My eyes darted up to the clock as I made my way over to the doors. The last customer just left, finally. It was almost two on Saturday morning. Tomorrow I needed to be back here by five pm again. Maybe Saturday would be better than yesterday. Maybe there wouldn't be any mix-ups with schedules. Maybe I wouldn't have to try and handle it all alone. Maybe I'd even see Mr. Tall dark and handsome again.

A scoff fell from my lips. Yeah right, what were the chances of that happening?

"Lara."

My eyes snapped towards Kenzie who was leaning with his elbows against the bar. "Yes?"

"I need a favour," he said softly.

"Sure." It couldn't possible any worse than this. "You want me to lock up?"

He nodded. I followed his gaze as he glanced around the bar. It was a mess of course and I was expected to clean it up before I locked up. I bit my lip to stop the groan from escaping. Why had no one decided to show up for work? All I wanted to do was get home and crawl into bed after a nice warm bath to sooth my aching muscles.

"I'll pay you overtime."

I gave him the brightest smile I could master. "Now you're talking. This place will be speak and span for you tomorrow."

"I don't doubt it." He walked around the bar and hesitated. "I'm sorry about the mess up. It won't happen again."

And then he disappeared down the hall that led to the back door leaving me all alone. Loneliness seeped into me as I started cleaning. I yearned to have someone to go home to—to have someone who would rub my achy muscles and let me unload everything about my day onto them. I yearned for someone who would be there to understand what load I was carrying on my shoulders.

I cleared the tables and carried the dishes to the back. After wiping the tables, I placed the chairs on the tables and cleaned the floors before heading to the back to clean the dishes. By the time the bar was sparkling clean, it was almost four. I was tired and hungry and I wanted to do was go to bed.

Instead of using the back door to exit, I went through the front door. I made sure the door was locked before walking away. The streets were empty and lit with street lights that flickered on and off which was kind of scary. I reached inside my bag as I crossed the street. My fingers brushed the small metal can of maze I had bought shortly after I started working at the bar. A noise drew my attention but it was too late to react.

An arm sneaked around my waist and a hand slammed down on my mouth. I screamed and trashed as I was lifted from the ground. My bag slipped from my fingers when the man spun me around and slammed me against the wall. Pain shot through me when I back connected with the cold bricks. The smell of alcohol filled my nostrils when the man leaned forward. His body pressed against mine, making fear fill me. Numbness spread through me. I was in trouble, I knew it, but I couldn't do anything.

"Fucking bitch," he snarled against my ear. "I'll make you pay."

That voice. Shivers raced down my spine. Adrenaline hit, replacing the numbness. I pressed my hands against his chest and pushed but the man barely moved an inch. He shifted slightly and gripped my wrists. Tears burned the back of my eyes. I should've called a cab.

"Y-you can take anything you want," I croaked. "I have five dollars in my purse. It's yours, just please let me go."

"I don't want your money," he snarled.

He stepped back but kept his firm hold on my wrist. The moment my feet hit the ground, I kicked out. He groaned as my foot connected with his crotch. The man stumbled back, letting go of my wrist. I didn't stick around to find out how badly I hurt him. I took off running, only to bump into another hard chest a few seconds later.

A scream fell from my lips when the man's arms wrapped around my waist. I started trashing and managed to kick the man in the shin. He groaned but his arms didn't loosen like I expected it to. I ripped my arm free, and with a clenched fist I swung out. My fist connected with hard bone and soft flesh. This time the man's arms dropped, making me stumble backwards.

For a brief moment I glanced at him before turning to run, but something stopped me. I turned back around just as he straightened. He was still bent slightly forward with one hand pressed against his face where I hit him and the other against his thigh. Muttering something under his breath, he straightened and dropped his hand. Surprise flashed through me when I recognized him.

And then guilt flooded me. "I'm so, so sorry."

With my hands held in front of my body, I hurried towards him, still muttering apologies.

"Why were you running?" he asked, completely ignoring my apologies.

I swallowed and glanced over my shoulder. My bag was on the ground where I had dropped it when I was grabbed, but the man was nowhere to be seen. Where had he disappeared to? Was he waiting for another opportunity to grab me?

"I. . .uu," I trailed off before turning back to him. "Someone grabbed me."

He stepped closer. "Are you okay? Were you hurt?"

"I'm fine."

I stared at him as he walked over to pick up my bag and the contents that had fallen out. He glanced around before walking back to me. As I reached out to take my bag from him, I realized how badly I was shaking. The adrenaline was starting to wear down. I realized just how badly things would've turned out if he hadn't showed up.

"Thank you," I whispered.

"I'll walk you home," he said softly.

I nodded. To my surprise he suddenly reached out and pulled me against his chest. I tensed when his lips brushed against my cheek. Maybe it was because of what happened or maybe it had something to do with being pacified after the attack, but I allowed the tears to fall. I wrapped my arms around his waist and clung to him.

"I've got you," he whispered against my ear.

A few seconds later I pulled away from him and wiped my cheeks. I couldn't look at him after my embarrassing breakdown. I usually kept the tears in until I was alone. Tears were a weakness I couldn't allow anyone to see. I was strong. One incident wasn't going to make me weak.

"Let's get you home," he said softly.

I nodded and started walking in the direction of my apartment. The silence between us was a little uncomfortable. Licking my lips, I glanced up at him from beneath my lashes. His eyes were focused on his feet.

"I didn't get your name?"

"Silas, and yours?"

"Lara. Are you visiting family?" I questioned softly.

He glanced over at me. "No, I'm here for business. How long have you been living here?"

I licked my lips. "I just moved here about five months ago."

"Where did you move from?"

I hesitated. There was no quick lie to tell. Usually I was prepared for these kinds of questions, but not tonight, not after almost being grabbed and probably assaulted. A shudder raced down my spine. Relief flooded me when I caught sight of my apartment building.

"Thank you for walking me home."

He cleared his throat and gave me a small smile. "You're welcome." He turned and then paused. "Next time call a taxi."

The smiled slipped from my face as I entered the building. I took the stairs two at a time and hurried down the hall towards my apartment. It took a few tries before I got the key into the hole. Unlocking the door, I slipped inside and closed and locked the door behind me. Dropping my bag on the kitchen table, I hurried into the bedroom.

After a hot bath and some toast, I finally slipped into bed. I was exhausted but sleep didn't come. I stared up at the ceiling as my mind trailed off. Gripping the sheets tightly, I tugged it closer around my body. It did nothing to ease the cold that suddenly filled my body. Something felt wrong.

"Stupid," I muttered to myself. "It's just the events of today. The man scared you, that's all. He doesn't know where you live."

Turning onto my side, I closed my eyes. Silas. He didn't give me a last name so I couldn't look him up. He said that he was here on business but he didn't elaborate. He would probably be leaving again soon. Besides, I wasn't looking for a relationship.

Nothing would come of it anyway. In another few months I would be forced to move again. She never allowed me to stay in one place for long. No matter how badly I wanted to start something with Silas, it would never last.