Page 23 of Trick or Threat
Chapter
Fourteen
Friday
My alarm buzzed,and I stared at it like I could shut the noise off with my mind. Val bangs on my wall, but I just couldn’t find the strength to get out of bed yet.
I hadn’t slept a wink.
I was too hypervigilant. Every light, noise, or breeze had my eyes flying open, looking for intruders that weren’t there. I searched every corner, shadow, closet until I was sure we were alone. I held on to the gun Marco left for so long that I could still feel the weight of it in my palms, although it was sitting next to the clock, still buzzing.
“DAMMIT, GEN! SHUT THAT OFF!” I let out a heaving sigh and wince as I peel myself off the mattress I used to think was comfortable.
I hit the button and go to the bathroom to relieve myself. My bladder has been screaming at me for hours to go, and I’ll probably get a UTI for not listening.
I wanted to make sure that no one got in last night, and now I was going to suffer the consequences for being such a stubborn ass. I should have just gone home.
Friday mornings are quiet here and not the chaotic mess I’m used to. Everyone is still asleep from being out late after the last classes of the week. It’s rather odd.
At home, the mansion would be a buzz with carters, decorators, and more staff than I could count. My stylist would have been here an hour before sunrise to wax, wash, dry, and style me to within an inch of my life.
This place should be buzzing with activity because they’re hosting a party soon, not sleeping like the dead.
I exit the bathroom to find Val sitting on my bed, drinking coffee with one eye open. She passes me a cup and we sit and sip in quiet for a few minutes before she reaches across and strokes the bottom of my left eye.
“You didn’t sleep, did you?” I shake my head, not ready to talk.
“No wonder you had time to go get these.” She takes another sip and moans.
I freeze while my mouth goes dry.
“What?” I fumble the cup, spilling the hot liquid over my hand as I hastily slam it down on the bedside table.
“What the hell is wrong with you!” Val hisses as a few drops of coffee scold her leg.
“I haven’t left this bed for hours.” I swallow hard as I stand and grab the gun again.
“Oh my god.” Val takes my cup and hers into the bathroom, tilting them over into the sink before returning to me.
“I feel fine,” She says, running her hand over her body slowly.
“Me too.” I nod, taking a deep breath.
The coffee didn’t taste off. Actually, it was perfect. Exactly how I like it. The more I think about it, the more I realize it’sfrom the shop near a home that I love and went to often on Sunday mornings. The hairs on the back of my neck rise as I storm out of the bedroom and into our kitchen.
I swing open the door and curse.
“SON OF A BITCH!” I take out the containers and flip open the lids.
“Are those…” I hold up a hand when I see the fucking note attached to the bag.
“Yes, my favorite pumpkin pancakes with pecans.” My jaw starts to ache from the way I’m grinding my molars.
I flip the note open and laugh.
“Enjoy your last day. Tomorrow you’re mine.” I read out loud before slamming it on the counter.
“Doesn’t sound like he’s trying to kill you today.” She opens the plastic silverware and goes to cut the pancakes.
