The Runaway by J.M. Hurley (online e book reading .txt) 📕

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“Nice one,” she said to Zane as she bent down and whispered in my ear, “He’s a keeper.”

“I know,” I whispered back, then leaned my head onto Zane’s shoulder, looking up into the bright blue eyes that I love so much.

“I never got to thank-you,” I said and he gave me a confused smile.

“Thank me for what?”

“For rescuing me, silly,” I said as I reached up and gave
his lips a short peck.

“Any time you need it, I’ll be there,” he said as he stroked my hair lovingly.

“I just might take you up on that offer,” I said and the driver blew the horn loudly.

“We’ve reached Destination 1; Passengers staying at the Flora Rome Marriott may step off carefully now.”


Chapter 2

Zane shot me a smile and I gave his hand a squeeze as we waited patiently to exit the boat. My mother gave the driver a wave and swung her legs over the edge and onto the platform, motioning for us to do the same. Zane jumped out first then locked his arms around my waist and lifted me up and out of the boat. I smiled gratefully as my feet touched the ground and Sierra hopped down next to me.
“Think she’s coming?” Sierra whispered in my ear as we both looked back at a statue looking Stephanie. Her thin arms clung to Lance as he stepped out first and gripped her stomach.
“It’s okay, on the count of three, okay?” he asked as he gave her a reassuring smile. “One, two…” he tightened his grip and lifted her up then set her gracefully back down.

“Is it over yet?” she asked, her eyelids still glued shut.

“Yep, you can open your eyes now,” Lance whispered as he planted a romantic kiss on her lips.

Stephanie smiled as she fluttered her eye lashes and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Wait, is this where we’re staying?” Sierra asked and for the first time, I turned around and took a look at my new home.

To say it was huge, would be an understatement, it made Kyle’s mansion look like a playhouse. The most incredible part of it was the immense detail and age the building itself held. I gasped and gave Zane’s arm a squeeze.

“Yes, this is where we’re staying, now follow me,” My mother said as she pushed the heavy wooden door open and walked over to a desk.

As I followed my mom in I surveyed the room around us, the walls were decorated heavily with traditional emblems and other artifacts. The floor was mainly wooden but had rugs covering most of it, and it was mostly empty except for a small woman sitting at the desk in front of us.

“Hello, we’re the Charard party; may we have our room key?” My mother asked as she dug into her purse then flashed the woman her ID card.

“Ah Charard, no chaive needed,” she said as she got up to greet us.

My mother’s face turned to confusion as she shook the woman’s hand. “Chaive, do you speak English?” my mother asked and a younger woman stepped out from around the corner.

“She speaks some, but not all. I can translate for you,” the woman replied as she shook my mother’s hand and shot us a smile. “I am Jasmine.”

My mother smiled and replied, “Well Jasmine, I’m Linda Charard, we need our room key please.”

Jasmine’s laugh sounded like wind chimes as she shook her head at my mother. “No, it seems you were booked as a private party, no room key, just a house-like one,” she said as she hand my mom a sturdy looking metal key.

“Wait, so we’re the only people staying here?” Stephanie asked and as Jasmine nodded she let out a shriek to match mine as we giggled happily.

“You fare il bagno?” The woman at the desk asked and Jasmine gave us an apologetic smile.

“No Aggie, you go water the plants,” Jasmine said and the woman nodded and walked out.

“My apologies’, that is Agnolla, the owner, she was asking if you wish to bathe,” Jasmine explained and Stephanie snorted.

“Show me the freaking way!” She yelled out as she picked her bag up off of Lance’s shoulder.

“This way, Miss,” Jasmine said as she walked off down a side hallway, Stephanie right on her heels.

“Want to go check out the rooms?” I whispered to Zane and he smiled.

“I think your mother might want to check them out with you,” he whispered back and I glanced over to see my mom’s heavy gaze on us. I sighed and gave his lips a quick kiss.

“Mom, I’m going to go check out the rooms, okay?” I said and Sierra leapt up from her perch on her luggage.

“I’ll go too,” she said as she swung her bags over her shoulder and walked over to my side.

“Have fun dear,” My mom called after us as we started up the long staircase.

I took the steps two at a time as I raced up the stairwell, the anticipation of seeing my room getting the best of me. I kept running until I reached the door that had SUMMER written across it. I looked over my shoulder and saw SIERRA printed across the door behind me and smiled as I turned the handle and pushed it open. Inside, the room was gorgeous. In the center, the biggest bed I’d ever saw sat royal blankets and all with pillows covering it in rich colors and a canopy draped elegantly over it. I ran over and looked out the window; the view was stunning display of the sunset.

“Gorgeous isn’t it?” Zane’s voice startled me and I jumped despite myself.

“You scared me!” I scolded him as I grabbed his shirt collar and pulled him close to me.

“You know what?” he whispered into my ear and I giggled.

“What?” I whispered back as I buried my face into his shoulder.

“I love you,” he whispered then gave my lips a kiss and I
smiled up at him.

“I love you too,” I replied and standing on the tips of my toes, I put my arms around his neck and pulled myself up, wrapping my legs around his waist. “I love you a lot

,” I whispered seductively and he smiled as I blew on his ear then kissed him softly. As I leaned my face closer to his I heard a distinct knock on the door.

“Hon, are you in there?” My mother’s voice called through the thick wooden door and my cheeks flushed bright red as Zane carefully helped me back to the ground and I pulled my dress back into place.

“Yeah I’m in here mom,” I called to her as I motioned for Zane to hide. He nodded and quickly stepped into my huge walk-in closet.

“Just wondering how you like your room, Sierra was quite impressed with hers,” Linda said as she walked in and set down a suitcase.

“Yeah it’s great,” I replied as I went over and sat down onto the oversized bed.

“So…when did you meet Mr. VanLouge, he’s quite a charmer,” she said and I let out an embarrassed sigh.

“Can we not talk about this…ever?” I asked and she chuckled and clucked her tongue at me.

“No, but we can talk later, after you’ve unpacked,” she said then turning towards the door added, “And I haven’t forgotten about tomorrow, dear.” She smiled and walked out, shutting the door behind her.

“Tomorrow, what’s tomorrow?” Zane asked I blushed as he sat down next to me.

“It’s my birthday, I’m turning 18,” I replied and his smile widened.

“18’s a pretty big number…We’ll have to do something extra special,” he replied and I giggled.

“I’d rather just spend some alone time with you,” I whispered and he hopped up off of the bed before I could kiss him.

“Nope, no alone time, at least not during the day, you’re turning 18, it’s got to be memorable,” he replied and I could practically see the gears turning in his head.

“Alrighty then, but if I get a wish, I’m wishing for me and you,” I said joyfully as I lightly pushed him towards the door.

“You’re kicking me out already?” he asked and I sighed.

“Yep, sorry, but if the birthday girl is expected to look nice, she needs her beauty sleep.” He gave me a full on dimples and all smile then turned and opened the door, giving me one last look before shutting it behind him. I sighed and flopped backwards, my head hitting the soft cushioned fabric of the pillows. “Night Venice,” I whispered to myself then closed my eyes and fell asleep.


Chapter 3

Thump! Thump, thump, thump! I turned my head and opened my eyes slightly. “Hello?” I asked in a tentative voice and someone from beside me laughed.

“Wake up, Summer.” I sat straight up in a flash, my guard back on.

“Viktor, show yourself!” I yelled at the darkness surrounding me and I felt shivers run up and down my spine.

“Summer, run!” Alonzo ran up to me and grabbed my arms, dragging me with him as he continued to run.

“Wait, what’s happening?” I asked him, my voice tight with fear, “why can’t I leave the dream, why can’t I change the setting!?” My voice was strained with panic as he pulled me off into a side alleyway.

“You can’t transport yourself out of all dreams Summer, just some, and right now, he’s trying to kill us.” My already pale face drained of its remaining color as I clung to them.

“Please, help me!” I begged him and he smiled.

“Don’t worry Summer, we’re leaving this together, just stay quiet and we’ll both be safe,” he whispered back then pulling me down with him, he crouched behind a nearby stairwell.

My heart thudded heavily in my chest as Viktor’s footsteps neared but I bit my tongue, and did as I was told. “Summer, Alonzo, I only wish to speak! Now come out!” he commanded and I felt my anger flare up.

“Why is he doing this?” I whispered to Alonzo and reached back and covered my mouth with his hand, something I despise greatly, but put up with. I saw Viktor’s legs creep into my view and I was positive he could hear my heart that was beating crazily in my chest. His shoes paused for a moment, making my hold my breath, then he took off running in the direction he’d came from. We waited at least 20 minutes before Alonzo removed his hand and help me up.

“Where is your necklace?” Alonzo asked as I brushed gravel off of myself.

“It’s in my luggage bag, why?” I asked and he chuckled.

“You must wear it Summer, without it, he may overpower you,” he insisted and I glanced back over at him.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t see you wearing a big pendant, and you’re perfectly fine.” Alonzo laughed quietly pulled up his shirt sleeve to expose a pocket watch clipped around his wrist like a bracelet. “So that’s like my necklace?” I asked and he smiled at me. His tanned hands felt