Page 66 of The Invite
My throat goes dry and I sharply snap my gaze outside after shoving the blinds aside. With paralyzing fear, I frantically gaze left and right but see no one.
Not even a silhouette. Itis as empty as it was a second ago. Only the leaves on the branches of the surrounding forest flutter from the cool night air. He could be hiding at the edge of the woods.
@nessatheatheist: Where are you?
He immediately replies.
@thedeviluworship: Closer than you think.
The phone almost slides from my grasp. My palmsbeginning to sweat. His arrogant taunt notches my nerves higher. I lower the screen light and with shaking fingers, I type out a text.
@nessatheatheist: Why are you hiding then?
@thedeviluworship: You are obviously in the mood to play.
@thedeviluworship: I am too. So, let’s play.
@thedeviluworship: Ever heard of hot and cold?
@nessatheatheist: I’m not stupid. There’s no way I’m coming out of my house.
@thedeviluworship: Who said you have to?
Oh god!
He’s inside!
How?
Stepping away from the window, I run into the hallway and reach the front door. I twist the lock and it doesn’t budge, still locked into place. I don’t dare turn on the flashlight on my phone, in case he’s not joking and is hiding in my house.
In the dark, I fumble and feel for any forced entry but the doorknob is intact.
My heart thumps against my ribs at the rising panic. I can no longer deny that he’s somewhere inside my home. Yet again outwitting me. However, I don’t have time to think about his secret entrance.
Calm down, Nessa.
Deep breaths.
A loud bang wrenches a scream out of me. It came from upstairs. I glance up and hear the floor creak as though someone is strolling right above.
My phone pings with another message when thefootsteps stop.
A mocking and daring one at once.
@thedeviluworship: Shall we?
Hell no.
I’m getting the fuck away from here. Rushing into the living room, I cautiously walk toward the mantel below the television, where I’ve kept the key. I reach and skim my hand over the surface while using the dim light of the phone screen.
My hackles rise when I don’t find the key.
I swear I put it here.
Does this mean I’m locked in? What is happening? Is my mind playing tricks on me just like Augustus is?
@thedeviluworship: Cold.
