in a very dangerous way.
The cold metal of the fence bites into my palms as I grip it tightly. I can feel the rough texture of the ground beneath my knees as I kneel down to get a better look. The heat radiating off the man's body reaches me even from a distance.
Shaking my head, I get ready to stand and walk in. I'm not here to ogle the man. I'm here to find out if he knows someone who can help me.
Besides, for all I know, my first instincts about his character could be right. What if he's an asshole just like Lance? They make jerks in all shapes and sizes.
I have to get my head on straight and stay focused on the prize. I don't want anyone else to manipulate me. I have to be strong if I have even the slightest chance of getting out of this mess.
Taking a deep breath, I stand and reach for the latch on the back door.
I'm grateful I hesitated.
"Good evening." A man's voice rings out, and I watch through the fence as Hook stiffens and drops the chain in his hand to the ground. He wasn't expecting anyone.
Hook turns, and I watch with him as two men walk further into the dim light of the tow yard.
"I'm closed," Hook responds quickly.
"Yes, I see that. I just had a question for you," the man says again.