Page 120 of Arturo's Temptation

“Nah, I’m good thanks. I don’t do desperate. Now I’d move your hand if you want to keep those fingers of yours.” Her eyes flashed as she licked her lips.

“You’re funny,” she giggled.

“I ain’t fuckin’ jokin’. I’ve hacked off more fingers than you’ve had hot dinners. And my guess is you want to keepthatone for some poor fucker to put a ring on it.” I pointed at her ring finger to which her eyebrows drew together.

“Hey! You can’t talk to her like that!” the one behind chimed in.

“Yeah, like who the fuck do you think you are? Talking shit,” said the tall brunette to her left.

“The only ones talkin’ shit here, is you lot. Do you really think you’re all better than Isabella? Well, let me break it to you, she’s got more class, more intelligence, and more beauty in her fuckin’ pinky than all of you fake fucks have between you.” At this, Amber narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips. “So I’d be careful if I were you, mouthin’ off about people in public. Especially ones with dangerous connections. Otherwise you might just find yourself six feet under.” Amber’s face paled at this as her cohorts looked away embarrassed, awkwardly sipping their drinks. I stepped closer and leaned in to whisper in her ear. “Still think I’m funny? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Speak shit about my girl again and you’ll see exactly what kind of horrors I’m capable of. And trust me it won’t be a wild ride.’”

“Let me tell you something about Isabella Ricci,” she said, cocking her head from side to side. “No one liked her. They still don’t. She wasn’t even one of our friends to begin with. She was just some weird ass, nerdy little bitch that followed Peyton around in high school. And if it wasn’t for her, Peyton would legit still be here. Her and that fucked up family of hers got her killed. Hell, I bet even her brother wishes she’d died instead of his girlfriend.” At this my already thin patience wore away and I stepped up close, narrowing my gaze.

“Amber Emma Harding, I strongly suggest you sleep with the light on and with both your fuckin’ eyes open. I’ve never killed a woman, but for you, I’m keen to make an exception.” Her facefell the second she realised I knew her full name. I wouldn’t do anything to her, but putting the fear in her felt so fucking good.

“You’re a freaking psycho!” said the one from behind her, who wrapped an arm around a now trembling Amber.

“That’s about the truest fuckin’ thing any of you have said,” I winked then turned back toward the bathroom.

Where was she?

As I made my way towards the stairs of the ballroom, in hunt of the ladies bathroom, a sorrowful looking Lily walked in front of me, stopping me in my tracks.

“I, uh… saw what happened just now. I’m so sorry about them.” To her credit she had the decency to look embarrassed. As she fucking should.

“You need to take a good look at who you hang around with, ‘cause they are fuckin’ poison,” I snapped.

“I know, I think this is the final straw. I’m cutting ties with them after tonight,” she grimaced, and I knew from her expression that she meant it.

“Good. They’ll only bring you down the way they’re bringing themselves down,” I nodded. “By the way, has Bella come out of the bathroom yet?”

“No, she’s been in there a while though.” she said, frowning.

“Didn’t think to check if she was alright then, no?” I held back my frustration and rushed inside.

“Arturo, that’s the ladies!” She called after me.

“Like I give a fuck!” I shouted.

My shoulder collided with the door expecting it to open, but of course, it didn’t. It was locked from the inside. At this, my blood ran cold.

Fuck!

This is your fault… They warned you.

Did you listen? Of course you fucking didn’t.

Growling, I gripped my fists and turned back the way I came.

“Lily, does the bathroom have an exit?” The panic must have been obvious in my voice, because her face instantly dropped.

“Yes, it leads out onto the beach.”Brilliant, just fuckin’ brilliant!

Steeling myself for a whole heap of pain later, I counted to three before charging at the locked bathroom door. The second I hit the centre the hinges gave way and the wood shattered into several broken pieces.

As I looked around to see the double doors wide open and not a soul in sight, my worst nightmare came true.

She was gone.

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