er thigh and settled in her hip. A car sped past, sp

walk. Her hands sank into the cold sludge. Her sk

nee locked up. It was done. H

, shielding her face from the rain. She closed her eyes and waited. Ma

rkness behind her. Bright, wh

e her. The engine idled wi

er window r

rked out. It wasn't an in

esitated. Stranger danger screamed in her head

sole. "I'm not asking. Get in o

d the door handle and pulled

was warm, blasting heat. It smelled of leath

t to touch anything with her muddy clothes

grabbed a rough, gray towel. He th

runted. "Don't

face. Her skin was pale, her lips blue

hat racked her small frame. He reached out and cranked the hea

n gear and pulled

raight ahead at the road. "I'm not leaving

idened in al

peripheral vision. "Relax. I

i

s drawing a line. He was the adult; she was the ch

el small, but it also made her feel safe.

her phone and t

t up for h

didn't smile. He didn't say "you're welcome.

ttered. "I'm just doing

, but inside the cab, Eva was finally dry. She leaned her hea