Sweet Persuasion (Book 4 of the Girls In Suits Series)

Prologue

Four months earlier

"Gah!"

I felt the air in my chest got sucked out of my lungs. There were multiple areas of my body that throbbed in pain and numbness. Luckily, I still have mobility and control.

Slowly, I got up and kept a watchful eye on my recently pronounced ex-lover. He was pacing back and forth in the middle of my living room, muttering angrily about something. It was then I realized my ear was ringing from the impact of my fall.

Rather than further assessing my condition, I reached out for my purse, which was lying on the floor by the couch.

My hearing returned in time to listen to him bellow profanities and threat behind me. From then on, it was a breathless marathon getting out of my apartment building towards a nearby bus station. It was the longest ten-minute walk in my life.

With lady luck on my side, the bus heading to my sister's apartment stopped in time.

"Please don't let the guy behind me get on this bus. Please," I said, begging the bus driver as I rummage for the bus pass.

He looked at me for a second and nodded, closing the doors not a moment too soon. Once the bus pulled away from the pavement, a loud bang on the doors startled the driver and passengers.

My heart leaps out of my chest. I stiffened and flinched, willing myself not to look back.

"Don't worry, dear. I won't stop for him. Rest assured, okay?" the bus driver said, placing a comforting hand on my arm.

I looked up and meet his gaze. "I­—uhm—thank you, sir. You have no idea..." I wasn't able to finish my sentence as tears streamed down my cheeks.

"Oh, dear. Don't cry. Please, you should take a seat and try to breathe and come down. Do you want me to call someone for you? The police or anything?" He asked worriedly while keeping most of his attention on the road.

I shook my head and saw that the seat by the door was empty.

With a shaky breath, I sat down and replied, "no, sir. Thank you. But I'll be fine. I'm heading to my sister's place."

"Good," he replied. "And does that man chasing you know you're going there now? Because I can call for someone to help you get there safely."

"No. He doesn't know where my sister's apartment is. Thank you for offering, and for what you did back there... not letting him in the bus."

"Oh, dear. You don't need to thank me. I'm happy that you were able to get out of there by yourself. Are you hurt or anything? Are you sure you don't need help?"

I took one shaky breath. "I'm fine, now. Thank you. I just want to go to my sister's place."

"Okay, dear. But do let me know if you need help."

"Ah yeah. Sure."

For the rest of the ride, I kept to myself and hugged my purse like a lifejacket. Although my tear-stained cheeks had broken some of my resolves, I won't be completely shattered in that instance. I just need to hold out for as long as I can. Probably longer if I'm going to my sister's apartment.

Amy would worry. And I couldn't have her worry about me. Not after her luck and love life had taken a wonderous turn.

But then, I couldn't help think towards a dark and narrow road.

How could have I not seen this? How unlucky am I when it comes to love? This can't be the end for me. Can it?