Page 99 of The Risk Taker
Despite everything, a pang of sympathy for Kelly tugs at my gut. She was prepared to lose friends over Callum. To be the other woman. And for what? For him to talk about her like she means nothing.
“Goodbye, Callum,” I say, walking past him.
“Jude.” He grabs my arm, pulling me back to him.
“Let me go,” I say slowly, the overwhelming fumes of alcohol on his breath hitting me in the face.
“We’re meant to be together,” he slurs a little.
His grip tightens on my upper arm as he looks at me. His eyes sheen with an out of focus glassiness I didn’t see before.
I swallow. “Callum. You’re hurting me. Let go.”
I pull my arm, but he holds it tighter, making my flesh sting. I mentally go through the contents of my purse. I have an attack alarm in there. But maybe it’ll be better to kick him in the shin with my stiletto. This is Callum. In all the years I’ve known him, he’s never been violent, and I don’t think he’s trying to hurt me now. He’s just drunk and not thinking clearly.
“Let me go,” I demand, pulling my arm again.
“I’m nothing without you, Jude,” he says, his face crumpling as he drops his forehead against mine clumsily.
I wince at the small thud as they come together.
“Callum,” I try again.
But he’s snaked his other hand around the back of my neck and is holding me in place.
“Forgive me. Come back to me,” he says, before crushing his lips to mine.
I pull back as much as I can, but he’s too strong. I’m pinned in his grip like an animal in a trap.
“Stop it!” I mumble against his mouth. His uncoordinated tongue slides into my mouth, filling it with the taste of stale liquor. One of my arms is pinned in place by his, so I use my free one to shove his chest.
“Sto—”
My plea is overpowered again by his sloppy, forceful kiss.
“Callum, please,” I beg, a hint of panic creeping into my voice.
He drops me and moves back so fast that I stagger, before gaining my balance.
“What the hell?” I gasp, looking up and seeing what made Callum move so fast.
It isn’t just us in the alleyway anymore.
30
JUDE
Callum kicksagainst the dirty stone wall, his feet dangling, where he’s pinned in place by his throat by a huge guy dressed all in black.
“Give me one good reason I shouldn’t snap your neck right here,” Callum’s attacker spits, leaning so close they’re nose-to-nose.
Blood rushes in my ears. The guy’s face is in shadows so I can’t see it.
But I’d know that voice anywhere.
“Slade?” I choke.
The dark hulk turns, and the breath leaves my lungs.
