Page 5 of Save Me

He broke me.

After years of abuse from him—he finally broke me.

A few minutes later, I hear his heavy footsteps approaching again, descending the stairs, drawing closer to where I still lie motionless on the floor.

What more could he possibly want from me?

“Just so that we’re clear... you don’t belong tohimanymore,” He taunts, his voice dripping with rage, the intensity evident in every word. “You’re mine now.” Without warning, he violently flips me over onto my back, the rough movement causing searing pain as my arms twist painfully against the restraints that still bind them to the pole. My eyes widen in fear and disbeliefas I catch sight of the gleaming metal in his hand, the light reflecting off the sharp blade.

With brutal force, he forcefully grabs my left thigh, his grip sending waves of agony through me, while his other leg pins my right limb down, immobilizing me completely. I struggle against him, desperation coursing through my veins, but my efforts are futile, my body drained of energy.

As he brings the knife closer to my trembling thigh, the room fills with the sound of my heartbeat pounding in my ears, drowning out any other noise. A gut-wrenching scream escapes my lips as he mercilessly digs the blade into my flesh, the pain so intense that it feels as if my world has been set ablaze. He drags the blade back and forth, carving deep into the ‘A’ etched on my thigh, erasing it with each torturous stroke.

The unbearable pain pushes me to the brink, my voice silenced as white dots dance before my eyes, clouding my vision. Darkness threatens to consume me, the room spinning in a disorienting blur.

After what feels like ages, he finally stands up, holding the bloodied knife in one hand, and a piece of my skin in the other. His face contorts into a twistedexpression of pride, reveling in the grotesque act he has just committed. He doesn’t say anything to me after that as he casually cuts the underwear from my wrists and strolls back up the stairs, leaving me exposed and vulnerable. The door slams shut with a loud thud, sealing my shattered world behind it.

Chapter 4

ARGENT

* PRESENT DAY *

Saying that Adrian ispissed at me would be an understatement. His anger manifested in brutal blows, leaving me with a throbbing black eye, which now matches the scars from the car accident.

The memory of that day still haunts me, vividly imprinted in my mind. I was so close to death yet, without Starlet feels like an endless torment, but as long as I was breathing, I wouldn’t stop searching until I found her.

It’s been almost a week since the whole ordeal with Adrian went down and we haven’t spoken since. So, I asked him to meet me at the diner in hopes he could just give me a chance to explain. Whether he decides to show, well, that remains to be seen. Stepping through the doors, a wave of dread engulfs me. The absence of Starlet is palpable, casting a dullness over the once vibrant atmosphere.

And just when I thought my day couldn’t get any worse, a surge of rage courses through me as I spot Zavier at the counter. I struggle to contain myself. I’ll rip his head right off his shoulders right here.

Zavier glances my way as he prepares to leave, our eyes locking in a moment of intense confrontation. Seizing the opportunity, I seize his collar, yanking him towards me, my voice dripping with contempt. “What the fuck are you doing here?” I hiss, my anger simmering beneath the surface.

With nervous laughter, Zavier stammers, “Um, just grabbing something to eat.”

Very fucking funny.

“I know you have something to do with it.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I fucking promise you,” I seethe, my voice laced with anger, “when I find out what you did—“

“That’s enough, boys,” Bobby interrupts sternly, his authoritative voice cutting through the tension in the room. I shoot a glance at Bobby, feeling a surge of frustration.

Forcefully shoving Zavier away, I feel a mix of rage and desperation. He turns to leave, but I can’t help but notice the smug look plastered on his face before he rushes out the door. I desperately want to cut that infuriating smirk off his face.

“My apologies, Bobby,” I say, mustering a sincere smile, my heart still pounding from the confrontation. I make my way to an empty booth, desperate for a moment of solace.

Just as I sit down, Adrian walks in, his presence bringing a sense of relief. He sits across from me, a playful glint in his eyes.

“I had the morgue on speed dial while witnessing that,” he jokes, attempting to lighten the heavy atmosphere. A slight smile pulls at my lips before clearing my throat, “I’m sorry about the whole fuckedup situation.” I say, my voice low as I gaze at him, waiting for him to make the next move.

Hopefully, it will not involve his fists.

“I just need you to shed some light on everything,” he rambles, confusion evident in his voice.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to confess everything to him. The type of business I’m involved in and why I came back to Chicago after so many years of avoiding the damn place. I know I trust him—he’s like the brother I never had.

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