Page 65 of The Candle Palace (Jamison Valley 6)
“No, that’s it. I’ll let you get back to work.”
“Thanks.” I waited for him to shift to the side or leave, but he stood there, unmoving.
My pulse was racing. Sweat beaded at my temples. No matter what it took, I wasn’t going to let him win this time. If he came after me, I. Would. Fight.
“See you tomorrow.” He turned and left.
My knees were shaking as I bolted from the room. I managed to fin
ish up my work even though it was hard to focus. The evening-shift nurses stepped off the elevator at the same time, smiling and saying hello. I exchanged pleasantries as I pulled out my purse and hurried into my coat.
Milo was waiting at home and I’d much rather spend my time with him than in this building. I’d checked in with him twice today, promising that everything with Vernon was okay, and told him in my last text that I’d walk home as soon as I was done. He’d scoped out some places for us to go to dinner. On a real date, he’d texted.
I said good night to Kym as she walked toward the locker room, then I headed for the stairwell, my footsteps fast as I flew down the steps.
When I pushed through the exit, the crisp air stung my nostrils. I set out on the sidewalk, walking past the building to the first intersection toward home. I was nearly to the crosswalk when suddenly I was being hauled backward by a fierce grip on my elbow.
“Ahh!” I shouted, fighting to get free and run. I turned, swatted at the hand and came face-to-face with Vernon.
Of course he wouldn’t let me get away with pleasantries all day. Damn me for letting my guard down.
“What do you want?” I jerked my elbow free.
“You reported me.”
I stepped back a foot. “You assaulted me.”
“Assault?” He scoffed. “I kissed you. Most women would have begged for that kiss.”
“Not me. It was against my will.”
“Don’t lie to me, Sara. You wanted it. I know you wanted it. You’ve been leading me on for months.”
My jaw dropped. “Are you delusional? I never asked you to kiss me. I never asked you to touch me.”
“You didn’t say no.”
He had me there. Was that the magic word with the scum of the earth like Vernon? If a woman didn’t say no, then it was okay? Never mind that I’d been terrified. Never mind that I’d been trembling and on the brink of tears. I hadn’t said no so that meant I’d wanted his kiss. “I hate you.”
“The feeling is mutual.” He sneered. “Stop trying to ruin my career because I rejected you.”
I gritted my teeth, keeping my lips glued shut. I had nothing to say to this man. He wasn’t worth a single word. So I sent him one last glare, spun around and continued on my way.
His footsteps followed.
I quickened my own, knowing I might have to run. I’d run, I’d scream, I’d kick and punch and flail. I’d do anything to get away from this man. Today, I was not going to go down easy.
“Sara.” He snapped and once again his hand gripped my elbow.
“Leave me alone.” I tried to fight free, but his grasp was bruising. His fingertips dug into my skin through my coat.
“You need to rescind your statement.”
“What?” Not for anything in the world. “Go to hell. If you don’t want this incident reported too, then I’d suggest you let me go.”
“No—” His protest was stopped as he flew backward. The edges of his lab coat went flying as Milo dragged him away by the collar.
“Touch her again and you’ll lose all your fingers.”
