Page 51 of Kortlek

The pet name makes me want to throw up. He used to call me baby all the time. I was a whore while he was letting his anger out on me; I was his baby the next moment while he was apologizing, promising it would never happen again.

“What do you want, Wyatt?” I repeat.

I find the strength to make my voice louder, but the whimper and the crack are still there. He cocks his head to the side, one eyebrow raised. He hums, still inspecting me.

The outfit I have on clearly shows the love bites Cove left on me. Some are fresh,and some are from the week we spent together at the cottage. Half my neck is covered with them, and my collarbone and cleavage aren’t in a better shape, either.

His eyes darken in anger, focused on my upper chest area. He chuckles, shakes his head, and takes a step back.

“I haven’t decided yet,’’ he hums. “Maybe I want you to suffer, baby. Or maybe, I want you back. Who knows? Maybe I want both.’’

I’m no longer the naive sixteen-year-old. I understand the threat behind his words perfectly. The menacing promise and the dangerous glint in his eyes make me quiver slightly. He doesn’t say much more, stepping backward, creating a false sense of safety.

“I’ll see you around, baby.’’

He flashes me a bright smile.

The same smile that I once loved.

The same smile that haunts me.

The same smile the monsters in my nightmares carry.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Cove wins.

What a shocker.

He wins both rounds.

I’m not sure if Blair’s the happiest, given that she didn’t lose her money, or Rose, who was cheering on him loudly. I tried to match their enthusiasm, but it was pointless. I was twenty minutes late to the beginning of his first match, and I haven’t been in the best mood.

Cove’s apartment is a bit loud. Blair and Arlo are talking in the corner, but they’re not being quiet. Blair’s speech is a little slurred from the alcohol, and Arlo has his arm wrapped around her waist. If he pulls her any closer, they’ll mold together.

Literally.

Rose’s next to me, chatting and blabbing about how her first underground fighting experience was. I’m trying to listen, to engage in a conversation with her, but her words come in one ear and leave through the other.

My eyes dart over to Cove.

He’s standing by the window, leaning against the wall and staring into the dark night. His hair’s wet from the shower, a few droplets falling down his face. He’s wearing those grey sweatpants of his, and it’s really hard not to look at his crotch area. I’m trying, though.

The thoughts of Wyatt resurface. They haven’t truly left my mind since I’d seen him a few hours ago, but they’re more present now than ever. I fiddle with the end of my hair, idly playing with it, staring at the empty wall beside Cove.

I’m not sure if I’m more scared, or am I feeling utterly pathetic and useless.

He was right there.

I could’ve handled the situation. I could’ve beaten the crap out of him. My phone was in my pocket. The least I could’ve done was break his leg and call for Arlo. I should’ve done something, anything.

Instead, I froze in fear like a fucking coward.

And the fear isn’t leaving. It snuck its way into my bones, and I am tempted to look over my shoulder to check if Wyatt is here. It’s maddening. It’s insane. I’m not sure how to handle all of this. I want to tell them, but I know they will be worried sick. Arlo and Cove will probably go ballistic, too.

But the longer I keep it to myself, the worse I’m feeling.

I take a deep breath.

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