Page 82 of Vile Boys

“One. Two. Three.”

Another voice I can’t place.

But each time I walk, I hear it.

“Four.” Another step. “Five. One to the right.”

He’s counting my steps?

They know which direction I’m going?

“Go on … keep running away. The more you run, the more excited we get,” Caleb calls. A deep, rumbling laugh follows, making goose bumps scatter on my skin.

I keep going left and right, trying to maintain a silent pace while also hurrying so they don’t catch up.

CRACK!

I spin on my heels to look, but no one is there.

Thunder flashes in the background, making my heart beat just as loudly.

I step back, cautious of my surroundings. But when I turn around to look, I’m precisely back in the middle of that little hidden area with the big tree and the bench where I saw Blaine.

But the exit that was once there in the back is now blocked off with several big wooden beams and a sign that says renovation.

Oh God.

I’m trapped.

CRACK!

The snapping of twigs makes me spin on my heels again, the cold of the rain settling in my very fucking bones as two masked individuals emerge from the maze. But I don’t know if it’s the rain turning my body cold or their maddening stares through those demonic golden masks.

“Found you.”

Caleb’s voice grates my soul, but it’s definitely him.

“Caleb,” I grit.

The one with the hoodie claps. “Good job. You figured it out.”

“Stop the jokes. This isn’t a game.”

“Oh, but it is. You made it one.” He points his knife at me.

“You’re crazy. I didn’t ask for any of this,” I retort.

“No? Then why were you so keen on running?” he muses, stepping closer.

I take a step back. “Because you told me to.”

“Hmm …” I can barely see the devilish smile appearing behind those scary teeth, but it’s definitely there.

“You were the one who texted me.” I hold up my phone to show him. “You’re the one playing games here. Not me.”

“Prick … apt name,” he murmurs. “But you’re wrong.”

I frown. “What?”

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