Page 1 of Twisted Temptation

1

SUNNY

Fifteen months ago

I walk quickly through the crowded airport, dragging my suitcase behind me and trying not to attract attention. Inside my case is all I had time to grab before fleeing my apartment twenty minutes ago.

I’ll hire someone to get the rest later when it’s safe.

Ha, safe. There is no such thing while he’s still breathing.

I catch my reflection in the windows as I make my way to the security check.

I look like I haven't slept in days.

Because I haven’t slept in days.

I nervously tuck my hair behind my ears because looking unhinged draws attention, and attention is the last thing I need right now.

Calm down. Act normal.

But that is easier said than done when your heart is pounding hard against your ribs and your blood is rushing loudly in your ears.

Breathe.

The security line stretches ahead of me, and I join the back of it, gripping the handle of my carry-on so tightly that my nails bite into my palm.

You’re doing okay. You’re almost free.

The line shuffles forward, and I place my suitcase on the conveyor belt, and put my keys and phone into the tray beside it.

I’ve just put my phone beside my keys when I feel it. The prickling sensation at the back of my neck. The sickly sensation of being watched.

Panic flares in my gut and chest, and immediately ice floods my veins.

I casually glance over my shoulder like I'm just checking the departure board behind me, not scanning the crowd for the face that haunts my nightmares.

A man in a dark suit stands near the coffee kiosk. He’s tall and broad, with dark blond hair cut short.

My heart slams against my ribs at the sight of him, and I try to swallow, but there's nothing there.

Please, no…

But then he turns, I see his face, and the relief that crashes into me is so violent my knees nearly buckle.

It's not him.

"Ma'am? You need to step through."

Crashing back to reality, I realize the security agent is staring at me with mild concern.

I force a smile and mumble, "Sorry."

Stepping through the scanner, I hold my breath until the light flashes green. On the other side, I collect my things with shaking hands and a racing heart.

A man bumps into me as he reaches for his bag on the conveyor belt, and I almost leap back in fear. Our eyes meet, and I force another smile that says I’m sorry for being such a klutz, but I am absolutely terrified.

My nerves are frayed, but they are the least of my worries.