Free I Won't Give Up on You by F. L. Jacob

tension in the car could be cut with a knife.
    “Sabrina.” There’s warning in her voice.
    Turning back toward her I take a deep breath and start, reluctantly. “Okay, fine. The last week, or so, I’ve felt that someone has been following me, watching me. I’m just anxious. Caston hasn’t noticed it, so I’m sure it’s all in my head. I mean, this is my first day out without him. He would’ve noticed, wouldn’t he?” My voice cracks with uncertainty.
    “I didn’t notice anything, Bre.” She reaches across the car and touches my arm lightly, making me jump.
    Shaking my head, I bite my lip. My voice starts to waver, “When we pulled out into traffic it did the same. Sara, I think I’m going crazy.”
    “Bre, you were stalked and shot. You’re entitled to feel scared and unsure. This is your first time out without Caston, you’re going to see things that aren’t there. It’s okay.”
    “Are you sure? How are you holding it together so well? You were kidnapped and held against your will too.”
    She nodded. “Jon and I turned it into a sex game. Made it a fucking hot fantasy.” She blushes and shifts in her seat. “Yes, it’s sick and twisted, but I guess that’s who we are.” She laughs, throwing her head back before looking at me seriously. “Yes, I’m also sure it’s okay to be jumpy and unsure too.”
    She pushes a hair off my forehead, tucking it behind my ear. My insides warm. Forcing myself to smile at her, I didn’t feel much better, but I put on a brave face.
    “I do think you should mention it to Caston. I know you don’t want to because he’ll tighten your already short leash, but if there’s someone following you and you didn’t tell him…” She whistles shaking her head.
    I laugh without humor. “You’re right.”
    Sara starts the car and pulls out into traffic again. “I know I’m right. Now if you see the scary black vehicle again, can you tell me calmly?”
    I smack her arm, and we both start laughing. “You’re an ass.”
    “Oh, I like ass.” She wiggles her eyebrows.
    “Sara, you are something else.” I roll my eyes.
    She looks over at me and winks. “Would you want me any other way?”
    Reaching over she grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze.
    “No way,” I say.
    Traveling along in silence for a while, I think about the last few months and how my life has changed. What a whirlwind. Finally arriving at Beth’s apartment, I smile at the memories we shared in her small living room.
    “Ready to get your shopping on?” Sara asks as she parks the car in the guest parking spot.
    “No,” I groan. Shopping is a thorn in my side.
    Turning toward me, she clutches her chest, like I’m giving her a heart attack. Just as I’m about to respond to her, there is a knock on my window. I let out a screech. Beth starts laughing hysterically as she jumps into the backseat.
    “Who’s ready to shop?” Beth beams.
    Sara responds with a shriek, clapping her hands like a little kid. I turn to face the window, rolling my eyes at both of them.
    They were gabbing back and forth about what style of dress I’d look good in and what color bridesmaid dresses they were going to look at. I take out my phone and send a text off to Caston as I tune out the chatter.
     
    I miss you. Wish I was with you instead of here.
     
    I palm my phone and gaze out the window again. All the talk of A-line, ball gown, and mermaid style makes me want to crawl under a rock. My phone chimes a return message.
     
    I’ll take care of you tonight. Just enjoy yourself. Love you.
     
    I squeeze my thighs together, wondering what he has in store, idly pondering if he would consider going to the club tonight. Smiling at the possibility, I reluctantly give myself over to my girls and shopping.
    “Earth to Bre…”
    My head flips around to see Beth leaning over to the front seat staring at me, and I realize they aren’t talking anymore.
    “My God, Sara, look at the shade of red her cheeks are. What’d that