We All Fall

By Ginger Elinburg

Siena was looking for love, but her plans are put on hold when someone close to her disappears.

He was looking for revenge, and he'd take down anyone who got in his way.

When you're looking for love, faults don't always matter. But, what if the one you fall for is the one you should fear?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ginger Elinburg
• Release date: Sep 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215368596

Ginger Elinburg

Ginger first started writing poems and short stories in middle school. It wasn't until a few years ago that she looked into getting some of her works published.  When she’s not writing, Ginger enjoys spending time with her husband, Danny, and taking photos of wildlife.  You can find her on Facebook - Instagram - Twitter - and Snapchat  Send all questions and inquiries to [e-mail]

Book preview

prologue

Skull

Do you want to go back to my place?

Siena smiled timidly and looked down at her glass, turning it in circles between her fingers. I don’t go home with strangers.

Propping his elbows on the edge of the bar, Eric waited for her to look up and winked when she met his gaze. We’re hardly strangers, Siena. We’ve known each other how long now?

Lifting her glass, she swirled her whiskey before taking a drink and looked over his shoulder toward the dance floor. Just because we went to high school together, doesn’t mean we aren’t strangers. Cutting her eyes toward him, she let her gaze travel down to his waist before blushing and looking away. As tempting as it is to go back to your place, I’m going to have to pass for now. Lifting her glass to her lips, she tilted her head back and swallowed the rest of her whiskey, sucking air through her teeth to ease the burn in the back of her throat. Picking up her phone, she pulled a few bills from her pocket and put them in the tip jar, nodding at the bartender when he smiled his thanks.

Following her across the room, Eric caught her wrist, to keep her from walking out. How about dinner then? Tomorrow night?

Stopping with her hand on the door, she looked at the hand holding her wrist until he let go. Tell you what. I’ll meet you for lunch at the outdoor café over on fifth.

Eric leaned on the wall near the door and crossed his arms over his muscular chest. You don’t want to have dinner with me?

Looking down at her phone, Siena pretended to read a text before shrugging and opening the door. As I said, I’ll meet you for lunch. I’ll be there about noon. If you show, you’ll see me. Without waiting for a reply, she stepped from the club and took a deep breath of the cool air to clear the stench of stale smoke from her nose. She stood near the door for a full five minutes, waiting for Eric to emerge. When no one else left the club, she ran across the parking lot toward her Jeep and quickly unlocked the door, casting watchful glances toward the door of the club. Opening the door and jumping inside, she was inserting the key into the ignition when the wooden door of the club opened, and light spilled across the parking lot. Scooting down in her seat, she watched Eric lead a tall blonde woman around the side of the building, his hand already bunching her skirt up around her hips. Licking her lips, she shook her head in disgust and started the Jeep. Sitting up, she buckled her seatbelt and pulled out into the street. Driving to the next block, she made sure she wasn’t being followed before switching on her headlights. Looking in the rearview mirror, she stared at her own shadowed reflection. Well, he’s absolutely not the one.

Just keep going. Keep running. Don’t look back. Don’t stop. Just keep running.

Her cheek stung where a branch had slapped her, and she reached up to brush away a bug crawling across her chin. Her fingers came away wet, and she absently wiped them across her shirt. She grimaced and fought the urge to look back over her shoulder. Her breath caught, and her eyes widened as her footsteps faltered. Looking down, she slowly lifted her hands and wrapped her fingers around the arrow sticking out from between her breasts. Twisting at the waist, she stared into the eyes of the monster standing a few feet away.

W… why?

His teeth were a brilliant white when he smiled and pulled his knife from the holster attached to his belt. It’s no fun if they don’t put up a chase. Looking to the left, he waved the knife in the air, motioning at the woman holding the crossbow. Come take the knife, sugar. It’s your kill, you have to finish it off.

The woman on the ground sagged back against a tree and watched helplessly as the hooded figure stepped forward, the knife held out in front of her, a gruesome smile twisting her full lips. Ple… please, no. Her eyes squeezed shut and she opened her mouth to scream as the blade sank into her throat.

one

Skull

Come on, ‘Chelle! You know you can’t stay home. I don’t know why we have to go through this every day.

Michelle looked up at Rafe and blinked back tears. Daddy, please. I really don’t want to go back there.

Rafe pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed as he picked up his coffee cup and carried it over to the table. Pulling out a chair, he sat down and stared across the table at his daughter. I think it’s time you tell me why you don’t want to go to school.

Michelle crossed her arms and refused to meet his eyes. I just don’t.

Picking up his cup he took a drink and slouched back in his chair, crossing his feet at the ankles. You can tell me why, so I can fix the problem or…

Michelle’s head jerked in his direction, and she sniffed as hot tears rolled down her red cheeks. It’s the principle. He hates me, and he makes me late to class every morning.

Rafe’s eyes narrowed and his voice was low when he spoke. Why do you think he hates you?

See! I knew you wouldn’t believe me! Jumping up from her chair, she picked up her backpack and ran toward the door. Rafe’s booming voice stopped her before she could open it and run out.

Stop right there, little miss! You know better than to act this way toward an adult. Get back in here and talk to me.

The bag slid down her arm and fell to the floor. Turning, she kept her eyes on her feet as she made her way back to the table. Sorry, daddy. Sitting back down, she picked up a piece of toast and slowly lifted it to her mouth.

Let’s be clear, I didn’t say I don’t believe you. Never be afraid to tell me what’s wrong because you think I won’t believe you, understood?

Looking up at him from beneath her bangs, she wiped the back of her hand beneath her eyes and nodded.