Page 15 of Haunt Me

“Lift your shirt,” I demand.

“Yes, ma'am,” he responds jokingly, complying with my request. I gasp as he lifts the fabric. His right side is covered in bruises—blues and purples painting half of his torso.

“Fuck, what happened?” I blurt out before I can stop myself. With a sly grin, he says, “Please, you should see the other guy.” I glare at him before walking towards him to get a closer look at the bruise. He lifts his shirt higher, and I can’t help but notice his incredible physique—despite the cuts and bruises, his body looks like it was hand-sculpted. Tattoos adorn his ribs, andchest, and even reach up to his throat. I take a deep breath, shaking off any distracting thoughts.

“I’m not fragile, baby, I’ll survive.” Just as I’m about to graze my fingers across the bruised skin, he lowers his shirt. I’m not sure if I should feel relieved or angry.

I clear my throat and manage to leave the bathroom this time, hearing his footsteps trailing behind me.

“Okay, well, you can leave now.” I blurt out earning a chuckle from him.

With a smirk, he turns towards the front door and says, “I’ll see you soon, little star.” And once again, I can’t help myself and blurt out, “What did you do to Caden?” He abruptly halts, refusing to glance in my direction. Without any movement, he states, “I made sure that he will never touch what belongs to me again.”

This has to be a nightmare.

A sick, twisted nightmare.

Chapter 10

Starlet

I’m running around thediner like a crazy person. It’s been insanely busy now that it’s spring break. I’m not complaining, being busy keeps my mind occupied from all the shit that’s been going on lately. I give yet another order to the kitchen when Bobby calls out, “Star, table 6 needs a menu.” Sighing, I dive back into the chaos.

“Afternoon sir, here’s your menu—can I start you off with something to drink?” I almost choke on air as the man lifts his head and I see who it is.

“Starlet?” he asks surprised with raised eyebrows.

“Zavier? Um, what are you doing here?” I don’t know if I should keep still or run. The latter sounds like the better option at this point.

He chuckles before responding sarcastically, “I’m doing good, thanks for asking.” I don’t care, but I smile nervously, “Sorry, that’s good, I’m doing good, too.”

Oh god, this is the most awkward conversation ever.

“Just a black coffee, I believe you still know how I like it.” he smiles. Yes, I do. Black and bitter, like your soul.

“Sure, coming right up.” I quickly say before sprinting back to the kitchen.

After serving Zavier his coffee that matched his heart, I practically begged Bobby to take over for me. Zavier is my ex, and we had a really toxic relationship three years ago. He was mentally and emotionally abusive, and when he started getting physically violent, I had enough. He began slapping me and slamming meagainst walls, screaming in my face. The night we finally broke up, he attacked me, forcefully punching me in the face, splitting my lip, and giving me a black eye. I immediately called the police, and they arrested him.

However, someone paid his bail, and he disappeared. I never saw him again, until today, that is. I have no clue why he’s back in the city, but I don’t want him anywhere near me. Plus, if Argent catches sight of him even just an inch near me, he’ll probably snap his neck. I don’t want to be responsible for another missing person.

I stayed hidden as best I could until Zavier left, I couldn't face him after everything and since it was getting late and the diner was empty, I told Bobby I would lock up so he could go home early.

Making sure all the lights are turned off, I head out of the diner and begin securing the doors. I still don’t have a car, but luckily, my home isn’t too far from work. Besides, I enjoy walking home at night when it’s peaceful and the stars are out. As I stroll down the street, a strange feeling washes over me. The hairs onthe back of my neck stand up, and instinctively, I halt and scan my surroundings.

Just as I turn around, the headlights of a car switch on, blinding me momentarily. Shielding my eyes, the lights gradually dim, revealing a dark figure emerging from the vehicle.

This can’t be good.

“You shouldn’t be out here alone, little star.” a low voice cuts through the silence.

Oh god, no, please.

My heart starts to race and I do the only thing a sane person would—I run.

I turn and bolt down the street, moving my legs as fast as they would carry me. I then hear another pair of footsteps stomping after me with a dark chuckle following.

He’s chasing me, are you serious?

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