Page 52 of Love Off Script

Even though Caz tried to come off as a hardass, she was one of the kindest souls I’d ever met. She stood up for the little people like me and gave us a voice. She made me see myself from a different perspective—a better one. And when I was with her, I liked who I was. I didn’t have to put on a show or try to be cool. She knew who I was, accepted me for me, and liked me for me.

Oh my god. How had I not seen this before?

Ember wasn’t my dream woman—Caz was.

Chapter 27

Caz

Igroaned and peeled my lids open. The light was stabbing through the edge of the curtain, and I could hear people talking. Were they outside? What day was it? I was groggy, and I felt like I had a never-ending hangover.

The voices were louder than before, and they sounded closer. I twisted to see the rest of my apartment, and I thought I saw two bodies in the kitchen area. That couldn’t be right. Who would be here? My hand searched for my phone, but it wasn’t in its usual place.

If I didn’t know better, I would think I was being held hostage. In my own house, though? That didn’t make sense, but who were those people, and what were they saying?

I strained my ears, but it was still white noise. Then it appeared like they were coming closer. I quickly shut my eyes and played dead—well, asleep. Unless I was supposed to be dead, maybe I should hold my breath just in case.

“Just check on her, will you?” That sounded like Davia’s voice.

What the actual fuck?

“Why do I need to check on her? She’s your ex?” another person questioned.

I didn’t recognize them, but I was right about Davia.

“Do you want part of the money?” Davia snarled, and I bit my tongue.

What money? Were they robbing me?

“I helped you get her here. If you cut me out now, I’ll go to the cops.”

“Oh yeah? And tell them what? I got back together with my ex and have every reason to be here, and what’s your excuse?”

Got back together with me? Bitch, please. Nothing in this world would make me take her back.

“I’ll tell them you drugged her.” This voice had a slight niggling of familiarity, but I couldn’t place it.

“How will you prove that? Everyone saw Caz drinking with us. I’ll just tell them she was ready for a wild night, and we already have the pictures to prove it. You’re better off keeping your mouth shut, and we can sell the photos to some trashy rag mag.”

Pictures? Of me… with her? Or worse, both of them?

I peeked one eye open, and I saw the taller girl approaching. I think I remembered her as Carrie or Charlie or something like that. Once she got closer, I pretended to be sleeping, and I felt a warmth getting closer to my mouth. Holy shit, was she going to kiss me? I looked just in time to see a hand, but thankfully, she wasn’t paying attention.

“She’s still breathing,” she called out, and I wanted to bite her.

What did she mean, still breathing? There was a chance I wouldn’t be?

“She’s been out for a few hours now. How much did you give her?”

“I don’t know. I’m not a scientist. When she turned to look at you, I had to act fast. I didn’t measure it out.” So much for Davia turning over a new leaf. If anything, she was worse than ever.

“Should I try to wake her?”

“Why would you do that? I grabbed all the valuable stuff that we could pawn. And since she’s still alive, we can leave guilt-free.” Of course, she wouldn’t have remorse for drugging me, stealing from me, or exploiting me. As long as her victim lived, Davia didn’t care how her actions affected them.

I would have burst into action like a raging bull if I had the energy. But my body felt as heavy as lead, chaining me to the bed while they slipped away without the punishment they deserved.

“All right. Should I call the police and have them do a wellness check?” At least the C person had a conscience.

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