Chapter 27: The Afterparty

Emily’s perspective:

I stare hard at the darkened corner and see Grant step into the light.

“We have to go. We can’t stay. You have to let us go,” I insist.

He holds his hand out and approaches. “Hand me the keys.”

“No.” I turn away and open the door to the vehicle. “Gabby, get in,” I say and look back at her. Austin is holding her close to himself. She is not even giving the slightest struggle. The bay door clicks shut.

I get into the driver’s seat. Grant grabs the door before I can close it and steps next to me. “Hand me the keys.”

“We’re leaving.”

He continues to hold his hand out.

“We have to leave, tonight. You can’t stop us.”

Grant bends into the cab and slowly reaches for the keys as I put them into the ignition. Before I can turn the key, his hand is resting against mine.

“It’s okay. You don’t have to go anywhere.”

Tears begin to roll down my cheeks. In return, Grant smiles. “I will protect you.” He gives me a kiss on the cheek.