Page 33 of The Game

Rapist.

I came here to help find Alice, but I am leaving with something far more valuable.

And for once, I couldn’t be happier.

CHAPTER18

Alice

It’s past dawn, and I cannot sleep anymore, no matter how comfy Teddy’s bed is. After scarfing down my Pho and six potstickers, I shower and change into another one of his shirts and some leggings before rummaging around his bathroom drawers. Perching myself on the counter, I grin as I uncap his black nail polish and go to town. It’s been a feat to not allow my eyes to linger on the purple bruise that mars half of my face; no makeup will cover it, and going out in public tonight is going to suck, so at least if I paint my nails, I’ll feel a little more put-together.

I’ve never worn black polish. I was always a pink and pastel purples and mauve kind of girl, but as I hold up my left hand and wiggle my fingers to inspect my work, my smile grows. This darker side of me feels right, natural; I am simply allowing my own inner darkness outside to play more.

My phone buzzes across the white countertop, and I nearly topple the bottle of polish in my fright before I snatch it. An unknown number flashes on the screen, and I hesitantly open the message, expecting Dick or Daniel somehow have a new phone. My fright is eased as soon as my eyes grace the small print.

Heading home, bunny. Why aren’t you sleeping?

Stunned, I glance around, feet in the sink, ass on his counter, wondering if he’s somehow already home and mad I’m using his things. My phone buzzes in my hand, and I glance down again.

Motion cameras. You’re pretty entertaining to watch while you sleep.

Appalled, my jaw drops, and my thumbs fly over the keyboard.

How long have you been watching me sleep, freakshow?!

His only response is a demonic looking emoji, to which I cannot help but laugh as I set aside my phone. Should’ve guessed he’d have his home buttoned up like Fort Knox. Finishing off my nails with a clear coat, I move to the couch to let them dry as I flick on the TV, surfing to the Anime he’s told me to get caught up on—which feels impossible, since there’s like easily over a hundred episodes.

I don’t have to wait long, and as soon as I hear his keys jiggle in the handle, my chest seizes with excitement, and a smile blooms on my swollen face. Casting aside the guilt that follows my excitement, I do my best to simmer down; I don’t want him to think I’ve become too attached, lest he kick me out.

But when the door swings open and I’m greeted by his beaming face, I cannot help but to return the gesture. He’s even carrying a tray of coffees and a bag from Einstein’s Bagels, and I think I’ve fallen in love.

“Buckle up, bunny. Do I have some shit to tell you.”

* * *

“So,” I say, grimacing as I swallow a huge bite and wash it down with my iced vanilla latte. Teddy shoves another bagel toward me as he finishes his first, wiping his hands on a crinkly napkin. We sit across from one another on the floor, using his coffee table. He leans back against the couch with a heavy sigh. “So what happened?”

Coughing into his fist, he tosses the napkin aside and takes a swig of his cold brew.

“That important client you were supposedly sold to found Daniel trying to hurt a girl. Carved his forehead with a fucking hair pin and grinned afterward. Psycho, but gotta admit, it was pretty fucking nice to see.”

My eyes widen and my stomach plummets.

“Seriously? What girl did he go after this time? And who was the guy? He sounds…crazy…” I trail off, swirling my straw and eyeing the other bacon, egg, and cheese bagel. He sighs heavily, balling up his wrapper and tossing it across the room to the garbage can, sinking it on the first try. I roll my eyes when he grins, but it soon falters, and my stomach churns.

“So…that’s the thing. It wasn’t a girl that works for Dick. I found her hiding in my dressing room before the shows started. She can’t talk, but she can hear and sign, and thank God I learned that for fun in high school—”

“Wait, wait,” I say, ice flooding my veins, my eyes tracing his angular face. A small frown plays at the corner of his lips before he rubs the back of his neck.

“Yeah…she figured you’d be pissed she was there. Aria? I couldn’t quite tell what she was spelling. She was…looking for you.”

Rage floods me, but it’s more because that was so, so fucking stupid of her. When will they just leave me alone? I am about to voice that when Teddy’s brows drop low over his teal eyes, and he glares.

“Don’t start getting all high and mighty, Alice. People still fucking care about you. Gee, what a terrible problem to have.”

Picking at the seeds dotting the bagel, I glare back.

“It’s not that…it’s just…that was stupid of her. Clearly she was almost hurt—”

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