He nods after a moment. "Okay."
"Thank you," I manage to get out before turning and heading down the stairs. I move through the club on autopilot, finally feeling slightly less overwhelmed as I make it to the back hall. I don't even try to make it to the bathroom as I lean against the wall, closing my eyes and taking deep breaths.
I breathe a sigh of relief when I finally enter the hallway and I sink against the wall, closing my eyes and inhaling a deep breath.
"Look what I've found."
The words make my eyes snap open and I already know who I'm going to find before I look in his direction.
Maximo offers me a wicked grin as my eyes land on him. His hands are stuffed into the pockets of jeans and there's a wicked smile on his face. The glint in his eyes promises danger.
Fuck.
Fuck.
Fuck.
I step away from the wall, moving away from Maximo.
"Running away, little mouse?" he asks, as he follows behind me.
I continue to back up before moving as quickly as I can in the heels. My ankle twists but I ignore the pain as I continue down the hallway until I get to the door leading outside. My ankle twists and I push through the pain, ignoring the throbbing.
I push out of the door, the cool air chilling my exposed skin. But it's the least of my worries as I find myself in the alleyway. I can't go much further, I already know this, know that Giovanni will have my head if he thinks I'm trying to escape.
And truthfully, where can I run that he or Maximo won't find me?
"Looks like you've run out of places to run," Maximo says and I can hear the smile in his deep voice.
With baited breath and a racing pulse, I turn and face the monster chasing me.