Page 18 of Save Me

It took me nearlythe entire morning to persuade Starlet to go to the police station. Now, as we stand here, I can see her body tensing up with each question the officer asks. The air in the station is heavy with silence, and all eyes are fixed on her as if she were a ghost.

My heart breaks for her, knowing what she has endured. She woke up three times during the night, plagued by nightmares, and all I could do was try to offer her some comfort. Another question from the officer snaps me out of my thoughts.

“Who was the person who held you captive?” I lock my gaze on her, watching as she struggles to utterhis name. Her lips glisten as she licks them, instantly capturing my attention.

Finally, she manages to say, “Zavier... Zavier Olsen. And I'm not the only one he has held captive, there were multiple girls he kidnapped and brutally murdered.”

The officer's eyes widen, but before he can respond, I interject, “I have a list of all the victims that I can send through.” He doesn't question why I have them as he just nods before turning back to Starlet.

“Last question Miss Macklamor and then you’re free to go,” He says as leans closer to her, causing me to instinctively lean closer as well.

“Do you have any idea why he might have done this?” The room falls silent, awaiting her response to the final question.

“Um, he’s an ex-boyfriend, so... obsession, I guess,” she replies, her voice trembling, her eyes fixated on her twirling fingers in her lap.

I wonder if she knows that her father is also entangled in this mess. The officer rises from his seat, redirecting his attention to Starlet, offering her a sincere smile as he hands her a piece of paper.

“Here is the contact information of an excellent psychologist. I strongly recommend you seek their help to work through everything.” With hands shaking, she takes the paper, nods, and turns to me. Returning her smile, I gently take her hand, leading her out of the office and back to the car.

“Why do you have a list of all the victims?” She suddenly asks, breaking the silence as we slide into the car.

“I didn’t trust him around you, so I did a little digging.” I truthfully say, giving her a faint smile.

“I like your new car,” she suddenly says as I close my door. The sound of the door latch clicks into place, and I raise a curious brow, averting my gaze towards her. “But I liked the old one more.” Her words elicit a chuckle that rumbles in my chest. Amused, I eye her and ask, “Yeah? And why is that?”

“It is where I fully gave myself to you,” she says, locking eyes with me. The weight of her words hangs in the air, and my entire body catches fire as the memory of that day flashes through my mind. Myheart pounds against my chest, a tangible sensation that consumes me.

I’m yours.

With a slight smile, I avert my gaze and stare straight ahead, but I don’t miss the way her smile falters.

“What’s wrong, little star?” I ask, my hand gently resting on her knee. When she looks at me, her eyes shimmering with tears, my heart aches.

“I don’t blame you.”

“For what?”

“For not looking at me the same as before.” Her words cut through me, deeper than any blade ever could.

“Look at me,” I demand softly, my fingers delicately holding her chin, guiding her gaze to meet mine. “Nothing will ever make me look at you any differently. You are mine and will always be mine.”

My eyes bounce between her teary orbs, occasionally falling to her trembling lips. The air is heavy with anticipation, charged with a mix of desire and vulnerability. Without a second thought, I lean closer, our breaths mingling, creating a warm, intoxicating scent.

She pulls her bottom lip between her teeth, and I hear her inhale deeply. Using my thumb, I gently release her lip, pulling her closer until our mouths meet. The sensation electrifies every nerve in my body, igniting a fire that consumes us both. A soft moan escapes her lips, a harmonious symphony to my ears.

Pulling away just enough to lock eyes with her, I wipe away a tear that rolls over her rosy cheek.

“You're mine, little star… always mine.”

Nothing in this world would make me want her less. Nothing. She means more to me than she could ever imagine. She's been to hell and back and I'll be there every step of the way to help her heal from this unforgivable experience.

Chapter 15

STARLET

Standing in front ofmy parents’ house, I feel a mixture of anticipation and anger coursing through my veins. Gripping Argent’s hand so tightly that my knuckles turn white, I can feel the warmth of his palm against mine. The distant hum of traffic drowns the sound of my heart pounding in my ears.

The air is crisp, carrying the scent of freshly cut grass and the faint aroma of my mother’s perfume. I muster up the courage to knock on the door, my hand trembling slightly.

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