Page 38 of Haunt Me

“Fucking bastard.” I curse under my breath. “Thanks, Aiden, really appreciate it.” I thank him before heading back to my car. Not only did this man assault my girl, but he stole from me. Anger curses through my veins at the thought of all the ways I’m going to torture this excuse for a man.

If I ever catch him near my business or Starlet again, I will gladly reunite him with his pitiful brother.

Chapter 22

Starlet

Yesterday, I attempted toreach out to Chloe several times, but she consistently ignored my calls. I can understand her reluctance to talk, but I need her to talk to me. Unfortunately, I can’t confide in my sister or mother about this matter. Their judgment and criticism will only worsen the disappointment I already feel. Right now, I need support rather than additional negativity.

“Starlet, when you’re finished with your table, you can head on home,” Bobby says, his voice filled with exhaustion. “I know classes start next week,” He interjects, diverting my attention and prompting me tostart getting my things ready. My face lights up with a smile as I turn towards him.

“Thank you, Bobby,” I say sincerely, taking the last of the dishes to the back. With spring break coming to an end, the atmosphere in the diner has shifted, becoming less bustling as people brace themselves for the impending school semester. I quickly remove my apron, grab my bag, and sling it over my shoulder.

Saying farewell to Bobby and the bustling kitchen staff, I begin my stroll back home. The air feels slightly cooler as the sun slowly descends, casting long shadows across the ground. Taking a deep breath of fresh air, I make my way home. I need to make sure I have everything I need for the next semester.

As I approach the house, a frown forms on my forehead and my heart begins to race upon noticing the front door ajar.

Odd.

Slowly taking the steps up to the door, I wonder if Argent may be inside and didn’t fully close the door to scare the crap out of me again. I nuzzle the door open, stepping inside, but it’s silent.

Did I maybe forget to close the door this morning?

Stepping into the house, and softly closing the door, I head to the kitchen and place down my bag. Turning around, I gasp, nearly leaping out of my skin as I see Zavier standing across the room near my bedroom door.

“What the hell, Zavier? What are you doing in here?” I frantically ask.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you, Star.” He says, slowly moving towards me, his hands in his pockets.

“That doesn’t answer my question.” I snap, stepping backward until I feel my back collide with the counter. By looking at him I can clearly tell he’s been drinking and probably on something stronger by how dilated his pupils are.

“You know,” he starts. “You always told me you wanted to wait until marriage.”

I swallow hard at his words.

What the hell is he talking about?

I open my mouth but he cuts me off, “Don’t even try to come up with lame excuses, I saw you two…fucking righthere.” He slams his hand on the kitchen island and immediately my eyes widen as I realize what he’s talking about.

He saw us.

He watched me and Argent have sex.

I keep my mouth shut, not daring to say anything that might piss him off even more.

“Was I not good enough, huh? Was I notworthyof you? Is that why you just tossed me aside all those years ago?” His voice grows harsher, making me flinch. This time, I don’t keep my mouth shut, “You abused me, Zavier!” I yell at him and his face pales. Shaking his head, he licks his lips before his eyes lock on me.

“Right, because everything was my fault, yeah? Who was there for you when you got into that accident? Who took care of you, huh? Me!” He says loud enough for anyone within a mile's radius to hear. Tears prickle at the corner of my eyes but I refuse to let them fall…not for him.

“An accident you probably caused.” I snap back and instead of yelling at me, he starts laughing. I furrow my brows, confused about why he thinks that is funny.

“Oh, darling, I know that’s what everyone wanted you to believe, but I had nothing to do with that.” He calmly says, stepping even closer to me. “But I do know who was responsible.”

My heart is pounding in my ears and I feel like fainting, “Who?” My voice frail and soft.

“Your father.”

I freeze, my blood turning to ice. “What?” I barely manage to utter.

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