Page 38 of Mara
A text popped up before I could even calm myself down from that horrid video.
Did you miss me, Little Reaper? Don’t worry, our games aren’t over. But if you tell anyone about our little chats, your sister’s will be.
I felt my blood chill in my veins as yet another image popped up on my screen.
It was my sister’s apartment, the familiar interior staring back at me. Gianna was getting ready, fussing with her hair in the bathroom mirror.
This picture looked like it was taken from a window, and I racked my brain to think of every person I knew who lived close to Gianna.
Her apartment was a high-rise, and there were literally hundreds of potential suspects. Even if it was someone who lived in her building…I would never find them.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and typed a response.
Please…don’t hurt Gianna. She isn’t part of your sick game. I don’t know who you took that hand from, but I promise you it won’t be my sister’s next.
The bravado of my text did not match my fear and quaking hands.
I needed to warn my sister and call the fucking police.
But this man already found me, nearly killed Cheese, and now had my sister’s address.
If I called the idiot police officers…would they stand me up again? They hadn’t even bothered to come to my house when I reported a break-in.
The reality was that my sister would be dead before they so much as gave a shit about any claim I made. No, I had to play his game to keep my sister safe.
So brave, Mara. I look forward to seeing this side of you at our next meeting.
All the air left my lungs in a whoosh, leaving me feeling dizzy.
I looked over at Cheese, who was still sound asleep in the chair.
“What the fuck have I done, Cheese?”
I tried to collect myself. On the drive over, I messaged Gianna to let her know I was on my way, but I almost bailed four times. The only reason I didn’t was that I could see the desperation in Gigi’s eyes on our video chat earlier.
Whatever she had to tell me was huge, and I couldn’t let her down. Even if it was about getting married. I had to end this fucked up situation with Jinx. I couldn’t keep doing this to Gigi. She deserved so much better than him…she deserved so much better than me.
The doors of the place were massive. They had one of those nauseating rotating doors that forced you to walk inside and trap yourself for a few suffocating seconds in a glass prison as it whirled you around.
The area was dark, only lit by candlelight and a giant fish tank that dominated the entire back wall. There were sharks and an array of different fish. It wouldn’t have surprised me if a fucking mermaid popped up and fed you your food in this place.
I felt out of place and uncomfortable. The hostess looked me up and down with a grimace.
“Uh, can I help you?”
I looked behind her, trying to see if I could find my party and forgo this awkwardness altogether. No luck.
“Table for Abara. The others are probably here already. I am running a bit late.”
The woman sneered and reached for the menus.
“Get lost at the club?”
Nothing like rich assholes to make you feel like scum of the earth for simply existing.
“Thanks, bitch. Have a nice night.”
I didn’t bother to catch her shocked expression. Instead, I snatched the menu and walked deeper into the crowd of people and tables. I couldn’t see for shit.
