Page 16 of Boyfriend From Hell
“What? Just let me go, alright? I won’t call the police. I won't tell anyone about this, or anything.” I pleaded.
“No can do.”
He sighed, and it began to feel as if the darkness was shrinking around me.
He’s going to kill me—the thought cycled through my mind on repeat.
Something akin to a sound of disgust came from Raios.
He pulled me slowly forward, one hand cradling the back of my neck until the sheer, worn fabric that covered my body met a burst of cold air that seemed to writhe around me.
I could hardly breathe. Afraid that if I did… he might—I didn’t even know what.
What could possibly be worse than this?
I writhed in his gentle grip, nerves on edge. I wondered if I screamed, would Gracie call for help?
Of course, that’s if she hadn’t gotten bored and ended the call already.
Which, knowing her, was likely.
I had no idea how long I’d been in Raios’ apartment. It felt like hours, but was probably just minutes.
Fuck not being the tattletale neighbor, if I get out of this apartment alive, not only am I movingfarfrom here, but I planned to snitch on every damn thing I saw and heard.
My last shred of hope clung to Gracie. My phone was right outside the door. Shehadto hear what was happening.
But if she had... Why wasn’t anyone here yet?
I lived right in the dead center of Portland. There was usually a cop around every damned corner.
I should have just listened to her.
Why did I think coming over here was a good idea?
I didn’t even know what I thought I coulddo.
Clearly—nothing.
“Your heart is erratic,” Raios murmured above me—though his voice seemed to echo from all around. “Like a scared littledeer.”
I squeezed my eyes shut as more tears spilled from them, the darkness no different than when they were open. I shook my head slowly.
“Please Raios,” I quietly pleaded.
“Don't think so low of me, little love,” he scoffed, “I can see every thought rolling around in that beautiful mind of yours—clear as day. I would never hurt you.”
The hardwood floor beneath my feet disappeared, and my eyes shot open—seeing nothing but the darkness. The floor, the one solid thing grounding me, was gone. And with it, my last shred of control. Panic surged through me, full and blinding.
“What the fu—” the sensation of falling overtook me, and I plummeted into the abyss below.
Raios’ hand left my throat and slid around my torso, pulling me close as the unending darkness rushed past us in frigid gusts. My hair whipped wildly around my face, and that alone told me—this was real.
This was impossible.
Floors don’t justdisappear.
I was falling.
