Page 66 of Queen Rose

Aria

As my birthday approaches, my nerves are completely shot. It doesn’t matter that I’m not staying in that house. I still feel like Conner is watching every move I make. I get random texts at all hours, asking me question after question but also insinuating that he knows what I’m up to. Threatening me one minute, then calling me his good girl the next.

The party is tomorrow, and I’m unsure if I can handle it without completely flipping out. The only thing I have going for me is that my friends will be there to take the pressure off and run interference. And Nate. Nate will be there because I don’t care what my parents say. I won’t do this without him. I know if he’s by my side that no one can touch me. My parents sure as hell won’t make a scene in front of their friends.

And dammit, I want him there. I want something—someone—for me, just this once.

Apparently, by the time I get out of school today, I can go back into our house—if I wanted to, which I definitely don’t. I’ve been assured that the crime scene investigators have been all over my room and have what they need. Not that I’ll be going back in there. I don’t need or want anything from that room. It’s all tainted.

I still can’t believe we’re having a freaking birthday party instead of a funeral, but it sounds like it might be weeks before we’re able to, anyway, since they’re holding the body. For what, I don’t know. I’m trying not to think about it too much.

I was called in to the station to answer a few more questions about how I’d found my aunt. I told nothing but the truth. But I also didn’t offer my opinion or any extra information. I’m terrified of what could happen if I say too much. My parents, Franny, and Conner have been down to the police station a few times as well. I assume Conner gave them some bullshit alibi as to where he was. He’s way too smart not to, and has too much money not to pay someone to corroborate his story.

But I know in my gut it’s him. And he’s still out there, prowling around.

The knowledge that I have information that could throw suspicion in his direction is eating me alive. Whether he’d intended to hurt Christina or not, I don’t know. But the fact that it happened in my room means this had everything to do with me. Conner has gone off the deep end, and it’s my fault. He… I wonder if he knows I’ve had sex with Nate. Does he assume? His heated, angry text messages are worse now that I know the extent of what he’s capable of.

I look down at the screen. They’re from an unknown number, but it’s definitely him.

Unknown Number:How’s my good girl doing?

I’d let that first one sit there for almost a day. And when I hadn’t responded, shit hit the fan Wednesday night.

Unknown Number:Stop acting like a cunt, Aria.

Unknown Number:You still staying with Lyla?

Me:Yes. I’m fine, leave me alone.

Unknown Number:Ah, there’s my good girl.

Puke.I’m sure if anyone were to read them, they’d think he’s on drugs, the way he calls me a cunt one second, and his good girl the next. Or psychotic. Or just plain sick. And then a few hours later, sometime around midnight, he’d started up again.

Unknown Number:Has your boy toy been keeping his hands off my pussy?

Me:None of your business.

Unknown Number:You ARE my business.

Me:Leave me alone.

Unknown Number:Aria, I miss you. I need to see you.

Unknown Number:You think I don’t know what you’ve been up to?

I’d gotten freaked out and stopped responding. I’m unsure what he’s referring to, but the idea that he’s watching me gives me the creeps.

Tomorrow is the party. I’m going to have to see him. It’s all I can do to breathe and sit here, pretending to do my homework. My gaze tracks around the room during study hall, watching everyone else going about their life like normal while I’m stuck in this nightmare. My phone vibrates on the table. No. No, no, no. He’s been quiet all day.

Unknown Number:Tell me, are you still my sweet little virgin?

Unknown Number:I’m ready to give you your gift this weekend.

Unknown Number:I’ve been waiting so patiently.

Unknown Number:But only if you’re still my good girl.

Unknown Number:I left something for you in the top drawer of the dresser in the guest room. Your mom showed me which one she was putting you in.

Unknown Number:I want to see you in it tomorrow night.

Unknown Number:It’ll be your gift to me.

Unknown Number:I always was your favorite. Don’t forget it.

Unknown Number:You’ve always been mine.

Fear coats my skin, like a lizard licking over every inch of me. He’s coming for me. I know it. It’s only a matter of time.

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