Page 95 of Lush

Blair’s eyes darkened.

“And as for what you told him about me and Conrad? You knew damn well it would hurt him. But don’t you worry about it at all. Here’s what’s going to happen. I’m going to make sure your little affair with Harold comes to light. That’s the least of it, though. The King family’s untouchable, but you? You’ve got no real friends, no allies.”

I wanted this to hurt her. I wanted her to cry.

“I’m going to ruin you in front of everyone you care about. Your mom won’t get another society invitation. Your dad won’t be able to get fuckingbusmoney. And when I’m done, when everyone sees you for the cheap, desperate bitch that you are, I’ll make sure you’ll never get close to someone like Reese again.”

Blair shot me a final, disdainful look before striding out, leaving me alone.

I sat back down, my heart still beating from the exhilaration of defeating Blair. I closed my eyes and relaxed for a few more minutes.

A bang hit the sauna door.

My heart leaped into my throat. I exhaled sharply. A figure loomed on the other side of the glass door, indistinct in the fog.

“Hello? Is someone there?”

I waited for a few seconds, the silence stretching uncomfortably. My chest tightened as the scent of cedar, once calming, now seemed too strong, filling my lungs with every inhale.

I waited.

Seconds stretched like hours.

Nothing.

Suddenly, the lights flickered.

I froze, eyes darting to the ceiling. The light sputtered, casting quick flashes of shadow across the sauna.

The soft hum of the lights buzzed in my ears. Then with a final flicker, the lights went out.

Total darkness.

The steam grew heavier, swirling thicker, drowning me in the inky black. It had to be temporary. Just a malfunction.

When the lights didn’t turn on right away, I stood up fast, trying not to panic. A weak hallway light glowed through the tiny sauna window. I could barely see through the fog, but I made it to the door.

My hand reached for the wood handle, slick beneath my fingers. I pressed against it, gently at first. Then harder.

Nothing.

I pushed again. The door wouldn’t move.

No.

No, no, no.

A wave of panic surged through me. My hands trembled as I tried again, harder this time. The steam was thickening with each second, making the room feel smaller, tighter. Was it getting hotter? My vision blurred as droplets slid into my eyes.

“Hello! Can anyone hear me?” I shouted, the slick sheen of sweat sticking to every inch of me.

I shoved my shoulder against the door. The door groaned and creaked, but wouldn’t budge.

Stepping back, I turned to the small window. Maybe I could see outside, get someone’s attention. I wiped the glass with the back of my hand, but the steam clung stubbornly. Finally, the glass cleared and I could see in the mirror’s reflection across the hall something had been placed on the door. A sign taped to the door that read “Out of Order.”

Holy shit.

I pressed my forehead against the cool glass, desperately scanning the area for any sign of life. The hallway was empty.

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