Page 46 of Ominous: Part 1
Winslet. The vigil.Was it forher?
“How do you know—”
“People talk. Be careful.” He steps closer to my bed, and the scent of cigarettes engulfs me as he stares down at me. “Don’t make this like last time.”
I hold my breath, my pulse rapid in my head. I need to take one of my beta blockers. It’s the only way I’m going to sleep.
“This is different.” I can’t keep the defensiveness out of my tone.
Sebastian’s eyes search mine. I wonder if he’s thinking about his friend. What he’d say if he knew what really happened that night. Or maybe he’s thinking of Nic, and how fucked up I am. Then he just sighs and says, “Look, I trust you, I just don’t trusthim.”
I nod like I understand, but I think, really,Imight be the untrustworthy one.
He flips his hand in a dismissive gesture and says, “Goodnight, E.”
“’Night.”
He walks out, closing the door softly behind him.
Only then do I read Eli’s text.
Him: I can’t stop fantasizing about you in the bleachers. In my car. The things you said…
I close my eyes tight. I think of Sebastian. Artemis. A hunter. But on the wall above my bed is another printout.
Aphrodite.
I open my eyes.
Me: Did you like them?
His response is immediate.
Him: I want to say something, but I’m worried I’ll scare you.
I think of Sebastian again. Winslet. The missing girl.
The vigil.
And still, as I lie back on my bed, inching my fingers under the waistband of my shorts, I respond.
Me: Scare me.
Eli
Her: Scare me.
I close my eyes and bite my lip. Inside my head, I see Eden’s flushing cheeks. Her zipping down the slide. In the stands at my tournament. I hear Dom talking shit about wanting her to suck his dick.
I look at my phone again.
Me: Let’s play a game.
Her: I’m terrified.
I roll my eyes at how big of a smartass she is, but I know I’m being confusing. I’m already obsessed with her, and yet… most people need things slower.
Me: Questions. Yes or no, or one word answers. We’ll take turns. What’s your favorite color?
