Page 13 of Save Me

Just as I open the front door and stroll into the apartment, the sound of a low, passionate moan catches my attention. I halt my movements, my senses now fully alert, focusing on what I’m hearing. The moans grow louder, intertwining with the distant hum of a passing car outside.

Shaking my head, a playful scoff escapes my lips, the sound muffled by the thick carpet beneath my feet. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” I softly say, a mix of amusement and disbelief in my voice. I follow the sound of the moaning, my footsteps nearly silent as I make my way down the hallway.

The door to Demitri’s bedroom is slightly ajar, inviting me to take a peek. With a mischievous grin, I slowly push the door open, feeling the coolness of the doorknob against my palm. As I step into the room, a blend of scents hits me—the lingering aroma of perfume mingles with the musky scent of arousal.

There it is, a sight that both surprises and amuses me. Chloe’s back is facing me as she straddles Demitri, riding him like a bred stallion. A sinister smirk tugsat the corners of my lips before I clear my throat, the sound echoing in the room.

Chloe’s head whips around, her hands instinctively covering her exposed chest as she stares at me, wide-eyed and breathless.

“What the hell, Argent?!” Demitri’s voice fills the room, a mix of annoyance and surprise. Trying to contain my laughter, I bring my hand to my mouth, feeling the warmth of my breath against my skin.

“Having fun, aren’t we?” I tease, wiggling my eyebrows playfully.

“Please, don’t tell Adrian,” Chloe pleads, her voice filled with desperation as she slowly rises from the bed, hastily wrapping a blanket around her naked body.

“I won’t, Chlo. But you have to,” I state firmly, crossing my arms over my chest as I lean against the doorframe.

“Yeah, whatever, now, get out so that I can get dressed,” she insists, her voice dripping with annoyance. With a hearty chuckle, I raise my hands in defeat and exit the room. The creaking of the door echoes through the hallway as I make my way to the kitchen, Demitri following closely behind.

“Uh, listen, Chloe came over for a reason besides that,” he nervously states, his words laced with hesitation as he takes a seat at the worn kitchen counter. Eyeing him skeptically, I reach for a tumbler glass, the coolness of the smooth glass against my fingertips. I grab a bottle of Starlet’s favorite bourbon, the sound of the liquid pouring into the glass filling the room.

“And what is it?” I ask, raising the glass to my lips. I take a big gulp, feeling the warmth of the bourbon spread through my chest. But before he can answer me, Chloe walks into the kitchen, her steps barely audible.

“Starlet’s parents are going to have a memorial for her tomorrow night,” she suddenly says, her voice breaking the silence. Time seems to stand still as I freeze, my entire body turning to ice.

“What?” my teeth grind together as I sneer through gritted teeth, “She’s not fucking dead!” I yell, the sound of my voice reverberating off the walls. In a fit of rage, I fling the glass through the air, the shattering of glass against the wall creating a cacophony as shards cascade to the floor, making Chloe flinch.

Rage surges through my veins, a seething fire threatening to consume me. The room hangs ina heavy silence, pierced only by the thunderous pounding of my heartbeat reverberating in my ears. My gaze lands upon Chloe, her expression a weight on my heart. Wide-eyed and motionless, she stares at me.

“I’m sorry,” I hastily mutter, squeezing my eyes shut and running my fingers through my hair, inhaling deeply to steady myself. With measured steps, Chloe approaches me, surprising me as she reaches up and pulls me closer by the neck, wrapping her arms around me tightly. “It’s okay to be angry, Argent,” her voice whispers next to my ear. “We will find her...youwill find her,” she reassures me, holding me tightly before releasing me.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I offer her a small smile before bending down to the cabinet at my feet. Retrieving the hand broom, I feel its cool handle against my palm.

“I’ll clean it up, man, don’t worry—” Demitri begins, but I dismiss him with a wave of my hand. “No. It’s my mess. I’ll clean it up.” Walking past him towards the shattered glass scattered across the floor.

Countless people gathered outside The Diner, their murmurs mixing with the gentle hum of flickering candles. The air was heavy with the scent of purple flowers that adorned every inch of the concrete and walls. A vibrant mosaic of colors, a tribute to Starlet’s favorite hue.

From my car, I surveyed the crowd, my eyes darting from face to face. Starlet’s parents I assume—stood by the entrance. Next to them, the enormous frame holding her picture is a beacon of bittersweet beauty, adorned with a sea of purple petals. A surge of anger welled within me.

The audacity of these fucking people. How could they just give up hope and accept that she’s dead? I scrutinized them, my frustration mounting. Unless they presented her lifeless body—I will never stop looking for her. I don't want to be here, there is no point in having this in the first place. She's still alive, andif they're not going to do something to find her, I will.

Just as I’m about to leave, the soft hum of Chloe’s car catches my attention. She and Adrian emerge from the car and walk over to Starlet’s parents. It’s only natural for them to be here, and show their respects.

As Chloe turns her head, our eyes lock in an instant connection. A gentle smile tugs at the corners of her lips, and without hesitation, I swing open the car door and step out.

Inhaling a deep breath, I slowly make my way through the crowd of people and I can feel the weight of their gazes upon me. It’s times like these that I despise my towering height. Finally, I come to a halt by Adrian’s side, noting the surprise etched upon his face.

“Hey, you made it,” he whispers, his hand finding its place on my shoulder, and giving me a sincere smile.

It’s not like I want to be here. They are showing respect for something that is just not true. Her death. She is not dead. She is still out there, her absence lingering like a haunting presence. Determination fuels my every thought. I am going to find her... alive.

I know Zavier is responsible for her disappearance, but the fucker keeps slipping through our fingers, leaving us with nothing but frustration. Every lead we chase turns out to be a dead end. These people can mourn all they want, but my little star is still out there, waiting to be found.

“And you are?” A high-pitched voice pierces through the fog of my thoughts. Startled, I lower my head and lock eyes with a short, blonde-haired girl. Her icy blue eyes bore into mine, searching for answers. I remain silent, unable to find the words to respond, and avert my gaze to the portrait of Starlet adorned with purple flowers.

My throat tightens as I admire her beautiful features. The soft, copper-brown waves of her hair, the depth of her mesmerizing hazel eyes. Swallowing hard, I meet Chloe’s knowing gaze. She sees the pain behind my facade, and I wish she didn’t.

Clearing her throat, Chloe steps forward and answers the blonde girl’s question, “He’s a family friend.” The girl’s smile widens, her excitement palpable. She turns her attention back to me, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

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