Page 21 of Wicked Titan

Nathan clears his throat, playing peacemaker as usual by changing the subject. “I meant to mention that you are welcome to park in the house garage, in case it rains or something.”

That reminds me. “I don’t mind parking in the other garage, but do you happen to have a spare key fob? I think mine fell out of my bag at school today.”

“Yep, I ordered five extras.”

I choke on the swallow of water as some sprays out of my mouth. “Five? Aren’t they, like, four hundred dollars each or something?”

“Yeah, something,” he chuckles, “but it never hurts to have backups. My keys fell out of my bag more than once at school.”

It is utterly freaky how in tune he is with either my lies or the way the student life works or both. Either way, it’s just plain irritating that he can read the situation so well.

“I’m guessing you need a ride to school in the morning.”

“Good guess.” Again. “Thank you.”

Francis places the main course on the table as everyone digs in. It’s my first birthday dinner of many that will no longer include my dad, so I spend most of the time pushing food around my plate.

The only time I smile is when Tanner is trying to jam an entire piece of birthday cake into his mouth, so I slide him my slice too.

* * *

The bedroom door clicks shut, and I lean against it for a moment, relieved my birthday is almost over. I spy a small gift box sitting on my bed. Unhurriedly, I move closer to see my phone and the Audi’s key fob sitting beside the red box. My eyes dart around the room, stopping on the open balcony door.

Asher had been in my room.

Rushing to the door, I slam it shut, turning the lock as I glance over the balcony. It was locked when I’d gone downstairs. I remember locking it as Tanner impatiently begged me to hurry because he wanted birthday cake.

Picking up my phone, Asher had programmed his number in, which meant he’d been able to get it unlocked. There’s an unread message from him: The wickedest evil hides in plain sight.

An ominous feeling overtakes me. Asher is a lunatic. How deep does it go? is the important question.

Glancing at the red box, I hesitantly pick it up, untying the black ribbon before pulling the lid off. My fingers slide across smooth red metal … a key.

Jumping at the sound of a text, I hold my breath as I read it.

Asher: Keep it safe because you never know when it will set you free.

His game is getting sicker and more devious by the day, and it hasn’t been that many days. And why is it still bothering me that I’m nothing more than a stupid game to him?

Slamming the lid shut, I toss the box on my bag.

I don’t want any part of this. The extreme and conflicting sensations he wrenches out of me are constantly making my head spin.

Done.

Scrolling through my messages, there’s nothing from Haley. Had he deleted them? Pushing her name, I listen to the rings as my call goes unanswered. My best friend didn’t forget about my birthday. He better not have done anything to her … even I have my limits when it comes to enduring his absurd game and my best friend is off-limits.

I send a quick text to Mason. We still haven’t spoken, but he said he understood when I’d finally gathered the nerve to text him. Hopefully, one day I’ll have the nerve to do more than just text, but today isn’t that day.

Crawling into bed, I look over to the balcony door. There’s no way I can live like this for the school year. As much as I want to accept Nathan’s deal, I’m at my max. Fully anticipating his appearance, I eye my balcony door. I can’t even get away from him in the security of what’s supposed to be my space. And the truly scary thought … part of me wants him to appear, which is even more troubling. Living with Haley is better than being here. Anything has to be better than being here.

16

Following Nathan into the Java Knox coffee shop, I’m not surprised when I see several uniformed students since it’s across the highway from the school. Nathan orders a black coffee before I tell the barista that I’d like a quad-shot latte. I need every ounce of caffeine I can get after my sleepless night.

We grab our drinks off the bar before taking a seat at one of the few open tables near the window.

“I can just wait at school if you need to get to work,” I say, taking a sip of the hot liquid as it stings my tongue.