Page 58 of Under the Lies

Around me, on top of me, exploring and fucking me.

I want it all.

Getting cozy in my penguin onesie, I’m about to crawl into bed when Pan meows, head butting my thigh.

Hungry.

“All right, all right,” I say after he does the same to my chin. “C’mon, tubs, let’s go.”

He practically trips me going to the kitchen.

I’m placing the bowl of food down when I spy something on my bookshelf.

A vase of flowers grab my attention.

Flowers that weren’t there when I left this morning…

An intense ring pierces my ears and my stomach hollows out. I can’t tear my gaze from the bookshelf across the room.

The bowl falls from my grip, crashing to the floor.

I barely hear it.

Black roses sit in front of the picture of me and Pan. Attached to the flowers is a red envelope with my name lettered across.

With shaky hands and unsteady feet, I move across the room until my fingers brush against the envelope.

I hiss, a thorn pricking my finger in the process. Drops of blood drip onto the envelope, which feels heavier than it should in my hand.

Part of me wants to believe it’s from Noah, but my gut knows it’s not.

My breath is uneven as I exam the sealed envelope.

Slowly, I open it.

A letter falls out.

And so do dozens of pictures.

They all scatter at my feet.

Bending down with a pounding heart, I pick one up. Dropping it immediately.

I can feel my pulse in my neck as I unfold the letter and read it.

Sayer, Sayer, Darling Sayer.

Why do you keep doing this?

You know he won’t take care of you. Not like the way you want. They won’t protect you. They’re only after her. Once they get her, you’ll be kicked to the curb.

He’s using you. It disgusts me how blindly you let him embrace you. Let him touch you.

I thought you were different.

Keep going down this road, Darling Sayer, and you’ll force my hand to step in before I’m ready.

But let it be known, I’m coming for you.

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