Page 99 of Madd Love

His bachelor pad is a lot like Rogue’s. High above the city and surrounded by security. They don’t stop me as I enter the building and make my way to the elevator. None of them say anything. They’re too focused on the cameras.

It’s almost as if they don’t see me. But then I’ve spent most of my life being invisible, so that’s not truly surprising.

I’ve only been here once. I don’t ever go out of my way to see him. Not at the house. Not here. It’ll probably shock him that I would confront him now. But I can’t stop thinking about how Rebel told me that Alec hurt me.

The elevator rises. I rub at the shiny pink scar on my wrist. It hurts like it’s still fresh. What happened that was so bad that I’d block it out? What was so bad that I would try to end my own life? More importantly, can I use it to my advantage? Can I make him believe that I’m coming for him now? Unless he helps me persuade Nicole from her current course of action. She’d do anything to make him happy.

I step out of the elevator and into the hallway. I can hear Alec’s voice and I walk toward the sound of him arguing with someone.

The woman has a knife in her hand. As I watch, she lifts it to Alec’s neck. He doesn’t have the time to respond to the threat before she slices the blade through his flesh.

I muffle my scream as blood starts to weep from his throat. My heart pounds as the woman turns to face me.

I bolt up in the bed, my heart pounding in my ears. The woman who killed Alec… it was me.

On the nightstand my phone vibrates and the screen lights up.

Adira’s tall frame is spread out beside me, his breathing even and deep. He most likely brought my phone in for me when he decided to crash here. Probably wanting to make sure I had someone close by if I woke up in a blind panic.

My phone vibrates again.

It could be Marty. I snatch it up to see Dizzy’s name in my notifications. After the other day we’ve given each other some space but kept in touch via text. It’s not her fault that I was on edge. And I’d get frustrated with me too when I think about how many times I’ve broken my spine to make my mother happy.

There’s still nothing from Marty. It’s odd that she hasn’t yet responded. I have this pit in my stomach; I’m probably worrying too much, but it’s bothering me.

Dizzy: I saw on the news that Rogue has been arrested. Are you okay?

“No, not really,” I mutter under my breath as I climb out from under the covers. I’m still in my wedding dress. My stomach burns with my jumbled thoughts. Is Rogue sleeping? Is he as scared as I am that Nicole will go even further to make sure we’re not together? I text Dizzy back, letting her know how I’m feeling and what the real story is.

Dizzy: Would you like me to help you kill her?

I almost giggle out loud, but manage to stifle it. Oh my God. After this evening, Dizzy’s brevity is a breath of fresh air in my imploding world.

Me: Will you be my alibi?

Dizzy: Of course. How would you do it?

I wish I could do something to force Nicole out of my life. But I’m not built like Alec and Nicole. They think that’s my weakness. I hope it isn’t.

Me: I don’t think I could ever do it. Not really.

Dizzy: She’d deserve it.

More than anyone, but there has to be another way.

Me: Perhaps I could find some leverage instead.

Dizzy: Blackmail. I like it.

I snort quietly. The way her mind works is both refreshing and unnerving.

Me: I wish I could remember what happened to me. Everyone thinks Alec hurt me but I don’t know how or why. Perhaps if I could remember what occurred I could use that to control Nicole.

Dizzy: I could possibly help you with that.

Me: What? How?

Dizzy: My brother could help. He sometimes takes on cases that are resistant to the usual methods.

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