Page 5 of The Devil's Hunt

Had I imagined it all?

Rushing to the bathroom, I scanned my appearance in the mirror. There was a tiny cut on my lip, barely noticeable, which instantly reminded me of Zach’s assault.

No blood.

No dirt.

There was no indication of the gory scene I remembered. I had no idea what memories were mine or if the vivid hallucinations were caused by the drugs he put in my drink.

Am I going crazy?

I glanced down. I was wearing a pink nightgown, and my hair was damp, although I couldn’t remember showering when I got home. I searched through the dirty clothes bin for the black dress I had been wearing, but it was nowhere to be found.

The boots Lacey had let me wear were gone too.

What the hell was going on? What had happened last night?

Before I could find the answer, my phone buzzed loudly and sent my heart racing again.

“Hello?” I answered tentatively.

“Hey, Mila, this is Michael from work. Are you planning on coming in today? Your shift started at ten.”

“Shit, yes. I’m on my way. I am so sorry,” I apologized, frantically throwing on my uniform and barely taking the time to comb my hair before jerking open the door and running down the street toward The Coffee Bean—a coffee shop on campus. I didn’thaveto work, but I chose to. I liked the environment, and it gave me something to do in my free time. When I finally arrived, out of breath and disheveled, I saw that the shop was teeming with customers waiting impatiently in line.

Michael handed me my apron without a word, and I quickly put it on while apologizing profusely for being late. “I am so sorry I’m late. I had a really weird night.”

“It’s fine. Just clock in and get to work.”

I smiled appreciatively and clocked in. Since it was Saturday, it stayed busy most of the day. Lacey had been blowing up my phone all day, asking if I had given my V-card to Muscles. I tried ignoring her, but after my phone went off about fifty times, I finally pulled it out and texted her.

I’m fine. The V-card is still intact. I’ll talk to you when I get home.

Boo. I’ll be waiting. Do you want Chinese?

Yes. Don’t forget the crab rangoon!

I won’t. Love you.

Love you back.

I was wiping down the machines when I heard the bell, signaling that someone had entered. “I’ll be with you in just a moment,” I announced, not yet turning around.

A distinctive smell of tobacco, sandalwood, and spice filled my senses. Steeling myself, I turned around slowly to see two piercing green eyes staring me down with an intensity that shook my entire being. My stomach twisted as memories of him getting a blowjob in the middle of the cornfield hit me. And then, snippets of him as he tenderly carried me out of the cornfield, wrapped me in my blankets and brushed a gentle kiss on my cheek. I couldn't distinguish between what was real and what was a product of my intoxicated mind.

My breathing hitched, and I ran my eyes up his tall frame. His black shirt clung tightly to his fit body, and tattoos covered his hands, wrapping around his muscular arms. Snaking up his neck was a tattoo of a hand gripping his throat—the sight caused my mouth to go completely dry. He had a gold nose ring and a silver cross necklace that fell to his chest.

Mortified that I had been ogling for so long, I cleared my throat and stepped toward the register.

“What can I get you?”

“What would you recommend?” His voice was deep and dark as it flowed through me, weakening my knees.

“Um… do you like coffee or tea?” I asked, trying to keep my composure.

“Both." He grinned, sending waves of warmth throughout my body. "What’s your favorite?” His words hung heavy in the air between us as he waited for my answer.

“My…favorite?” I stammered, meeting his gaze with heat rising to my cheeks.

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