Desperate
Lara's feet pounded the pavement as she weaved through the crowded streets, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She had been hiding from them for weeks, but she knew it was only a matter of time before they found her. The loan sharks were notorious for their brutal methods of collecting debts, and Lara was desperate to avoid becoming their next victim.
As she turned a corner, she collided with a solid chest, bouncing off it like a rubber ball. "Sorry!" she muttered, not stopping to look up, and tried to continue her frantic dash for safety.
But a strong hand closed around her wrist, holding her in place. Lara's heart sank as she heard the sound of approaching footsteps, heavy and deliberate. She tried to yank her arm free, but the grip was like a vice. Panic set in, and she whispered a silent prayer, "Jesus, please save me..."
The footsteps grew louder, and Lara's fear threatened to consume her. She struggled harder, her eyes darting wildly around, searching for an escape route. But it was no use – she was trapped.
As she looked up, her gaze met a pair of piercing eyes that seemed to suck the air out of her lungs. They were dark, fathomless, and seemed to see right through her. Lara felt herself sinking into their depths, her fear and desperation momentarily forgotten
The man holding her wrist was tall, with chiseled features and black hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail. His eyes seemed to bore into her very soul, and Lara felt a shiver run down her spine. He was dressed in a sharp black suit, his free hand tucked casually into his pocket.
"Let go," she tried to say, but her voice was barely a whisper.
The man's gaze never wavered as he slowly released her wrist. Lara stumbled back, her eyes fixed on his, her chest heaving with exertion. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the only sound the distant hum of traffic and the pounding of Lara's heart.
Then, without a word, the man turned and walked back to his car, leaving Lara shaken and confused. She didn't stop to wonder what had just happened – she took advantage of the distraction to make a run for it, her feet pounding the pavement once more.
But she couldn't shake the feeling that she had just caught the eye of something much more sinister than a loan shark...
Lara's breath was ragged as she burst through the door of her small apartment, slamming it shut behind her and leaning against it with a thud. She closed her eyes, trying to calm her racing heart, but the image of those dark eyes lingered, haunting her.
Who was that man? And what did he want?
Lara shook her head, pushing the thoughts aside. She had more pressing concerns – like staying alive. She needed to pack her bags and disappear, leave the city and start fresh. She couldn't keep running forever, but she couldn't see any other way out.
As she turned to head for her bedroom, a chill ran down her spine. She felt a presence behind her, and her heart skipped a beat. Slowly, she turned, her eyes scanning the room.
That's when she saw him – standing in the shadows, his eyes fixed on her with an unnerving intensity.
"Who are you?" Lara whispered, her voice shaking.