Page 75 of Whispers of Obsession

“You’re too nice, Cora,” Slater calls, catching me wrapped up in my thoughts and shaking his head with a smirk. “Let it go.”

As our shift draws to a close and the last customers trickle out, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude wash over me - I feel bad about it - but I am glad that David or whatever his name is won’t be bothering me anymore.

“Thanks for today, Slater,” I say softly, my voice filled with genuine appreciation, even though I’m not exactly sure what I’m thanking him for.

Slater grins, his eyes sparkling with warmth. “Anytime, Cora. Anytime.”

32

CORA

Iknew going to that party with Steph was a bad idea, and this is exactly why. I’m walking from campus to the bar, and feel like I’m looking over my shoulder every other second.

The sense that I’m being watched has more than doubled over the last twenty-four hours. When Steph said we were going to a costume party, I didn’t think much of it. I was having a good time, dancing. Drinking, but not too much. Just enjoying my night out with friends…until I saw him.

The masked man.

The shiver that traveled down my spine set my heart racing, and I was frozen in fear. I stared into the black eyes of the mask, and just knew it was him. Maybe that’s my paranoia talking, but even if the mask hadn’t been identical, the vibe that the man behind it gave off was undeniable.

Menacing. Murderous. Out for blood and pain. I was immediately sent back to that night…

Only the feelings coursing through my body weren’t just fear. Oh, I was fucking terrified, but I was on fire, too. I wanted to fallto my knees and cry. Beg him to never leave me again. I wanted to rip the mask off his face, and punch him for abandoning me. I wanted him to drag me to a corner and fuck me until I cried.

Slater warned me this campus wasn’t safe. That working at the bar wasn’t safe…maybe I should warn Slater that the thoughts in my own fucking head aren’t safe.

The ungodly things I want the masked man to do to me are so fucking unhinged… But then again, he made me this girl. Molded me into his perfect slut, only to fucking ditch me.

Is he watching me? Is there a way for me to lure him out? Do I even truly want that?

It’s not safe to walk to the bar alone, dressed like I’m using my body for tips. Which I am.

So fuck it.

He wants to play games? Stalk me from the shadows? Hide his face? I’ll give him a goddamned show.

When I arrive at the bar, I’m bombarded with frilly pink decorations. Did I miss something?

“What’s happening?” I ask Slater, as I approach the bar. “Why’s everything so pink?”

“Speed dating. You’ll be serving drinks. Non-alcoholic, of course. It’s supposed to take two or three hours. Once the speedy portion is over, Shelly wants us to encourage the singles to stay and mingle,” Slater fills me in, and I nod.

“I wore pink by accident,” I comment, gesturing to the tight pink tank top I chose, and the white mini skirt. My pink converse are comfortable, practical, and cute as heck. They’re high tops and the laces sparkle. My hair is in pigtail braids, and I spent extra time on my makeup when getting ready this afternoon.

“You look beautiful,” Slater says. “But people may confuse you with those taking part. That’s the dress code for tonight.”

I turn away from him, blushing furiously. What would he say if he knew who I’d put this outfit on for? My masked man. I wanted him to see the white skirt.

I have a job to do now that I’m here, and I highly doubt I’ll see a man in a mask in the middle of a bar today.

I’m three steps away from the bar when Shelly comes rushing over.

“We’re five women short! Speed dating heavily relies on women!” she yells, and I cringe.

“Uh, I have two friends I could invite?” I offer, and she’s already nodding.

“See if they have any friends they can bring as well. I’m also going to need you to participate,” she adds, looking me up and down. “You look like you dressed for the dates. I’ll double your tips for the night if you do this for me,” she offers, and I wrinkle my nose.

At best, that’s an extra two hundred, and Ireallydon’t want to go speed dating.

---