Page 28 of Ghosts of Halloween

Oh, right. I thought that maybe I was dead and in heaven. I snort, shaking my head, a bitter taste in my mouth. I’m fucking alive and I know it. And when you fuck up in real life, you get real consequences.

As I stand here, Groomer's cock still inside me, reality slams into me.

So fucking stupid!

“Pull out, please,” I say, my voice ringing hollow in my ears.

He makes a surprised noise but does as I ask. I hear shuffling behind me, clothes rustling. In front of me, both men get dressed, faces concealed by their masks.

God, I’m ready to cry. It all felt so good, but I just had to fuck it up, didn’t I? I should have kept my cool. Reminded him to wear protection, at least, but I was so into it, I didn't think.

I was happy. And I just knew it would all shatter. Waited for it, itching for my normal misery to come crashing back.

And so it did. With a vengeance.

Groomer runshis hands down my shoulders and arms, and I jerk away from his touch as much as the harness allows.

“Untie me,” I say through clenched teeth.

“Princess, what’s wrong?” Groomer asks, sounding alarmed.

“Untie me, and I’ll tell you,” I say, though it’s a lie. As soon as I’m free, I’m out of here.

I need to get plan B. And get into the apartment without my keys.

I close my eyes and shake my head, my face twisting into a grimace. It all seemed so simple when I knew I could die. Now that it’s no longer an option, all my life’s burdens pile on top of me. Too heavy to bear.

This night went down all wrong. First, I puked out the pills like an idiot. I got myself tied up by three fucking strangers, and instead of trying to free myself…

I let them get me off. I let one fuck me. And it doesn't even change anything. I still want to die, only now, my poison of choice is gone.

Fuck. What do I do now?

Maybe I can cut my wrists, I think with a shudder. It’s obviously not my first choice… But still better than this heaviness that’s crushing me to the ground right now.

I can’t live with the burden of being me. Just can’t.

Groomer steps around me, and I raise my head, distracted. My heart gives a painful beat, and I hold my breath. Will I see him now…?

He comes into view, an orange, jack-o’-lantern sort of mask hiding his face. It grins, just like Strangler’s skull mask.

“Harlow, what’s the matter?” he asks, but I’m too busy watching him to answer right away.

He’s tall and muscular in that lean, basketball-player kind of way. He wears jeans and a tank top, and there is a simple metal bracelet on his wrist. I still. He reminds me of someone. And now that I think about it, his voiceis familiar, too.

But then I shake my head, because that’s impossible. My mind’s playing tricks on me.

“Everything is wrong,” I finally say, looking into the dark holes in his mask. I can’t really see his eyes, and yet, I keep looking, trying to see if they are mossy green like Jack’s.

They can’t be. But the similarity is so uncanny, I can’t help but stare. Then I shake myself off and look at the floor, trying to stay focused while the other guys come closer. All stand in front of me, just looking, and I suddenly feel dirty and exposed, even though I’m not even naked.

But I can’t control my emotions and the shakiness inside that’s threatening to burst. I’m too vulnerable for comfort.

“I want you to let me go, give me back what’s left of my pills, and leave me the fuck alone,” I state as calmly as I can.

“Why the change?” Butcher asks, voice cool. “You seemed to enjoy yourself just now.”

I huff in exasperation and finally look up, baring my teeth at Groomer, who takes a step back, startled. His reaction puts a grim smile on my face.

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