Mom knocks on my door.
“Good night, guys.” I shut my computer and turn to the door as it opens.
“Everything good?” Mom leans against the doorjamb and looks at my closed computer.
Part of me wants to break down and tell her everything that happened tonight. But she’s already threatened we’ll have to run if things get too much. Guys trying to rape me seems like something to run away from.
“Just doing homework.” I spin my chair to face her. “You said Dad worked for William Foster, but did you have any interactions with him?”
Her eyes widen slightly before she shakes her head. “Not any more so than anyone else in this town.”
Asking her if she ever let me and Luke have a playdate seems like a really weird thing to ask out of the blue. I don’t want to accuse her of anything nefarious, but I also don’t want to give away that we broke into William Foster’s computer.
Somehow that seems like a run-away type of problem, too.
“How is Penny adjusting to her new home?” Mom leans her head against the trim.
I shrug. “I should really text her to see how that’s working for her.”
“Maybe you should.” Mom yawns and covers her mouth with the back of her hand. “Sleep well. Remember, we need to be up early to get in to see your teacher.”
I forgot to mention that to the guys. Fuck. “Yup, I’ll be up bright and early.”
Mom glances around my room and gives me a doubtful look. “Night.”
I give her a small finger wave. “Night.”
She shuts the door and I type to the guys about the meeting with Mr. Wick. I slide off my chair and get ready for bed in the bathroom. The alarm is set and Mom made sure everything is locked, but my nerves get the best of me.
I don’t want to lock my door because Eli is coming, but I also know how futile it is to lock it, since you just need a thumbnail on the other side to unlock it.
My phone buzzes as I sit on my bed and stare at the door. My lamp is still on.
Pestilence (Eli):
You okay, kitten?
Me:
Mostly
Pestilence (Eli):
Be there soon
I sigh and pick up a book I’ve been meaning to read. The house is quiet. Almost too quiet. Instead of reading, I find myself listening for any out of place noise.
Sleeping isn’t an option. That night Zach broke in, Luke picked me up and carried me to the guest bedroom without me even waking up. Obviously, I’m not a light sleeper. Anyone could break in and have me bound before I even twitch in my sleep.
I reach beside my bed and pick up my pinata stick. It’s time to invest in a baseball bat or at least something that can do a little more damage with a longer reach. The guys have access to the video feed for the security system.
They’ll know if someone tampers with them again.
Fuck.
I’m tempted to open the computer and see if they’re still on webcam. If I knew I was sleeping alone tonight, I might go in and ask Mom if I could sleep with her. It’s been years since I’ve done that and that would definitely trip her mom senses.
I stare at the pages of my book, not really reading anything. Shutting it, I set it on my nightstand. I sit on the edge of my bed and stare at my door. If I go downstairs, that could wake Mom. If Eli is on his way, then her being up would make it impossible for him to come in.
