A/N: This prologue and first chapter are with my beta's, so any errors are my own.
I wanted to take a moment to say that I'm thinking about transitioning Star Crossed and Safe Haven to shorter chapters. They're easier and more fun for mw to write, which would mean they'd get updated more frequently. I just wanted to see how readers would feel.
This story is inspired by Fresh Out The Slammer by Taylor Swift. I swear I listen to more than just her, it's just that her music tends to inspire me the most.
Anyway, happy reading.
Prologue
The conference room I was sitting in was wood paneled and sweltering. Sweat was gathering on my brow and running down the back of my neck. I felt like I couldn't breathe, my lungs begging for air, but no matter how deeply I breathed in, it wasn't enough.
"Bella, are you okay?" Jenks asks, his hand on top of mine, getting my attention.
My unfocused eyes find his warm brown ones that are filled with concern, and I nod, not trusting my voice.
"If you need some air, we can take a break." He offers, but I shake my head. I wanted this done and over with, so I would never have to be in this room again.
"No," I find my voice, the words coming out of my rough and dry throat are painful as they force their way out. "I want this over with."
I took the pen off the oak table; my hand shook as I signed the paper that was giving me my freedom. My signature was barely recognizable to me as I scrawled on every line that had a flag next to it. Once the last line was done, I set the pen down, finally able to take a deep breath for what felt like the first time in years.
I was fresh out of the slammer.
And I knew who my first call was going to be to.
See you next time.