Page 34 of Save Me

“You fucking took everything from me!” I yell, my voice is raw with emotion, the pounding of my heart drowning out all other sounds. I scan the surroundingroom, my gaze darting frantically. And then, amidst the chaos, I spot a poker resting near the old fireplace. Its cold iron handle beckons to me.

Striding towards it, I forcefully wrap my hand around the worn grip, the rough texture digging into my palm. Zavier remains on the ground, his body trembling, his eyes fixated on my every move as I draw closer to him.

I looked into Zavier's eyes, and I saw fear. Fear of what I was going to do to him. And that's when I knew that I had won.

“Let’s see how you feel when you’re helpless,” I snarl, my voice dripping with venom.

Just as he raises his hand to cover his face, a flicker of self-preservation in his eyes, I swing the poker as hard as I can. The solid metal connects with his face, the sickening crunch of bone reverberating in the room.

Blood splatters in all directions, staining the walls as I continue to strike him mercilessly, my blows fueled by a mix of adrenaline and vindication.

Each strike lands with a sickening thud, until finally, he lies motionless on the filthy floor.

There’s no nap time, Zavier. I’m far from done with you.

Chapter 24

ARGENT

After Starlet came backfrom her therapy session, she appeared different, yet familiar—her determination radiating like a glowing ember of closure. I didn’t pry too much, just proud of her progress.

Slowly, I stretch out, still nestled in bed, only to jolt upright when I feel the space next to me is empty. The tantalizing aroma of breakfast wafts through the air, causing a smile to creep across my lips. She’s not going to stop with this ‘breakfast duty’ is she?

Pulling myself out of bed, I make my way to where the smell is coming from, not bothering to put a shirt on. But I freeze in my tracks as I step into the kitchen.

Demitri and Chloe engage in conversation, while the sizzle of bacon fills the room and plates are arranged on the counter. Furrowing my brow, I step forward, capturing their attention.

Demitri’s head snaps towards me, confusion etched on his face. “Hey, I thought you left?” he asks, taking a seat at the counter.

“What do you mean?” My brow furrows further as I slowly approach him. “I noticed your car wasn’t in the driveway, so I assumed you left early this morning,” he explains, uncertainty lingering in his voice. My heart quickens its pace as I scan the room, searching for her.

“Have you seen Starlet?” I ask urgently. “We thought she was still asleep,” Chloe replies, and we exchange bewildered glances. Without hesitation, I spin around, sprint down the hallway, and retrieve my phone from the room. My car has a tracking device installed so I would be able to see where the hell it is.

A knot forms in my stomach as the screen displays its current location. “Fuck!” I yell, forcefully hurling my phone onto the bed. At that moment, my eyes catch sight of my desk drawer, barely ajar. My stomach plummets as I open it, revealing the dreaded sight.

My knife is gone.

“Goddammit Starlet,” I whisper to myself, slamming the drawer shut. Hastily, I pull clothes on and run back to the kitchen.

“What’s going on?” Chloe asks, her voice trembling, the fear evident in her tone.

“Where’s your car keys?” I ask, ignoring her questions.

“My car is in for maintenance,” she replies, her voice slightly shaky. “Demitri picked me up.” Without hesitation, Demitri tosses me his motorbike keys and I swiftly grab his helmet off the table, rushing out the door.

As I step outside, the air feels crisp and cool against my skin, a light breeze rustling through the leaves of the surrounding trees.

I hope Starlet is not going to do what I think she is. She’s angry and wants revenge, but she’s not a killer.

Pulling the bike between the trees, I take off the helmet and run my hand through my hair before making my way towards the location where my car is. It only takes a few minutes of walking before I spot it parked in front of an old and worn cabin.

The cabin’s paint is faded and peeling, revealing the weathered wood underneath. This has to be where Starlet was held. Adrenaline courses through my veins like wildfire with each step I take.

As I approach the cabin, the creaking of the door catches my attention, the sound echoing in the quiet surroundings. I step inside, and the musty odor of dust and abandonment invades my senses, making me scrunch my nose in disgust.

I look around the place, the dim light filtering through the dirty windows, casting eerie shadows on the dilapidated furniture. It looks like no one has been here in years, the air heavy with neglect.

Suddenly, a low grunt catches my attention, the sound reverberating through the silence. I snap my head to where I heard it, my heart pounding in my chest. One of the couches is slightly lifted into the air, revealing a hidden staircase beneath it.

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