Page 239 of The Invite
Just when I think we’re one step closer to Anonymous, we hit another dead end. It’s been two days since Nessa and I learned the terrible news. All I know is we can’t wait for Daisy to heal to ask whether she saw her attacker.
When we had gone to see Daisy, we ran into the two detectives who are working on Amber’s case. They must think the cases are connected, but how and why—I have no idea. Wecannot have them looking into our business. Any progress we’ve made will go up in flames. Anonymous will go into hiding and there will be no ending the blackmailing game.
It was also obvious they wanted to chat with Nessa, who avoided their gazes—understandable considering her past experience with cops—but they hesitated because of my presence. Since I was suspended before Amber was murdered, I wasn’t called in for questioning. However, I know they knew exactly who I was.
The only positive thing that came out of our visit to the hospital was getting Nessa checked out and started on birth control pills after consulting with a doctor. She protested, upset that another student was hurt, but I was adamant.
I haven’t left her alone since then, staying at her place and making sure she isn’t neglecting her health. Living with her despite the dark cloud hanging over heads has been surprisingly amazing. I didn’t think I was capable of being around one person twenty-four seven. Yet with Nessa, it was like falling into a habit I had been doing for years. If it were possible to burrow myself underneath her skin, I would do it. The glorious part? She’ll let me.
“August?”
“Hmm?”
“Will you tell me more about The Massacre Ball?”
I lift my head from her chest and smirk. I was wondering when she’d ask me about it. “What do you wanna know?”
“What’s it like?”
Leaning up on one elbow, I trail my fingertip between her tits to her soft stomach, enjoying the goosebumps erupting on her flesh. “There’s no one way to describe it. The ball started as an adult carnival before evolving into more. A mix of carnival, haunted house, fantasy rooms. In recent years, it's become a place celebrating anonymity, where fans meet their favoritemasked men, bikers, and cosplayers. Some reveal their faces. Some don’t. You just have to experience it for yourself.”
“A meet and greet?”
“Yes. Though it can lead to more if you’re daring enough.”
I feel her breathing pick up under my hand, nipples hardening, and pupils turning dark in curiosity. “More?”
“You can become their muse. A plaything they can do anything to for the night.” Drawing circles around her bellybutton, I huskily share, “No safe words. Once you say yes, you’re under their mercy.”
“That’s.” Her throat bobs. “Scary.”
“Being scared is a kink for many people, little prey.”
“Have you participated in a meet and greet?”
“Last year.”
“Oh.” A thoughtful frown forms on her forehead.
I know where her mind went. “I didn’t pick a plaything.”
“Will you go this time?”
“Of course.” I don’t tell her we’ll be going as a couple. The devil and his little demon. “My turn to ask questions.”
“Okay.”
“Favorite season?” I ask, kissing my way down her neck.
Her soft fingers tangle in my hair, massaging my scalp as she answers, “Winter. Especially the snow. Yours?”
“Same.” If it’s her favorite, then it’s mine too.
“Really?”
“Yeah. Dream destination?”
“Um… somewhere snowy,” she murmurs distractedly as I roll my tongue around her nipple. Her fingers pull at my head when I blow on the hardened tip.
