Page 22 of Haunt Me

“You seemed really upset back there, so I wanted to check up on you,” He explained leaning against the door, his eyes filled with empathy.

“Um, yeah, I’m fine,” I stammer, my voice laced with tension. “I shouldn’t have brought it up, I have no idea why I did, besides, what the hell are you doing here anyway? Finding new ways to torment me?” My arms crossed tightly over my chest.

My words seem to amuse him, his chuckle echoing in the room. He takes a deliberate step closer, and I instinctively retreat until my back meets the coolness of the wall. Feeling the rough texture against my skin as I press myself against it.

"You think I'm a monster, don't you? Some kind of beast lurking in the shadows, waiting to pounce. But I'm not. I'm a savior. I'm the one who can set you free from your mediocre life, from your parents' expectations… from your own doubts and fears." He states, his breath tickling my face has my heart beatingout of my chest. I don't respond, frozen in place as my eyes scan his face, occasionally falling on his lips.

His hand reaches out, fingertips grazing the strands of my hair as he tucks them gently behind my ear. I furrow my eyebrows, trying to mask the effect his touch has on me, the tingling sensation lingering where his fingers brushed against my skin.

“But to answer your question,” he continues, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Adrian and I go way back, and, I must admit, I was looking forward to seeing the look on your face.” His voice, smooth as silk, reaches my ears, and I can’t help but shudder at the familiarity of it.

As he leans in, our faces mere inches apart, I can see the intensity in his eyes. The room seems to fade away, leaving only the two of us. His whispered words reach my ears, barely audible but filled with a magnetic pull.

“Now, put a smile on that pretty face, and let’s enjoy the night with our friends, yeah?” His breath, warm and enticing, brushes against my lips.

Unable to resist, I close the gap between us, our lips meeting in a soft, electrifying connection. Every nervein my body ignites, a fire spreading through my veins with every gentle movement of his lips against mine.

His hand adorned with cold rings, wraps around my throat, sending a shiver down my spine, keeping me in place. Feeling the weight of his touch, the contrast of warmth and chill mingled on my skin.

His tongue slips past my parted lips, exploring the depths of my mouth, and a breathy moan escapes me. I try to suppress the sound, but the pleasure overwhelms my senses.

Reluctantly, he pulls away, leaving me longing for more. Before exiting the restroom, he gives me one last tender peck on the lips, his thumb swiping across my lower lip, leaving a tingling sensation in its wake.

I stand there, my fingertips grazing my tingling lips, a mix of thrill and confusion coursing through me. Shaking my head, I question my sanity before gathering myself and making my way back to the table.

I’m in trouble here.

Chapter 14

Argent

Imust admit, itwas a bit risky going out to dinner knowing Starlet was going to be there, but the way her hazel eyes widened and her pretty mouth hung open when she saw me—was definitely worth it.

After dinner, we said our goodbyes but I had no choice but to follow the girls to Starlet’s house. I had to make sure they were safe and I didn’t leave until she got snug under her fluffy covers.

Thinking about the way her eyes sparkled, her flawless figure in that snug black dress, and her luscious lips pressed against mine, sends my thoughts into a frenzy. When her lips met mine, I could taste thesweetness of her breath, making me fully aware that she was not just a figment of my imagination.

I'll save her from herself, from the mediocrity that's suffocating her. I'll show her the world, the real world, the one that's full of darkness and beauty. And I'll be the one to guide her through it, to protect her, to love her.

She’s not just my little Star; she’s my very own shooting star, lighting up my world and granting every wish I’ve ever had. And I’ll be damned if anyone tries and take her away from me.

Demitri and I are still busy obtaining more information about her ex, but it’s been a struggle. This man comes forth as some kind of saint. I know he had something to do with the disappearances of all those girls. It’s not a coincidence that every single victim has the same features as Starlet. There’s just no way.

“Bro, I can’t find shit on this guy. If he did have anything to do with the crimes, he covered his tracks really well.” Demitri states as he slams his laptop shut.

“Yeah, I know, but no one covers their tracksthatwell. He had to slip up somewhere.” I say, leaning myhead back and staring at the ceiling like it’s about to solve my problems.

Just as I go to close my laptop, an idea hits me like a bat to the face.

“I think I should try and get more information from her about him,” I say, my voice tinged with determination as I rise from my seat and make my way toward the door. The click of my footsteps resonates in the room, echoing off the walls.

“Maybe something she says will shed some light on who he truly is because I refuse to believe this façade of him being a ‘good guy’.” With a sense of urgency, I swiftly exit through the door, leaving no time for Demitri to respond.

As I step out of my car, the cool breeze brushes against my face, carrying with it a faint scent of freshly cut grass. Through the window of the diner, I catch a glimpse of her. Her radiant smile illuminates the room,instantly easing my worries just by beholding her. I enter the diner, and upon seeing me, her smile falters, evoking a pang of guilt within me. I can’t help but feel bad for giving her every reason not to be overjoyed to see me.

Taking a seat in a booth towards the back, I gaze out of the window, my eyes fixated on the outside world. The empty diner exudes a sense of tranquility, with only a few patrons enjoying their final moments before heading home. The soft murmur of their conversations intertwines with the gentle clinking of glasses, creating a symphony of subdued sounds.

“What can I get you?” Her raspy voice breaks the silence, and my attention is immediately drawn to her. I look up, and there she stands, a delicate notepad and pen clasped in her fragile hands. The perplexed expression on her face does not escape my notice.

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