Page 168 of Falling Offsides

“And you are in love with him.”

“Dee…”

“That was a statement, not a question because I can see it all over your face when you talk about him.”

“So… your date…” Delilah groans, pulling a face that says she wants to go more than she wants to cancel, but the temptation to ghost is a lot more alluring than putting herself out in the world. “Delilah James if you don’t go, I’ll have to reconsider all the advice you’ve given me.”

“Uuurrgh… I hate you.”

“You love me.”

“Same thing right now.” She fluffs up her blond jaw length bob and smacks her lips together. “How do I look?”

“Like a goddess.” She flips her camera so I can see her outfit in the mirror—a long, lingerie-style dress that emphasizes her slender hourglass curves. “You look ready to sexcapade across Santorini with an Emirati billionaire that you are going to allow to give you momentary amnesia.”

“Amnesia does sound good…” She dabs on a little more red lipstick and before she chickens out I end the call and send Auguste a quick text.

Court

Leaving now x

Auguste

I’m here x

My stomach flutters at his reply. I tuck my phone into my back pocket, the weight of it like a promise as I leave the office with another glance over my shoulder.

Something feels… strange. I don’t know. The air is chillier than normal or something as I press the push-button by the doorframe and start for the exit. I barely take two steps before the lights flicker above me.

Once. Twice.

Then they’re off.

That low, humming buzz of electricity slinks down my spine as I race to the next push-button switch and slap the lights back on.

It’s late. Everyone’s gone. Security made their last sweep an hour ago. The whole facility is dead quiet.

Too quiet.

I yank my backpack higher up on my shoulder, charging down the hallway with each step screeching beneath my feet.

Halfway to the exit, I freeze.

Chasing the blur in my peripheral vision. Just a flicker.

Nothing. Because it’s gone the instant I whip my head around.

My skin goes cold, crawling with fear. The air is suffocating, thick with every nightmare I’ve ever had.

I swallow hard, quickening my pace.

A door snaps shut behind me, and I leap out of my skin. My insides turn out. My breath catches in my throat.

No.“No, that was real.”

I spin around. Nothing.

No footsteps, no maniacal silhouette. Just the corridor stretching out behind me like the opening scene of a horror movie.

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