*All characters are 18+. This is a work of fiction for erotic entertainment only. Real-life sex should always be with enthusiastic consent.*
*Written for
Summer Lovin' Story Contest 2023
.*
***
"Run."
What would you do if you heard that word tossed into the wind, rumbling like distant thunder in the sweltering air?
It was a beautiful summer day. Only a few wispy clouds graced the sky, a cool breeze off the ocean alleviating the bright heat. This was my favorite beach—quiet, long, beautiful. There were tide pools hidden in the rocks, bone-white driftwood scattered amongst stretches of pebbly sand, little waves lapping gently at the shore. I'd spotted an eel curled up in the shallows.
The beach was even emptier than usual today—not a single person in the last half hour that I'd been casually strolling, hopping up and down the trail. Up a short dirt and sand incline, the trail bordered bushes and trees that quickly grew into a dense forest. My light summer dress snagged on bushes as I ducked under a branch. Walking, humming, and simply enjoying the day, I wasn't really thinking about anything. It was nice to let go of the world like that sometimes.
So I wasn't sure when I realized that someone was behind me. Further back and walking slowly, this person was quiet. Just someone out on a nice day.
I mostly forgot about him. Whenever I turned to look at something, I might catch him out of the corner of my eye. A few minutes later, he seemed a little closer. He was taller than me—most people were. His stride was naturally longer.
Movement in the forest made me stop for a moment. A colorful bird flew away. Another chased after it, chittering. Happening to glance behind me again, I blinked and turned back to the trail, continuing on. That person seemed to have been staring straight at me. I was probably mistaken.
But now I was a bit nervous. I still hadn't seen anyone else. My car was a half-hour walk in the other direction—his direction. My phone had no reception out here.
I brushed my hair out of my face and laughed at myself a little. I was being paranoid for no reason. He was just minding his own business, walking on the path. It wasn't
my
beach. Smiling at my overactive brain, I glanced to the side as waves crashed against rocks, foamy white waters spraying into the air.
Gravel crunched. He was closer. I could see his dark eyes watching me.
Flashing him a nervous, friendly smile, I kept walking. I might've sped up a little. Passing people was awkward on this narrow trail.
It must have been my imagination that his steps were faster too. I glanced back. He was even closer. And still staring intently.
My palms began to sweat. He wasn't doing anything terribly odd. The staring... maybe we just kept looking at each other at the same time. Maybe he was blind.
I walked faster.
His pace matched mine. Every time I hurried, he did as well. The scuff of his shoes sounded louder. Too loud. Too close. I could feel his eyes on the back of my neck.
He was following me. He was staring at me.
The hair on my arms stood up. The warm breeze felt cold on my sweaty skin. My muscles tensed.
And then I heard that word.
It wasn't shouted or particularly loud, but it carried somehow. Like his laughter carried, bouncing off the trees, coming from all directions, enveloping me, caging me.
I ran.
Wild and stumbling, my sandaled feet slipping on smooth rocks and crunchy, dried grass. Humid breezes picked up my hair while slow, rolling laughter chased me.
I turned blindly into the trees, hoping to lose him. I didn't know where I was going. I just ran, pushing off of rough bark, kicking my legs free of tangling vines, brushing aside hanging branches and papery leaves.
All sense of direction fled me except away. Away from that voice, from the echoing mockery lingering in my ears.
A thin branch stung my cheek. I put a hand to the cut, my eyes darting from bush to tree to rock.
My car. Which way to my car? Just keep running. I had to keep moving.
My heart beat faster than my hurried steps. Every moment was another chance to trip, to be caught. I could still hear his footsteps—purposeful, thumping. Or was that my heart pounding in my ears? The urge to look behind me tingled at my spine.
With a cry, my toe kicked a root, and I tumbled to the rocky forest floor, my hands scrabbling at sand and dirt, my knees banging on that thick root, my twisted ankles waiting to be grabbed. Any second now, I'd feel his strength dragging me, pulling me to him, claiming me.
Not yet. Scrambling to my feet, I took off again. I couldn't help it. I looked over my shoulder.
Nothing.
My head swung in all directions. He was gone.
Sweat dripped into my eyes. I slowed and brushed it away, panting, chest heaving. My feet stopped, and I leaned over, catching my breath. The hot air was silent except for the rustling of leaves on the breeze.
I closed my eyes.
A rush of wind picked up my hair. The crunch of a leaf right behind me.
Before I could react, I was shoved hard onto the floor, the breath knocked from my lungs. The heavy weight of a body slammed onto my ass. One large hand pushed down on my back, his other gripping my arm.