She raises a brow. “I’m not a horny teenage boy, Grace.”
“Just… turn around. Please.” I don’t want her to spot my new tattoo, and knowing Saffron, she would make a huge deal out of it. I just… need to not think about it for a while.
“Fine.” She turns her back to me, covering her eyes with a manicured hand as she lets out a dramatic sigh. “Not looking!”
“I see that.” I quickly strip my pajamas and slide into the warm water, wincing at the feel of it on my fresh tattoo. Schooling my expression, I duck beneath the bubbles so only my head is peeking out. “I’m in now.”
“Fantastic.” Saffron whips around, her bright eyes scanning the scene, making sure all is as it should be. Satisfied, she jabs a finger at the glass of wine sitting on the side of the tub. “Drink your medicine and relax. I’ll be back in thirty to see if you need help getting out.”
“I think I’ll be fine?—”
“See you in thirty!” She closes the door softly behind her. “Don’t try to get out without me!”
I chuckle under my breath as I reach for the glass, bringing it to my lips and taking a small sip.Not bad at all…
Just as she promised, Saffron returns thirty minutes later, finding me pruned and nicely tipsy.
“Someone’s looking better.”
“It’s the wine.” I grin, hoisting the empty glass high. “Good medicine.”
“I’m glad you’re smiling again. Another glass waits for you by the TV if you’re ready to get out.” She grabs a towel from under the sink and moves to the side of the tub, squeezing her eyes shut tight as she holds it out for me to grab. “I just need to make sureyou don’t slip and fall. That’s what happened to Dom Farvo, and he broke his skull and died.”
“You need to stop watching so muchVital Anatomy.” I take the towel, wrap it around my body, and step onto the bathmat. A fresh set of pj’s is waiting for me on the edge of the mattress, warm to the touch, as if they’re fresh out of the dryer.
“Thank you, Saf,” I say, tears welling in my eyes.
She nods in understanding. “Just come out when you’re ready. I have dinner on the way andSlasherloaded on the TV—your favorite.”
She closes the door softly behind her, and I take the time to change into the comfy clothes, grateful for Saffron and her love. When I’m with her, all of my fears fade to the back of my mind, and I can breathe. But then I remember a deranged serial killer is on the loose who has claimed me as his, and the panic returns.
I stare straight into the mirror, bracing my hands on the edge of the counter.Just get through the day. After today, it will be better. Things are always better with time…
Taking a deep breath, I pull my eyes away from the tortured girl and head out to join Saffron on the couch.
Saffron stays with me all day, watching reruns of old rom-coms like we used to do. For a time, I’m able to forget what happened to me, to stop worrying about what will. The hours pass, my anxiety lessens, and soon, the day is over.
With the moon high in the sky, Saffron makes me a cup of my favorite tea and helps me to bed, tucking me in with my favorite knitted blanket. I’m not sure if it's the wine, the company, or the stress of the day, but within minutes, I’m barely able to keep my eyes open.
“Do you want me to stay?” she asks, taking a seat at the edge of the bed. “I’m more than happy to sleep on the couch?—”
“You’ve done more than enough, Saf.” I reach out of the covers and squeeze her hand. “Go home and get some sleep, please.”
“If you need me, you call me.” She jabs a finger at my phone resting on the nightstand. “And I mean,anything.You send me a text or call me, and I’ll be right over.”
“I promise.” I snuggle deeper under the covers, having a hard time keeping my eyes open. “Youtextmewhen you get home safely.”
She chuckles lightly. “I will. I’ll stop by tomorrow, sleepyhead.” She reaches out, brushing my hair behind my ear before standing from the bed. Her footsteps are light as she leaves, and I only realize she’s gone when I hear the telltale click of the front door locking.
I try to open my eyes, but whenever I do, the room seems to spin, and I’m so damntired.More than I have been in my life, more than should be possible for a regular person.
As I’m pulled into the nothing, alarm bells blare in the back of my mind, demanding I fight whatever force is pulling me under andwake up.No matter how hard I try, I can’t beat the pull of sleep, and soon, I’m drifting headfirst into blissful nothing.
Just before I fall, a sound emanates from my closet. My adrenaline surges, allowing me one more moment of clarity. My eyes flit toward the doors—now closed, which I don’t recall Saffron doing. When I look closely, I swear I can see a pair of bloodred eyes staring through the slits. Watching me.
But that can’t be…
CHAPTER FOUR
