Just Breathe Read online

  First she headed to the book section and looked for something that she’d be able to plow through by the end of the weekend. Something with romance and danger, where the men chased the women with poetry and flowers, begging them to be theirs.

  She grabbed something with a muscular man on the cover and headed to the wall where she could get a cold drink. Passing the pharmacy pick-up window, Cassie saw someone waiting to be served.

  He was tall, about six feet. He had a boyish face with dark hair that fell over his eyes. He wore blue jeans and a plain black t-shirt that showed off his muscular arms. He looked at Cassie as she passed.

  It was his eyes that really caught her attention. They reminded Cassie of the eyes of a wolf. There was something about the way he gazed at her that made her nervous. It was just a quick glance, but Cassie got the impression that he was studying her, like a predator.

  The pharmacist came to the counter and tall, dark and dangerous returned his attention to discuss whatever medication he was picking up.

  Cassie quickly scooted by and grabbed a bottle of water. She rushed to the register in the front of the store and paid for it, hoping to get out of there before the guy in the back was done.

  When the cashier handed her the receipt, she looked over her shoulder one last time before leaving the store. Making her way down the block, Cassie replayed the image of him in her mind. He looked to be around her age. He wasn’t doing anything strange, but there was just something dangerous about him that she didn’t understand.

  She took one last look at her watch and decided that it wasn’t important. She’d get on the bus that would drop her off a block away from the small development where she lived in town. Her night might not have been a great deal of fun, but she’d managed to get through it without a full-blown panic attack. She could be proud of that.

  That was the last thought she had before someone grabbed her.

  Cassie tried to scream, but she couldn’t even breathe. A hand covered her mouth and someone pressed against her body.

  “Stop struggling, bitch!”

  She tried to see who it was, but all she saw was a black truck parked behind a car dealership with the motor running. Cassie was being dragged toward it, helpless.

  Fight, you idiot, fight!

  Cassie began to buck and kick wildly. She bit down on his hand and he screamed in her ear.

  But he didn’t let her go. He wrapped his hand around her throat.

  “Please,” she begged. “Let me go.”

  “You think you’re begging now. Just wait.”

  Cassie recognized the voice just as she was thrown in the backseat. She looked up and saw him.

  Tom crushed his mouth on hers. His breathe tasted like cheap beer and cigarette smoke as his tongue forced its way into her mouth.

  Cassie whimpered. She tried to fight, but she could barely move, crushed by the weight of Tom. He pinned her arms and pressed his erection against her .

  Tom’s mouth moved down to her neck, teeth grazing her skin.

  Scream, she commanded herself. Scream for help! Scream fire! Just scream your fucking head off! You know what he’s going to do! You know what will happen next.

  But no sound escaped her.

  Tom lifted his head for a moment and locked eyes with Cassie. He seemed to enjoy her panic. Cassie saw the perverse pleasure in Tom’s eyes shift to confusion—and then fear.

  Cassie felt the weight of Tom’s body lift from her as he seemed to fly out of the truck of the car, backward.

  Cassie struggled to get up. She needed to get out of this car. She couldn’t breathe inside the car. A hand helped pull her out, where she collapsed to the ground.

  “Are you alright?”

  Cassie looked up. It was the guy from the pharmacy. His boyish face was filled with concern.

  Cassie tried to nod, but she couldn’t.

  All she managed was a strangled gasp when she saw Tom coming at them with fury etched on his face.

  The young man in front of her pivoted and smashed his fist into Tom. Cassie watched as Tom’s nose started to leak red.

  Tom stumbled backward and tripped. He cursed as he tried to get up.

  Her rescuer returned to her side.

  “You’re safe,” he assured her. “He can’t hurt you.”

  Cassie looked up at him. She didn’t know who he was, but the one word that registered with her was safe.

  She wanted to thank him, but she still couldn’t speak. The only sound she heard was Tom’s drunken scream as he rushed forward.

  He didn’t get far. Cassie watched her savior spin around again. With both hands, he grabbed Tom’s arm. He twisted and stepped back. There was a snap as Tom’s arm was pulled into an unnatural position. Her protector then smashed Tom’s face down onto the pavement.

  Cassie watched his face, no longer boyish and friendly looking. It was the face of a predator.

  Cassie found her voice and screamed.

  The young man turned and walked a few steps toward Cassie. She could see him push the anger away, replacing it with concern.

  Cassie heard movement again. Her eyes found Tom, who had managed to get to his feet. His right arm dangled by his side, useless. With fear in his eyes, Tom made a break for it.

  For a moment, Cassie feared she’d be left alone, that the man who saved her would take off after Tom as they both watched her assailant run away. He didn’t.

  Stopping a few feet away, he crouched down to be eye level.

  “It’s okay,” he said. “I’m not going to hurt you. Can you tell me your name?”

  Slowly, Cassie nodded.

  “Cassie,” she said. “Cassie Shaw.”

  He smiled.

  “Hello Cassie,” he said. “My name is Noah.”

  It was the last thing Cassie heard before she realized she couldn’t breathe.

  Chapter 2

  “You’re safe now,” Noah said in a calm, reassuring voice. “I’m not going to let anyone hurt you. Just breathe.”

  Noah moved closer.

  “Breathe for me,” he told her. His voice was strong, but tranquil. “Just take a breath. Let’s do it together.”

  Noah took in a slow, deep breath through his nose and then gently let it out through his mouth. He repeated it a few times until Cassie did the same. Slowly, she began to breathe.

  “I can’t stay here,” Cassie said. “I’ve got to get up.”

  Noah held out his hand to her, but didn’t initiate physical contact.

  “Is it alright if I help you?” Noah asked. “We can walk toward the street. Would that be okay?”

  Cassie tried to think clearly. This Noah, whoever he was, wanted to keep her safe. She told herself that over and over again. He had proved it. He wasn’t going to hurt her.

  What has he asked? Oh yeah, if I wanted his help getting up. Well, Cassie, if you want to get off your ass, you’re going to need help.

  She looked at his hand. How long was he waiting for her to make such a simple choice? But he was waiting patiently.

  Take his hand, she said to herself. Take the hand. Now!

  Cassie reached out and grabbed Noah’s hand. His grip was firm, but gentle. She gave him a nod and he pulled her up.

  Once on her feet, she realized she could pull her hand away. He wouldn’t insist on holding it. He wouldn’t force her.

  She held on and started to walk.

  Noah stayed with her, telling her she was doing fine. Reassuring her that she was safe. By the time they reached the street, she had started to believe it.

  “I’m okay,” Cassie said. “It’s passing. I’m okay. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome,” he said. “That wasn’t your first panic attack, was it?”

  Cassie shook her head, feeling the panic ebb away and embarrassment bubble to the surface.

  “No,” she said. “Sorry.”

  “Hey,” Noah replied. “Don’t apologize. You have nothing to be sorry for. This wasn’t your fault.”

&nb
sp; Cassie shook her head.

  “I was stupid,” she said. “I shouldn’t have tried to walk home alone. Ben offered me a ride, but he had just met someone… Megan was having a good time, so was Coretta. I shouldn’t have… stupid…”

  “No,” Noah said using that same firm but gentle voice. “You’re not. You should be able to walk down a street at night without fear of being attacked. And look,” Noah pointed down the street, “there’s plenty of light. You were on a main highway. It’s what? Ten thirty at night, more or less? It’s not that late. Did you know him at all?”

  Cassie nodded.

  “Not well,” she said. “I was at a party. He hit on me. Used a real asshole line on me, too. Didn’t want to take no, but… someone made him. He left. I was going to stay but…” She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. I didn’t stay. I should have. I should have stayed until my friends were ready to leave.”

  “Why?” Noah asked. “Why stay at a party if you’re not having fun? You had every right to leave. He had no right to follow you and attack. You didn’t do anything wrong. You didn’t do anything stupid except maybe blame yourself. Is that your bag over there?”

  Cassie looked over to where Noah was pointing. Her purse lay on the ground, along with the bag from the pharmacy that contained the bottle of water and the trashy romance novel.

  “Yeah,” Cassie said. “I should get it.”

  “Why don’t you relax?” Noah suggested. “Is it okay if I go get it for you?”

  Cassie didn’t want to chance he might see the stupid book she’d bought, but she also wasn’t sure her feet could carry her that far right now, so she nodded.

  Noah started to move toward her things when they both realized she was still holding his hand. Either they had to let go, or they would both have to go to retrieve her stuff. Reluctantly, she let his hand slip away from hers.

  Within a few seconds, Noah returned to Cassie’s side. He handed the purse and plastic bag from the pharmacy to her and then reached into his pocket.

  “Do you want me to call someone in your family?” Noah asked. “Someone who can come be with you?”

  Cassie fought the small stab of terror at the thought of Noah leaving her.

  “Oh,” she said, trying to sound casual. “Of course, you need to go. I can get home from here.”

  “I’m not going anywhere,” Noah assured her. “I’m not leaving you. Okay?”

  Cassie nodded. The fear abated. He wasn’t going to leave her alone.

  “Do you want to sit?” Noah asked. “My car is right here.”

  Cassie looked over and saw an old black mustang. He must have been in his car when he’d seen what happened and driven over.

  Cassie nodded. Her legs were still weak.

  Noah helped her over and opened the passenger door. Slowly, she lowered herself into the seat. Cassie concentrated on her breathing. After a few moments, she became aware of Noah watching her.

  “I hate to ask,” she said. “Could you give me a few minutes alone?”

  Noah nodded.

  “Sure,” he said.

  “But,” she added hastily, “don’t go far.”

  Noah smiled and for the first time, Cassie realized what a beautiful smile he had.

  “I need to call home,” Noah said. “So they don’t worry. I’ll be right over there where you can see me.”

  Cassie nodded as Noah walked a dozen feet away. He pulled out a cell phone and began talking. Cassie watched him. He wasn’t looking directly at her, yet she was sure he could still see her in his peripheral vision.

  Cassie reached into her bag and retrieved the bottle of water. Twisting the top off, she took a long drink.

  Thank God he didn’t look inside the bag, she thought as she pulled out the trashy romance paperback and shoved it to the bottom of her purse. She got a quick glimpse of the cover. An airbrushed male model, shirtless with perfect pecks and flawless skin stood holding and equally flawless redhead with curves that most women would die for.

  Cassie looked up at Noah, who was still on the phone. She wouldn’t be surprised if he had abs of steel under his black t-shirt. Maybe he wasn’t airbrushed to perfection, but his would be real.

  His face was interesting. Sweet and gentle. His eyes were amazing. Beautiful and sexy and just a bit scary. He had a strong jawline.

  What would it be like, she wondered, to kiss him?

  The thought shocked her. Why was she thinking of such things right now?

  Susan would say that perhaps she was trying to avoid thinking about what had nearly happened. And how it reminded her of her mother.

  Coretta would tell her that it was because it’s been too long since she’s been kissed. And that maybe it was a sign she was ready to move on from Adam.

  Megan would probably just tell her to stop thinking and go kiss him.

  Noah turned a little more toward her as he closed his phone. Cassie sent him a smile, hoping that would signal him to come back to the car.

  Noah approached slowly, giving her a chance to signal that she wasn’t ready. When he arrived, he crouched down again so he was looking up at her.

  “How are you doing?” Noah asked.

  “Better,” she said. “I just want this night to be over.”

  “It will be,” Noah promised. “The police should be here soon and…”

  “The police?” Cassie said. She struggled to get up. “Why are they coming? Did you call them?”

  “Yes,” Noah said. “Cassie, you were attacked. The guy who did it has probably done it before. He’ll do it again.”

  “I don’t want anyone to know!” Cassie shouted. “I don’t want my father to know!”

  “You’re old enough,” Noah said. “They won’t force you to tell anyone else, but you have to talk to them. You don’t have to tell your father.”

  She finally managed to get up just as the police cars pulled near them. She realized that she only managed to get to her feet because Noah had helped her. He was holding her hand once again. She quickly pulled it away.

  “You’re a fucking moron!” she said.

  The cars stopped and the officers got out. Each officer had their hand on their gun as they moved in slowly.

  “Cassie?” one of the officers said as he came closer. “Cassie Shaw?”

  “Great,” Cassie said. She placed her hand on her temple.

  “Do they know you?” Noah asked.

  Cassie glared at Noah.

  “They know my father,” she said.

  * * * *

  Noah sat patiently in an interview room. He’d already given his statement to a uniform officer named Duggan. He had given a very detailed description of everything he’d seen and everything he’d done.

  I came out of the pharmacy just as I saw the guy grab her, Noah had said. I hurt him, not out of anger. I only used violence when he attacked. You can probably confirm everything I’d said. There were two video cameras in the lot that should have picked up everything. Cassie may be able to tell you, but she was in a state of shock.

  He waited. If he had to, he’d wait all night.

  Then Cassie’s father arrived and for a moment, Noah felt very afraid.

  He looked like a former marine. Everything from the muscles, to the haircut to the square jaw. Noah resisted the urge to cringe.

  “Noah?” he said. “Noah Hunt?”

  Noah stood up and offered his hand.

  “Yes, sir,” he said. “You must be Detective Shaw. Cassie’s father. I’m very sorry for what happened.”

  Detective Shaw took Noah’s hand.

  “Thank you,” he said. “For everything. You saved my daughter tonight.”

  “I screwed up,” Noah said.

  The Detective frowned as he motioned for Noah to sit. When Noah had taken his seat, Shaw did the same.

  “How?”

  Noah sighed.

  “I called the police,” Noah said. “I should have talked to her about it. She asked for a moment alone and I called th
e police. It should have been her choice.”

  Detective Shaw nodded.

  “I talked to Cassie,” he said. “And to Duggan. He’s the officer that brought the two of you in. Based on what they told me, you did very well with her. Kept asking permission before you did anything. Kept your body lower than hers. Do you have any experience with sexual assault victims?”

  Noah nodded. “I actually want to become an officer. Work in Special Victims.”

  The detective put his hand on his chin and considered Noah.

  “I think you’d do well,” he said. “As a detective, I’m glad you called. As a person trained in rape trauma, yes, you should have asked and gotten permission. And been prepared to accept the fact that she may have not wanted to call. Reporting a rape or attempted rape is not an easy thing. You took that choice away from her.”

  Noah looked down. It wasn’t anything that he hadn’t already realized for himself.

  “As a father,” he continued, “I’m just sorry you didn’t completely cripple the bastard. I’ll talk to Cassie. Where do you live, Noah?”

  “Huh?” Noah looked up. “I live with my grandfather, Walter Collins. Down on Hawking Drive. Off Perry Avenue.”

  Shaw nodded. “You’re just around the block from me,” Shaw said as he got up. “I think Cassie will forgive you. You should forgive yourself. I don’t even want to think about what would have happened to my daughter if you hadn’t been there. I’ve got to get her home. I’ll see you around, Noah.”

  They shook hands again and Shaw headed for the door. A uniform officer came in right after to give Noah a statement to sign and then to escort him out.

  As Noah made his way to the front of the station, he saw her.

  Cassie Shaw was with her father. He was getting her into his car. She held herself, like she was cold even though there was no chill in the air.

  Cassie looked up for a moment and saw Noah. They eyes met.

  Noah winced at the anger in Cassie’s eyes in the instant before she looked away.

  Chapter 3

  “So, because this idiot called my father,” Cassie said, “I had to make a statement. I had to tell my story over and over again. I had to tell it to my father!”