Page 55 of Tainted Tempos

My mind begins to spiral, thoughts devolving into each other.

Bran suspects I remember that night.

Bran’s threatened by Mav’s social capital if the truth comes out.

Bran’s planning something sinister. Something even worse than what he already did.

I suck in oxygen and try to calm my erratic heartbeat. The tornado in my mind picks up speed. The back of my neck tingles, and I feel like someone is watching me.

I whip around in my chair, but I don’t spot Branson. Just other students studying in the library. Like me. Still...

Is he behind the stacks?

At another desk?

Hiding?

A shudder rocks through my limbs. I hate how uneasy I feel.

Reckless and dangerous. Didn’t I use those words to describe Bran?

Right now, I feel like I could spiral out of control.

The library walls begin to close in on me, causing my eyes to dart around the space, searching for a threat. Something is off. But is the something me?

Slamming my book shut, I stuff it into my backpack. I need to get out of here. I can’t think. I can’t study.

Fuck, I can’t overrule the terror pulsing in my veins, dancing to the beat of my heart.

My phone buzzes with an incoming text, and I freeze.

Do I look at the message? What if it’s Bran?

Jesus, what if it’s Mav? Or Allegra? Or Emily?

Not everything is about Branson Burton!

But isn’t it?

Right now, it sure as hell feels that way. Every move I make, I’m sure he’s clocking. Watching and waiting. Plotting and scheming.

For what?I want to scream.What the fuck do you want from me?

Tentatively, I pick up my phone and swipe up to read the message.

Mav

Are you hungry?

I snort, laughter spitting from my nostrils. Relief rocks through me and I pull in a breath. My heart rate begins to slow. My mind starts to clear.

Get a grip, Kenny. You’re fine. You’re in the library.

Allegra

Hey! Just checking in on you. How’s therapy?

I let out another exhale, regulate my breathing.

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