Page 3 of Tormented Kings

As I peel out of the parking lot, I look in my rearview mirror to see Preston, Grayson, and Declan all running outside.

My phone rings, my eyes flicking over to see Preston’s number popping up on the car system screen.

With a dripping wet hand, I press the answer call button.

“What the fuck, man! You couldn't even wait for us?”

“No.”

“You’re such a fucking asshole,”he sneers.

“I’m headed to Sadie’s place. If you find her, call me.”

Hanging up, I do my best to concentrate on the road. But it’s really fucking hard when all I can do is think about Sadie. Is she okay? Where is she?

If she’s hurt, I swear to god, I’ll fucking murder whoever dared harm what’s mine.

My mind immediately goes to Raymond. Did he come here tonight in need of revenge for getting expelled? It wasn’t Sadie who made it happen, it was me. All fucking me. That bastard got what was coming to him. Like I’d let him stay in my school and have my girl walking around in fear of what he might do next. No fucking way.

After Sadie indicated she was assaulted in the past, I may have upped my crazy by a few notches. I went on a downward spiral to try and get as much information as I could on the possible suspect. But I didn’t get very far with the few details I had.

I don’t blame her for not wanting to talk about it, and I’d never push her to relive something like that.

What I do know is someone hurt my girl, and I want to find out who it is and make them pay.

I can’t help the fear, wondering if history is repeating itself.

“Fuck!” I roar, smashing my fist into the steering wheel. I promised her I wouldn't let anyone else hurt her, that I was going to protect her. But I’ve fucking failed. Again. It’s all I’m fucking good for these days, it seems. I keep letting her down.

The rain comes down harder now, my windshield wipers working overtime as I speed down the road. Not the smartest thing to be doing. Nothing like getting into a car crash before I can find Sadie and make sure she’s safe.

As I crest over a hill, I spot something on the side of the road. Squinting, I try to make out what it is, but the rain is making it difficult. “What the hell?” I slow down in case it’s an animal about to cross the road.

But as I get closer, I see that it’s not an animal but a person. Looks to be a young girl, too.

Who the hell would be out here walking on the side of the road in the middle of the night during a rainstorm?

I don’t have time to be dealing with this right now. But I’d be a monster to leave them like this. What if someone hits them? Or kidnaps them? I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if something ends up happening to them, and I could have helped.

Slowing the car, I roll the passenger side window down. “Are you okay? Do you need me to call someone?” I’d offer them a ride, but I need to find Sadie.

The girl slowly turns her head to look at me, and my heart fucking stops. “Sadie?” My voice comes out in a panicked rush.What the fuck is going on right now? Why is she out here?

“Sadie, baby, fuck,” I hiss, slamming on my breaks.

She doesn’t stop walking. She looks forward and keeps going.

Fear slams into me as I open the door, lean out, and shout, “Sadie! It’s me! Collin.” Nothing. “Fucking hell.” I pull over onto the side of the road before getting out and running over to her.

I come to a stop behind her. “Sadie!” I grab her arm, spinning her around.

With a wild look in her eyes, she pulls her arm out of my grasp and jumps away from me. “Don’t touch me!”

My brows snap together, heart racing frantically in my chest. “Sadie.” I raise my hands in defense. “Baby, it’s me.”

“I fucking know who you are,” she spits, then lets out a hollow laugh. “Trust me, I know. I know everything!”

Blinking the rain from my eyes, I shake my head. “I don’t know what’s going on right now. Are you okay? Why are you here?”

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