Taking Chances Read Online Free Page B

for your own good, stay for my peace of mind. Please.”
    With her hand on the doorknob, she stopped, thinking about what to do. Clair knew she could keep walking, but if that’s all it took to set his mind at rest, she felt she at least owed him that. “Okay.” 
    She walked back to the couch, dropped her bag next to it, and fell down onto the cushions. Tucking her legs up under her, she grabbed a cracker from the table and looked over at Alex. “I’ll stay the night, but I will leave in the morning and there’s nothing you can say to convince me to stay.”
    “Fair enough,” he said, grinning. “Well, if you don’t mind, I’m going to jump in the shower real quick.”
    “Sure.”
    “Okay, I’ll just be a minute. Make yourself at home.”
    Clair watched him go in and out of the bathroom before shutting the door. She took in the quietness of the room. The sound of the water trickling in the tub was soothing, and for the first time since she’d arrived, Clair relaxed.
     
    She saw herself scream. The sweat that covered her body gave her chills. He hit her repeatedly across the face before ripping her clothes off. Calling her name, he grabbed at her shoulders, and she yelled, “NO! NO! LEAVE ME ALONE!” Clair swung her arms wildly in an attempt to push him away.
    “Clair, wake up. You’re dreaming. You’re safe. It’s just me, Alex. I’m not going to hurt you.”
    She opened her eyes and found Alex kneeling beside her. She sat up, pulling the blanket tighter around her. The realization washed over her that she was safe, flooding her eyes with tears of relief. “I know. I’m sorry. They came back for me and they were trying to…”
    Alex sat next to her on the couch. “ Shhh,” he soothed. “You’re okay; no one’s going to hurt you.”
    Clair looked at Alex in a panic. She could hear her heartbeat drum in her ears, everything becoming clear. If she kept running, it would happen again. There would always be someone out there like the guys who tried to hurt her. It didn’t matter where she went. She’d always worry now and no matter how much reassurance Alex tried to offer, it wasn’t going to work.
    “No Alex, you don’t understand. I should have just gotten out of town like I intended earlier.” She looked away, “What if they are out there right now… waiting for me?”
    “I told you,” Alex said firmly, “when you’re ready to leave, I’ll walk with you wherever you need to go. I won’t let anyone hurt you, I promise.”
    “But you can’t come with me,” she said, looking back at him. Plump tears streamed down her cheeks. She felt stupid for crying again. Showing emotion was not something Clair was comfortable with, especially when other people were around to witness her meltdowns. After holding everything inside for over the years, the attack against her had been the last straw. In a whispered voice, as if someone else would hear her secret, she confessed. “You can’t come with me because I… I have nowhere to go,” she sobbed.
    Alex put his arm around her and pulled her to him. She let him hold her; resting her head on his shoulder. He brushed his fingers through her hair before tucking a stray strand behind her ear.
    “You know… I figured as much. I’ve been in your shoes, so to speak. I know what being homeless looks like… and how it feels. Don’t worry about it right now. Get some rest. I’m not going anywhere. We’ll talk more about this in the morning.”
    But Clair knew there wasn’t anything else to talk about. There was nothing he could do. Clair wasn’t used to being a burden. Tomorrow she would say goodbye, no matter how much she wanted to stay.  
                  The smack to her face caused Clair to wake with a jolt. She was aware of her surroundings and didn’t scream out this time. She saw Alex slumped over in his chair, snoring softly. His feet were propped up on the coffee table, a blanket draped over his lap. Clair didn’t remember