Page 172 of Ice Darling
“You wouldn’t have to be so secretive if we told her.”
My stomach somersaults. I want that too, but now that things are getting serious, I need to tell Renthrow everything. Once he knows the truth about me, about what happened with Gwen, and all the ways my life shattered after, if he’s still okay with me then, and only then, would I tell Gordie.
“Let’s just keep this between us right now. I want you to myself for a bit longer.”
“Fine.” He sighs.
“Kiss you later,” I whisper flirtatiously.
Renthrow makes a low, rumbling sound in response, and I laugh as I hang up.
The sun climbs higher in the sky as I struggle uphill with the bike. Once I’m satisfied that I’m far enough away from Renthrow’s house, I mount the motorcycle and head home.
Right as I step into my apartment, I get another phone call.
How did Renthrow know I got home already? Did he time me?
I answer without checking. “Miss me already?”
Heavy breathing is all that meets my statement.
Instantly, my shoulders tighten, and the smile drains from my face. I pull the phone back as a horror movie soundtrack plays in my head.
This isn’t Renthrow.
I squeeze my eyes shut, fearing what I’m about to see. And then I open them and watch the screen. The number displayed on my phone is one I’ve scraped with a sharp-edged knife against my heart.
Dread filling my veins with ice, I put the phone against my ear. “How did you get this number?”
“Are you happy, Delia?” The dark, seething voice accuses. “It sounds like you are.”
My throat closes up.
I glance around. The hallway is empty, and yet I feel unsettled.
“I was at their graves today,” the voice snarls.
The sharp pain in my chest returns, the intensity turned up to a ten.
“They’re in the ground. And yet, you’rehappy?”
Tears crop in my eyes. “Ray?—”
“Do you really think someone like you deserves that, Delia? After all you did to her? After all you stole from us?”
My chest pumps up and down as I struggle for air. “I did what you asked. I left. You never have to see my face. What more do you want me to do?”
“You think that’s enough? You think that’s penance?” His darkening voice sends a chill down my spine. “I’m going to remind you as long as you’re alive,” he promises. “I’m going to find you wherever you are and remind you of what you can’t seem to remember.”
“What does that mean?”
The line goes dead.
“Ray? Ray?” I hiss.
He’s gone.
Chapter Fifty-Seven
