Page 47 of Wicked Little Nightmare

His lips curved into that dangerous smile I loved so much. "You read my mind, sweetheart. Let's go see if our friend is feeling more talkative today."

We moved in perfect sync, discarding our cleaning rags and heading for the bathroom. With each step, I felt the shift in my bones – from carefree birthday girl to the ruthless killer I trulywas. Cam's energy changed too, his towering frame radiating menace.

"Think he pissed himself again?" I mused, a giggle bubbling up and escaping.

Cam snorted. "Probably. Guys got a weak bladder. Among other things."

As we approached the bathroom door, my mind raced with all the ways I could torture information out of him without actually killing him.

"After you, birthday girl," Cam said, gesturing to the door with mock chivalry.

I grinned, my hand on the knob. "Let's make some music, shall we?"

I pushed open the door, letting a singsong lilt creep into my voice. "Oh, Skeeter! Did you miss us?"

The pathetic lump chained to the bathtub whimpered, and I felt a thrill course through me. His fear was intoxicating, like the sweetest perfume. His face was covered in burnt crumbs, the crusts flung to the side. Guess he used to have mommy cut the crusts off his sandwiches, how cute.

"Aw, don't be shy," I cooed, crouching down to his level. "We just want to have a little chat. You remember our chats, don't you? I just want you to know that it’s my birthday today. I turned 27. As such, I expect you to be an obedient little pet and give me something we can use."

I reached out, letting my fingertips graze his cheek. He flinched like I'd burned him, and I had to bite back a laugh. Behind me, I sensed Cam's looming presence, a silent shadow of intimidation.

"Now, Skeeter," I continued, my tone dripping with false sweetness, "we were having such a lovely conversation the other day. Why don't we pick up where we left off?"

Skeeter's eyes darted between Cam and me, wide with terror. I could practically hear his heart racing. It was adorable, really, how he thought silence would save him. The cut on his face from before was looking rather gnarly. Kind of black. Probably some type of infection setting in the way the red that spread from the site across his skin, giving his complexion a mottled appearance.

I glanced back at Cam, catching his eye as I shrugged. He gave an almost imperceptible nod, and I felt a surge of affection. My partner in crime, my twisted other half. His permission was hypnotic, and I lived for it. I thrived on it.

Turning back to Skeeter, I let my smile widen, showing too many teeth. "Come on, darling. Don't make me ask twice. You wouldn't want to ruin my birthday, would you?"

I traced a finger along his jawline, feeling him tremble beneath my touch. Pulling my finger back, I frowned.Fuck, I hope I don’t get some disease now.Gritting my teeth to refocus, I leaned back. "Let's talk about those nuns, shall we? I'm dying to know what's been going on in that cozy little lab of theirs."

Skeeter's breath came in ragged gasps. "I—I don't know anything else. I told you where they were, that’s all I know, I swear!" he stammered, his voice rose a few octaves before breaking.

I clicked my tongue, shaking my head in mock disappointment. "Now, now. Lying isn't very nice. Especially on this sacred day of my birth." I leaned in close, my lips brushing his ear. "Tell me about the lab underneath the building."

His eyes widened, and I knew I'd struck gold. The fear rolling off him was delicious, making my skin tingle with anticipation.

"Please," he whimpered. "They'll kill me if I talk."

I laughed, the sound echoing off the bathroom tiles. "Oh, sweetie. I think you should be more worried about what we'll do if you don't."

Behind me, I heard Cam shift his weight, clicking his tongue. I didn't need to look to know his dark eyes were boring into Skeeter.

The fat man in front of me swallowed hard, his resolve crumbling. "I—I don't know much. Just... there's more of them. More than you think. They’re all over. The… the foster system is a feeder for it."

My heart raced with excitement.Finally, a lead. What were they doing and why? Why were they experimenting on these girls? On me?

Cam's smooth voice cut through the tension like a knife through butter. "More of them, you say. How intriguing." He stepped closer, his massive body cast a shadow over Skeeter. "I bet you know exactly how many, don't you?"

I suppressed a grin, admiring how effortlessly Cam could make a simple question sound like a death threat.

Skeeter's eyes darted between us, sweat beading on his forehead. "I—I'm not sure... maybe a dozen? Two dozen? Please, I really don't know specifics."

"Oh, come on now," I cooed, bouncing on my tip toes eagerly. We wereso closeto having a more complete picture. "A smart boy like you must have overheard something. A name, perhaps? Or a location?" My voice was gentle, but my eyes promised violence.

Cam leaned against the wall on the left of me, flicking his butterfly knife in and out with practiced ease. "You know, Skeeter," he drawled, "Lakey here has quite the imagination when it comes to extracting information. And since it's her birthday, I'm inclined to let her indulge. Unless, of course, you'd like to spare yourself the trouble and just tell us what we want to know."

I felt a thrill run through me at Cam's words. God, I loved when he played along. The fear in Skeeter's eyes intensified,and I could practically taste his desperation. The smell of piss flooded the bathroom.This little bastard actually pissed himself. What a fucking loser.

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