Page 152 of Consume Me

She’s too conceited and high on her own importance to do that.

“She’s not who we’re looking for,” Kaden says, and I know that too. That leaves one more choice, and I am losing my shit by the second.

I slam my fist against the wheel when we’re in the car.

“Drive to the next location. You can’t afford to lose it.”

“I remember someone wanting to kill me whenyouwere in my situation,” I remind him.

“And you were the one who tried to calm me down. That’s what we do, Blake.”

“She has to be the right one. Fuck, I don’t want to think otherwise.”

“Then don’t.”

My steps are heavy as we reach the door. The house is shrouded in blackness except for a small light coming from an upstairs room. That has to be a good sign, but I’m not getting my hopes up, afraid it might splinter my rationality if it’s a loose end.

When I knock on the door, a girl opens it, peeking through the crack. I push her back, and once inside, I notice a scratch on her temple. She quickly hides her hands, tucking them into the sleeve of her hoodie. There’s recognition behind her brown eyes.

“Where were you tonight?”

“You know where I was. What is this? Some sick joke.”

She looks around us as if she expects someone to come out and “yell” prank at any moment.

Kaden and I exchange a look. I sigh a breath of relief so potent all the poison I gathered expels out of my body.

“I don’t even know you,” I say, and she steps back.

“That can’t be true.”

Fear flickers behind her lids, and I raise my hands nonthreateningly.

“I’m not here to hurt you.”

She flits her eyes between me and Kaden, looking unsure, and I add, “I need to talk to you. This is important.”

“You won’t hurt me?”

“I swear I won’t.”

She peers behind us, surely thinking of an escape plan.

“Answer me a few questions truthfully, and I will pay you one million dollars.”

“What? But you already paid me ten thousand.”

“I didn’t pay you.”

“You did. You contacted me through the student chat. I am developing this app where you can bring your sexual fantasies to life. Your girlfriend really played that part well.”

“She didn’t play a part. She was fucking kidnapped,” I say, losing my control just like my mind.

“What? Oh my god.” She looks genuinely surprised.

“Tell me what you know.”

“I don’t know much. My role was to play the hurt hiker because you said she’s a sucker for helping people in need. And I did that. Afterward, I just went on my way.”

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