Page 151 of Moth to a Flame

My vision clears. I won’t faint. I won’t.

“Bitch.”

This is the part where it gets tricky. This is where, through the agonizing pain, I have to convince him to leave and not torture me some more. To not give my leggings another try.

He has to dispose of the nail outside.

“I’m sorry.” The fuck I am. “I’m sorry. You didn’t cry. You weren’t terrified. I’m sorry.”

“You better be.” It’s a relief when he kicks my ribs. That means he’s standing. That he’s leaving. “I don’t want to hear another peep out of you until we get there. Am I being clear?”

I twist my head as far as it’d go. Then I lie through my teeth.

“Crystal.”

“Hey.” The words are accompanied by a slap to my cheek.

I bite back a whimper.

What a horrible, degrading pain to wake up to.

At least I haven’t had a single nightmare over the last two nights. I’ve been here for five days in total, and yeah, it’s been a reprieve. A small miracle in the big, ugly scheme of things.

Not much else has worked in my favor.

I haven’t eaten anything in two days.

Lester, on the other hand, has had plenty.

We pulled over for a few bathroom breaks. Had one stop in a gas station to buy chips, sandwiches and water.

He ate everything by himself while he drove. Laughed when he forced the water bottle into my mouth. When I puked from drinking too much at once.

I’m tired. My muscles are weak. My vision blurs around the edges from food deprivation.

“I said.” He yanks my hair. “Wake the fuck up.”

It’s a good thing he’s in the mood to hurt me. That he’s not wasting his time fighting me and trying to get to my pussy or ass with the damn pliers.

Because that way he’d go for my nails. My breadcrumbs. Last time I sacrificed another nail was yesterday.

And while my hope of being found is slowly waning, it’s not gone.

Landon is out there. Looking for me.

Through small towns and highways. Through side roads and deserted rest stops.

I feel him. He’ll find me.

I just have to stay alive. To survive this somehow.

“Where are we?” I mumble, opening my eyes. The night has fallen since I fell asleep. I don’t see anything outside.

“None of your business.” He cackles at me like the jackal he is. “Time to eat.”

Hope flashes brighter inside me.

If I play my cards right, I’ll both eat and get a nail pulled out of me tonight. Not to mention, the chances of him throwing my nail outside are higher, since that’s how he disposes of the food leftovers.

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