Page 82 of Bound By Secrets

As soon as Kat saw the outfit, she squealed and thrust it into my arms. According to her, it’d make my bum and my boobs look amazing, and therefore the guys won’t be able to keep their eyes off of me.

I blush when I think about how each of them might react to me wearing it, especially if Kat can manage to do my hair and make-up nicely too.

Smoothing my hand along the leg of the trousers, I take one last look at the outfit and then turn around and walk into the bathroom.

I’m hoping tonight will be a good night, not only because we’re celebrating Brad’s birthday but also because it’ll be the first time I’ve ever been to a club and I’ll be surrounded by all of the people that I care about dearly.

Turning the shower on, I walk back into my room and strip out of my jeans and t-shirt, throwing them into a pile by the door. I pull the knife out of my bra, swiping my thumb across the engraving of Ryker’s name and then place it on the bedside table.

As I twist my hands behind my back to unclasp my bra, I hear Kat shout my name.

My head snaps towards my closed door and my hands drop to my sides. I rush over to the door and open it, scanning my eyes across the empty landing.

“Kat, did you call me?”

I wait for a reply but hear nothing.

Shrugging it off, I assume I must’ve imagined it, but as I turn to walk back into my bedroom, I hear the distinctive sound of glass smashing.

My heart jumps into my throat and my hand flies to my face, covering my mouth to quiet my panicked gasp.

I slowly take a few steps backwards, my eyes glued to my open doorway, until my legs bump against my bed. Quickly turning around, I grab the knife and stuff it back into my bra, and then rush over to the washing basket to grab a top – clean or dirty I’m not sure.

As I’m shoving my head and my arms through the holes of the t-shirt, music starts playing from the lower level of the house.

Loud, thumping music that causes my heart to pick up speed and my stomach to bottom out.

What the hell is going on?

My panicked eyes dart around the room, searching for my phone but I can’t find it anywhere.

I try to take a few deep breaths to calm myself down.

Don’t panic. I’m sure it’s just Kat who’s turned the music on.

There are police officers outside monitoring the house.

We’re safe.

I rush towards the door, no longer caring about being quiet due to the loud music. As I run down the stairs, almost breaking my ankle, I look around the entryway, searching for any sign that someone’s here.

Empty.

My eyes flit between the front door and the kitchen.

Do I check on Kat to see if I’m just being paranoid? Or do I run outside to the police car and ask them to search the house because I think someone’s inside?

My palms are sweating and my heart is pumping so fast I’m scared it might flop out of my chest.

Fuck.

I rush towards the kitchen, hoping and praying that Kat’s safe and okay.

“Kat!” I scream, sliding across the marble tiles into the kitchen.

A noise of anguish releases from my throat when my eyes land on Kat. Her body slumped on the ground, shattered glass spread around her and blood trickling from her head.

“Kat, no, no, please.” I crouch down beside her, pushing strands of hair away from her face and pressing my finger against her neck, feeling for a pulse. “Kat. Open your-”

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