Read Online Escape by Sheritta Bitikofer - Free Book Online Page B

a page. She would be forced to search in Connor for those answers. She knew that she had nothing to offer him, nothing special to give. Or did she?
                Amelia waited patiently in the living room as Esmeralda stuffed a backpack full with water bottles, snacks and two thin blankets for their journey. Connor leaned against the kitchen countertop, his arms crossed over his muscular chest once more, eyes cast down to the tile floor. His expression was one of pure focus, as if there were some riddle written on the stone for him to solve.
                Esmeralda knew well that he was looking in the wrong place for the answers he sought. She zipped up the bag and brought it to him. “I packed only the basic needs for the trip.”
                Connor took the pack from her and slipped one strap onto his shoulder. He was about to turn and leave the kitchen when her gentle hand reached out and touched his sleeve. He met her tragic gaze. They spoke no words for a moment as Esmeralda read his thoughts and emotions.
                “I know you won’t come back,” she whispered, just soft enough so that Amelia wouldn’t hear.
                “You don’t know that,” he contested, keeping his deep voice low.
                She gave him a weak smile and nodded. “Yes, I do. I know what you’re planning. I can’t say that I’m happy about it, but I know you will be happy.”
                Connor sighed and slid a calloused palm up to rest on her cheek. A blood tear rolled down the vampire’s cheek and Connor wiped it away with his thumb, leaving a smear of crimson across her pale skin. They had so much history together. “I will come back.”
                Esmeralda was still not convinced. She glanced towards the living room and motioned her head in the same direction. “Don’t let anything happen to her. She’s still terrified and in denial that any of this is real. Be gentle with her and protect her. For my sake if not hers?”
                He couldn’t argue and only nodded his head as a silent promise to Esmeralda. He owed her that much. He swayed to turn again, but her grip upon his sleeve tightened. “Just, one last time?” she begged.
                Before Connor could protest, their lips connected in a tender kiss that he knew well. He felt nothing. He never felt anything with her. Not joy, not bliss, not a single emotion to set his blood ablaze. All he ever felt was rage and bitterness, but that wasn’t her fault and she didn’t deserve the treatment he gave her. When she pulled away, he could see the spark of love in her eyes that once was a constant, but had faded in the many years they had lived together.
                The light slowly dissipated and Connor could bear no more. He tore himself away from Esmeralda and entered the living room.
                “Let’s go,” he barked to Amelia, feeling he couldn’t stand another moment in this house.
                Amelia quickly stood and went to the kitchen to say goodbye to Esmeralda. She didn’t get a chance. The last she saw of the vampire was the sight of her wiping something red from her face and disappearing into the bedroom, shutting the door behind her. Amelia wanted to thank her for her hospitality and kindness. If it weren’t for her, she would still be cowering in the burrow.
                She went forward and raised her hand to knock on the door, but Connor’s harsh voice stopped her.
                “Come on!” he commanded, growing impatient.
                Amelia hurried to join him at the open front door, carrying the magic box at her side. Connor slammed the door tight and charged off towards woods, adjusting the pack to rest more comfortably on his shoulders.
                “Esmeralda didn’t want to come along?” Amelia questioned once they found the path that