Page 22 of Toxic Obsession

Behind the blindfold, my gaze narrowed, and a flicker of irritation overtook my desire. “I don’t have to beg.”

He adjusted, driving deeper into me. “Oh, but you do.”

He grunted, then he trembled against me. Remaining still, I waited for him to pull out.

“Why do you have to beg for it? Because you’re evil … that’s what you are. I just fucked the devil herself.”

What is happening right now?

The warmth of his body left mine.

“I’m not evil.” My voice betrayed me, shaking to the rhythm of my heart thudding in my ears.

Hot breath fanned across my face.

“Rumor has it that you attended Timber Creek High. Did you really think you could run from your past? Girls like you need to be punished, reminded of who they are. Fucking. Worthless. Trash.”

Chapter11

Wynter

By the time I got home, the urge to puke was so strong, I ran up the stairs to the hall bathroom. With trembling hands, I pushed the door open and scrambled to the toilet. I sank to my knees in front of the porcelain throne just in time as my lunch bubbled up from my stomach and noisily landed in the commode. Sweat slickened my forehead as I clung to the seat, hoping like hell that my body had finished revolting.

I sat on the floor and pressed my back against the teal-painted wall, my brain in overdrive. A cry clogged my throat. If my wrists hadn’t been restrained, I would have ripped off the motherfucker’s mask and beat the shit out of him with it. But by the time I got the silk scarf off, he’d left the room.

Someone fucking knew who I was. Tears stung my cheeks as they fell fast and hard. I slammed my eyes closed and images of fists and kicks to my body shot me into a panic. I struggled to breathe, the flashbacks overpowering reality. Hiding my face in my arm, I sobbed uncontrollably.

Goddammit.How?I’d been painstakingly careful when I’d applied to attend Whitmore that my past was fabricated. The vicious words whispered through my mind, girls like you need to be punished and reminded of who they are.Fucking. Worthless. Trash.That motherfucker was right, and even though his words hurt, I’d heard worse—much worse.

“Wynter?” a soft voice broke through the horror I was reliving.

I sucked in a shaky breath and peeked through my fingers. For some reason I thought the roomies were out for the night, and I had a safe space to fall apart.

“Hey.” Everlee sank to the floor and gently squeezed my forearm. “Are you okay? I mean, that’s a stupid question. You’re clearly not. How can I help?”

The kindness in her tone gutted me. If I told Everlee what had happened, she would turn on me just like everyone else. Then I realized it was only a matter of time before the entire campus found out. My name would spew from every mouth at Whitmore University, and their comments would be full of bitterness and hate.

I leaned my head against the wall, willing my tears to dry up. Wiping the moisture from my cheeks, I glanced at Everlee. “I have flashbacks sometimes.” Shame and fear clung to my tone, my voice cracking with my confession.

Everlee grabbed my hand. “Did something bad happen today or did it just come out of the blue?”

I snorted, my brain attempting to find humor in the fucked-up situation. I couldn’t admit to Everlee that I’d been in an incredible threesome, then the hateful words came at me followed by the horrible flashbacks.

“I was triggered by someone.” I brought my knees to my chin, wishing I could disappear from the world.

When I learned I’d been accepted at Whitmore, I’d foolishly thought my past wouldn’t follow me. I licked my lips, digging deep inside myself to find the courage to share even a bit with Everlee. If I tested the waters, then maybe someday I could tell her everything. Surely, I could take little steps at a time. I was strong, I’d lived through hell and back. But the desire to be loved and accepted was driving me hard and forcing me to take chances again. Other than Janine, I didn’t trust anyone, no matter how much I wanted to.

My chest heaved, and I tucked my hair behind my ear. “You know when I said I quit cheer due to the drama?”

Everlee rolled her eyes. “Girl, I feel you. The world’s hard enough on us. Women should support each other, share each other’s wins, not tear each other down and be catty bitches.”

I picked at a hangnail, needing something to do with my hands. “Yeah, isn’t it all supposed to get better at some point?”

Everlee nodded enthusiastically. “I know we’ve only been roomies for three weeks, but I swear I’m here for you.”

“I appreciate it. You’ve been really sweet.”

“I’m all ears but remember, sometimes the anticipation of a person’s reaction is worse than reality.” She squeezed my arm in reassurance.

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