Page 85 of Those That Don't Exist
“Why?! Because I don’t feel in danger. Sure Adicious seems like a right prick but I can handle it. Let's see last night as a warning. I can be more careful. I’m supposed to be going over there today to smooth things over, I can play them at their own game.”
“They drugged you Aurora!” He’s shouting again.
“Still,” I fight through my racing thoughts to come up with something to make him open the door,this can’t be happening.“They won't risk exposure. They can’t snatch me if I’m surrounded by people. And I won’t drink anything other than blood.” I repeat the same arguments.
“Red, please, please trust me. Please, listen to me.” Ty reaches for me.
“Really? It seems like you’re not that different right now.” I see the blow land. “Unless you’re willing to unlock this door.”
He shakes his head.
I’m trapped.
By him.
The tears spill down my cheeks as my chest caves in. My heart shatters, crushed under the weight of this betrayal. Of my own stupid vulnerability. I’ve been played by the ultimate predator. He seduced me, and made me need him.
Ty must see the pain on my face because he reaches for me again as a sob escapes my throat. Feeling weak I let him pull me into his embrace.
His body feels like it always does. His woodsy scent offers comfort, the weight of his arms around me are familiar. I want to sink into it desperately.
More tears spill from my eyes as my lungs try to take a breath. His body feels so right against mine but his actions have broken all trust between us.
“It's going to be ok, Red. We need to keep you safe,” he soothes me, it's too much.
I rip out of his embrace and race away from him, into the only room I can access.
At least that’s what I thought. Instead of returning to the bedroom I find myself in a bathroom. A room with no windows, no chance of escape. However, it does have a lock. I slam the door quickly and bolt it. It’s a flimsy thing but I know Ty will have heard it slip into place. I pray he doesn’t barge in as I move to the sink, placing my hands on the cool porcelain. Thick tears streak my cheeks as I try to process what’s just happened. I’ve been kidnapped by the guy I love.
As I stare at my reflection I see how stupid I’ve been. I let a stranger be the person to support me over the last year, be the person to see how broken I’ve been, see the changes in me. I’m completely alone.
My knees buckle as sobs, crashing like waves I have no hope of controlling, break over my body. I pull my knees into my chest, resting my head on them as I let the emotion pour out.
I want my dad’s guidance.
I want Claire and Bree to support me.
I want to be the demi-Fae girl I was last year with so many opportunities ahead of her.
The thought of being forced to go on the run is the final straw.
I scream through the crying because I can’t control any of it.
I haveno idea how long I break apart for but finally the tears slow and my breathing reduces to short stutters. My ribs and back ache and my head is pounding as I slowly lift it up from the tear soaked dress covering my legs.
I spot the shower and suddenly all I want is to be clean. I rise slowly and strip my clothes off. Stepping into the tub, I turn on the overhead shower.
The water is icy cold, instantly raising goosebumps on my skin. I let the harsh spray sting my body. It heats after a few seconds but I turn the temperature back down. The cold feels better, it’s distracting. I raise my face to the cascading water and feel it washing away the snotty mess covering my face.
After a while I look around for some soap or shampoo. There is none.Great. I soak my hair anyway and rub my skin over with my hands. It’ll have to do.
When the shivering kicks in I force myself to shut off the water. Instead of being invigorated I’m drained. I look out around the bathroom, it's as bland as the rest of the flat. There’s no towels.
Fan-fucking-tastic.
I ring out my hair and brush the excess water from my skin before sitting down in the tub, raising my knees up and wrapping my arms around my legs. I’ll have to wait to dry.
CHAPTER 30
