Page 35 of Blades of Obsession

Jesus Christ, this girl is perfect for me.

I know my way around a knife.

She looked it up almost immediately after our dinner. Researching it. I bite my bottom lip when I see listings for a couple of short stories featuring the kink on a site called Literotica. So she’s interested in it.Fuck.

Every time I discover something new about her, I dive deeper into my obsession, and I don’t think I’m anywhere near hitting the bottom.

Before closing my laptop, I order the tennis bracelet to be delivered to her dorm. I also order the thousand-dollar scar elixir that helped me get rid of my scars from John, recommended by a world-class dermatologist. If she’s lookinginto it, that means she’s self-conscious about it, and the elixir really works. I decide against calling my old buddy who makes fake IDs. That would mean she’d be able to get into any bar without me.

Last, but certainly not least, I wash and sanitize my knife that still had her filthy father’s blood on it.

Our next meeting is going to be fun.

I just wish I could see her tonight but unfortunately, I have a mission to go on.

Chapter 14

Amelia

I’ve been staring at the text on my phone for the last couple of minutes, grappling with my feelings about it.

Blade: Rhett will be there in twenty minutes to bring you to my house

I feel… kind of excited. And Ishouldn’t. I don’t want to smile when the guy who’s coercing me to be with him tells me he’s sending a driver for me, but that doesn’t stop my lips from curving up.

And why am I so hot and bothered that he didn’t ask, buttoldmeI’d be coming over? With no room for negotiation.

What the hell is wrong with me? I’m not supposed to like that. I’m not supposed to like the thought of having my choice taken away.

I chew on my lip as I read the text again—for probably the tenth time—before getting up from the bed and heading towards my closet space.

“Where ya going?” Skye asks, turning to me from our computer chair. “I only have a bit more studying to do then we can start the movie.”

“Oh. Um, Rhett is coming to pick me up and take me to their house.”

She pivots in the chair, the wheels letting out a dramatic squeak. “So, just screw me, huh? I’m supposed to be here allalone while you go frolic in the flowers with not only Blade, but alsomyboyfriend?”

“I thought you were the one who wanted me to be with Blade in the first place, remember? That includes hanging out with him.”

“Yeah, but if I’d known you’d jump up and run whenever he calls, I would’ve never wanted you to be with him. What about our time?”

“Skye, we’ve spent every night together this week. I’m sure one night won’t hurt.”

“One night won’t hurt.” She scoffs. “You sound just like Frankie, ditching us yesterday for the brunette guy. I guess I’m the only one in the friend group who takes it seriously.”

“Why don’t you come with me? We can wear cute pajamas and watch movies. You can also see Rhett. It’ll be the perfect time.”

“No, I don’t want to be anyone’s second choice.” She rolls her eyes and turns back to the computer. “Just go. Clearly, you’d rather be with him.”

“Skye, it’s not like that.” I sigh. “Just come with me, and it’ll be fun. Come on.”

She hums a tune, loud and pointed, the kind of hum that lets someone know you’re ignoring them. Each note digs into my chest like she’s building a wall between us, brick by brick.

I don’t think we’ve ever had a fight before.

Then again, maybe that’s because I’m usually the one to give in before it starts. Like when I had thoughts about joining a sorority and she talked me out of it, saying it’s too time-consuming and she’d miss me too much.

You know what? Screw this.Iwant to go, so that’s what I’m doing. I grab a hoodie from the closet and toss it over my dress.

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