“Piper—”
“Oh, my God, and don’t even get me started on the way he looks at you. That creepy intense stare he has, staring so hard all the time ….”
“Piper, I can’t believe what you’re saying.” My voice faded away as I watched her.
Her eyes got wider and she put her hand over her mouth. Then, slowly, she took her hand away. She pointed at me, her eyes unfocused from mine. “There’s something about that Gemini, too. Every time I talk to him it’s like … Like he has control of my brain or something. Then, as soon as I leave him, the feeling goes away. Like he’s hypnotizing me with his words.” She put her head in her hands. “I don’t like it, A. I’m not getting good vibes about either of them.”
I couldn’t believe what she said. She really was going completely crazy. Talking about hypnotizing words and crap.
I looked away from her, my thoughts scanning for the root of her accusations. And, just like that, it clicked. “What’s this really about, Piper?”
She lifted her head from her hands. “What are you getting at, Ariel?
I put my legs down from the couch. “Ever since I started seeing Luca, you’ve been acting standoffish. Jealous, even.”
She flinched, looking at me like I just slapped her in the face. “Whoa. Now, wait a goddamn minute, Ariel Richmond. You know it’s not like that. I’ve had your back about this guy and his crazy antics the whole time you’ve been seeing him. I even got over the fact that you left me for dead at the old dam that evening when you ignored my calls so you could be with him.”
I rose from the couch, mad enough to spit fire. “So, that’s what this is really about? You’re still holding that day over my head. You’re still mad at me because I wasn’t at your beck and call that night. I said I was sorry. What more do you want from me? I know you may think I am, but I’m not your little bitch you can just boss around!”
She slowly shook her head, her face flushing. “You know it’s not like that, A.”
“Oh, I think it’s exactly like that! You’ve been trying to control my personal life ever since I met you. ‘Date this guy, Ariel. Ooh, ooh, stay away from that guy, Ariel, but feel free to have sex with this guy on my speed dial, Ariel.’ Do us both a favor and stay out of my personal life! I’m a big girl and can take care of myself. You shouldn’t be giving me any kind of advice, anyway. You use guys for sex, then throw them away the minute you’re done with them. You don’t know the first thing about a real relationship!” I turned around, then ran up the stairs to my room.
*
The remorse set in immediately, but I couldn’t get over what she said to me. Piper really had no place interfering in my relationship with Luca. She was being so judgmental, while I’d been nothing but supportive of the myriad of guys she’d been with over the three years of our friendship. I couldn’t easily forgive what she said. It hurt too much. I was done letting her control me.
To make matters worse, the day of our annual cabin trip to the lake arrived. With the beef still going on between the two of us, I refused to go with her and the rest of my friends. I’d rather spend my birthday alone than be attacked all weekend.
Piper looked just as relieved as I when I told her I wasn’t going, so I didn’t have a problem sticking to my guns.
She was due to arrive back this evening, so I decided to enjoy the last bit of peace on my birthday by cleaning the house. It always helped clear my mind. Plus, Luca was coming over later, and I didn’t want the house to look like its usual explosion of bras and textbooks. He probably already thought I was mental enough without the added bonus of knowing I lived like a slob in the filth of my roommate.
As I cleaned, I wondered about what Piper said after the party. I tried to fight the thoughts, but that confrontation remained at the forefront of my mind.
There’s something about him that made her kill herself.
That line reverberated over and over again in my head. Even the vacuum cleaner I pushed around couldn’t drown it out.
Nothing Luca did that night was cruel. In fact, it looked like he was about to let Lila down easy before that creepy Garrett guy arrived. Luca and I were really starting to get close to each other, and I refused to let Piper’s influence scare me away from him.
My thoughts were broken by the sound of the vacuum cleaner sucking up one of Piper’s undergarments.
“Dammit! Why can’t she keep her stupid clothes in her room? Ugh! Even when she isn’t here she pisses me off!” I couldn’t help but shout out into the empty space. She frustrated me so damn much I wanted to spit razors.
I picked up the scrap of lace, then walked upstairs, shouting obscenities the whole way. I opened her door and tossed the garment inside. As I turned to leave, I noticed a shine from the open drawer of her desk. Whatever was in her drawer reflected off the light of the moon coming in from the window.
I walked toward it, and opened the drawer a bit further.
There, laid a small, brown rectangular-shaped package. The pearlescent bow tied on top was the source of the shine. Analyzing further, I noticed a tag on the package, labeled: To: Ariel.
I wondered why she still went to the trouble to get me a birthday present. The package was probably filled with condoms or something as a cruel joke, knowing her.
I shut the drawer in a huff, and then walked to the door. I put my hand on the knob, but froze.
Oh, why the hell not?
I spun on my heel and went back. I quickly re-obtained the package. Turning it around, I studied the parcel for easy access—not hard to do since Piper was horrible at gift wrapping. I pulled at the tape. When I opened the brown paper just enough, the box slide out with ease. My eyes widened to discover the box was the wooden ornate one that usually held my moonstone necklace.
Why is she giving me something I already own?
I opened the metal clasp and inside the box was my necklace, the moon sparkling off the gem in the middle. I removed it from the wooden case, and closed my eyes, stroking the stone with my fingers.
When I opened my eyes, I finally discovered why Piper took it. The clasp had been fully repaired. Guilt rose inside me. Sure, she overreacted, but she was just trying to be my friend.
I clasped the necklace around my neck and an instant comfort filled my body. I’d almost forgotten that wonderful feeling.
As soon as she gets back, I’ll tell her how dumb I’ve been.
I jumped, hearing a knock on the front door.
That couldn’t be Luca, yet, could it? I checked my watch. He wasn’t supposed to come over for another hour.
I quickly took off the necklace, then wrapped it carefully back into its package. I placed it back into the drawer, making sure the parcel didn’t look disturbed. Everything back in order, I headed downstairs.
*
“Hi, you’re early,” I said sweetly.
Luca’s bright eyes scanned me up and down. “Is everything all right?”
I furrowed my eyebrows. “Yeah, I’m fine. I just wasn’t expecting you so soon. Come on in.” I swept my arm across my front, allowing him to step in.
I closed the door behind him. When I turned around, he was surveying the room.
My heart jolted. Crap! Making sure I was out of his view, I casually scooped up Piper’s skull-and-crossbones bra off the side of the couch and hid it behind my back.
He turned around. “Are you sure everything is all right?”
“Yeah, fine.” I gave a crooked smile. “Can I take your jacket?”
He smiled. His expression relaxed, and he removed his gray carpenter jacket.
I grabbed it with one hand and backed toward the closet. When he turned, I quickly threw the bra to the floor of the closet. I hung up his jacket next, but kept my hands on it. Casually, once again, I got in a sniff. I couldn’t help myself, and boy, was it worth it. The cool scent damn-near made my mouth water.
After prying myself from the garment, I headed back to him. I approached him like I didn’t do anything mischi
evous a moment ago, but a grin did tug at my lips.
He met me halfway in the center of the living room.
“Happy Birthday,” he said, then presented me with another gorgeous bloom.
This one was even more beautiful than the first. Its deep purple petals radiated life. I didn’t even notice he brought it in.
“Thank you,” I said, accepting his gift.
Reaching up, I stood on my tiptoes. I gave him a hug and prolonged the moment as long as I could before pulling away. “I’ll be right back.”
I fought a prance as I made my way into the kitchen. I filled a glass vase with water, and placed the bloom inside. Standing back, I admired it for another few seconds.
Before heading back, I shook out my arms a bit. This released some of my nerves. Ready or not, I scooped up the vase. When I returned to the living room, Luca was sitting on the couch with one arm over the back. He even managed to make that hideous couch look good. He made a motion to stand when he saw me.
“Oh, you don’t have to get up.” I smiled at him. In fact, please, please don’t get up.
Giving a half smile, he leaned back.
I placed the vase on the coffee table. As I stood, I caught a glimpse of him watching me.
Hmm. So he checks me out, too. I couldn’t help but get my hopes up for something to happen between us tonight.
“Do you want to watch a movie or something?” It seemed like the perfect way to snuggle up to him.
His expression warmed. “Sure.”
What we watched, I didn’t know. My hands moved on autopilot in his presence. After booting up the random selection, I sat down close to him. His rested arm brushed against my neck and my skin surged with activity. I wanted to push him again. It worked the last time.
I scooted in even closer and crossed my legs.
He glanced down at me, his smile still warm, and then returned his attention to the film.
So far, so good.
I crept under his arm and lay my head against his chest. I then, casually, swept my hand across his front. I settled my hand down on his stomach, and he breathed in deeply. His arm slowly slid around me, and every nerve in my body woke up.
I closed my eyes, feeling so warm there under his arm. The sound of his heartbeat worked its magic with its steady rhythms, and my mind went completely blank.
After a few moments, his hold on me tightened. His strong hand rubbed my shoulder and my heart hitched. Taking his new advance as a sign, I casually drifted my fingers along his cotton shirt. Those abs were definitely present. Until this moment, I’d only been able to speculate on what they felt like. Now, confirmed, the new information stirred my insides.
I continued the movement of my fingers, and the smooth beats of his heart jumped. They then suddenly steadied, like he could somehow stabilize the beats.
God, you’re really losing it, Ariel. No one can stabilize their own heartbeat at will.
I closed my eyes, dismissing my crazy thoughts, and continued to explore his body.
Being incredibly bold, I bit my lip and bunched the material of his shirt with my fingers.
His body went tense, but he didn’t stop me, so I kept moving. The shirt crept up, and my breath left my mouth at a faster pace. I didn’t want to push him too far, but I wanted to see those abs, not just feel them. And if he wasn’t going to stop me ….
I kept moving, making small progress. I sighed. Everything was so perfect, but then I stopped abruptly, mid-sigh. His heartbeats were no longer steady, but now, suddenly erratic under my ear.
I looked up and into his eyes. I could tell right away something wasn’t right. “What’s wrong?”
He jumped to his feet. “We have to go.”
I tensed. The alarming tone of his voice scared me. “What do mean? Why?”
“There’s someone in the house.”
*
Usually the near-soundless hum of Luca’s car eased my body, but all it did tonight was amplify the blood pumping in my head and make me very aware of the heightened activity of my heart. “What’s going on, Luca? How do you know someone is in the house?”
He didn’t answer, didn’t once move his intense gaze from the road ahead.
“Where are we going?” I tried again. “Shouldn’t we call the cops, or something?”
The acceleration of his sleek, black car quickened.
“Luca, tell me what’s going on, now!”
His face contorted, his grip intensifying on the wheel. “I cannot explain, Ariel. I just … have a feeling you are not safe. I had to get you out.”
A feeling? A feeling! He took me away from my house in the middle of the night based on a feeling? How could he possibly know of any danger without checking? Oh, God, what if what he said was a lie? What if he just kidnapped me? Piper said she thought there was something off about him. Maybe I should have listened.
I froze, my body taking in shorter and shorter breaths. “We have to go back!”
“I cannot do that, Ariel.” Luca wouldn’t meet my gaze, his voice grim.
“You don’t understand. Piper is coming home any minute. If there is someone back there, she won’t know what’s coming!”
The tears welling in my eyes broke free, spilling down my cheeks as my panic intensified.
I looked at Luca’s face. He was cringing, but made no move to change the direction of our drive. He wasn’t going to stop. If there was someone back at the house, he clearly didn’t want to risk me walking into it. He was trying to save me. But I didn’t ask to be saved.
The car slowed just then, gridlocked in traffic.
I kept my eyes on Luca’s face, slowly moving my hand to the door handle. My sweaty fingers slipped around the cold metal. I gripped it tightly. The car still moved, just rolling, really, but that didn’t matter. I might not have another opportunity.
I yanked the handle and pushed the door opened. I propelled myself out and rolled into the traffic.
My face collided with the asphalt so hard my right cheekbone felt like it shattered. I groaned as hot, stinging tears streamed from my eyes.
I lay there for mere moments, mentally assessing my limbs for damage. Everything ached. Every muscle throbbed with pain, but I was fairly sure nothing was broken. Other than the pounding of my face and the scrapes on my hands and legs, I felt no hindering pain.
I scrambled to my feet, hobbling a bit as I struggled to get my footing. Then I ran. I ran faster than I’d ever run in my whole life.
“Ariel!”
Luca called my name, but I didn’t look back. I couldn’t look back. I had to get to her before it was too late. I owed her that.
His feet pounded the pavement behind me.
He was getting close … too close.
There was no way I could outrun him. Traffic was clear on the other side of the median, and I finally had hope when I saw a cab. It was only after the door of the car closed and I told the driver to gun it that I knew I’d gotten away.
I watched Luca slowly shrink in the distance from the back window as I headed back to the house.
*
The lights were turned off. The door ajar.
My pulse raced as I crossed the threshold and into the house. I stared hard into the living room, scanning for movement amongst the heavy shadows. The area was lit only by the dim light of the porch. Nothing moved.
I released a shuddering breath. Then I saw it.
Piper’s bag on the couch.
I didn’t stop to react before my feet hit the stairwell, leading me into the darkness of the upstairs hallway.
My paintings, which had been located on the walls, littered the floor’s surface. The vase on the end table. It once displayed in the hallway. Now, the pieces of it were scattered and crushed across every inch of the walkway. The broken pottery was coated in red. So much red …. And the streaks of the same gore led to Piper’s slightly open bedroom door.
Vomit rose in my throat. I broke out in a cold sweat. I debated leaving and calling th
e police, but I knew I had to get to her. She could still be in there, waiting for me.
My shaky hands pushed open her bedroom door. The room was so dark, lit only by the dull moon, but I still saw her.
Her body lay in a crumpled heap in the corner of the room.
“Piper ….” My mouth managed to release the name in a cracked whisper.
I walked over in staggered, shaky steps. Putting my arms around her, I checked for a pulse. It was too late. I was too late. I’d known from the moment I walked in.
I rocked her in my arms, sobbing. Placing my cheek against hers, I wept over her lifeless body. I couldn’t let her go. I couldn’t let go of the last of my family.
Hot, sticky blood coated my hand, the one I’d wrapped around her waist. I shifted her slightly and saw the knife lodged into her lower abdomen.
I removed it, then ripped off a piece of my blouse to conceal her wound. I knew the action was pointless, but I didn’t care. I couldn’t leave her in that condition.
I brought my bloodied hand to her face. Stroking her cheek with my fingers, I left three thin trails of red along her skin.
This wasn’t real. It couldn’t be real. It had to be a bad dream. I didn’t even … I never got the chance to tell her I was sorry. That I didn’t mean what I said. I never got to say goodbye.
“You will be happy to know she died admirably.”
I looked up, but couldn’t make out the speaker’s face since they stood in the shadows. I knew the cruelty of that dark voice, though.
“Things didn’t have to turn out this way for her, Ariel. All she had to do was tell me where you were, but she was just so stubborn. What a waste, really; such a beautiful body.”
Garrett Alden came from the shadows. The moonlight shone in the creases of his serpent-like face.
I stared up at him with hatred in my eyes, but my body felt hopeless. Locked in itself with fear. I didn’t care what he did to me. I didn’t have anything else left to lose, now. Whoever this dark murderer was, he would get what he came for tonight.
He stopped his steps in front of me. “I really am truly sorry about this, but I have a debt to repay.”
The Crimson Hunt Page 13
