Chapter Thirty-six - Deacon

She stepped out into the parking lot, the moon high in the sky as the mountains provided a majestic backdrop. Taking a deep breath, eyes closed, she felt the stress of her evening leave her body. Another night down. She could make it. She would make it.

And then, just like that, her night went to shit.

The back door of Cheaters clanged open hard enough that the sound shattered the peaceful night. “Purity!” Damien called out to her, stopping her in her tracks, her body trembling at his tone. She heard him use that voice before, and the girl he used it with almost never danced again.

Taking a deep breath, Purity turned to face him, doing her best not to look too scared or vulnerable. She said nothing, just waited for him to reach her.