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“Oh, for crying out loud. Give it to me,” Elijah says, snatching the package from the table.
“Don’t!” I yell, but it’s too late.
I watch him tear the top of the envelope and slide out a small piece of paper followed by a USB drive. I quickly stand and try to snatch the items out of his palm. He pockets the drive and opens the small note. After reading it, his eyes dart to mine.
“What the hell is this?” he sneers.
“I don’t know, since I can’t see it,” I chime.
He hands me the folded piece of paper, and I silently read the note.
I went to visit, but you weren’t home. I’m incredibly disappointed to see the company you’re keeping, Little Flower. But don’t worry, I’ll be bringing you home soon. Leaving you a small gift in my absence. I do so hope you enjoy it. Happy Valentine’s Day, my pet.
My hands shake as the paper floats down to the floor, and I flop back into my seat. I stare straight ahead, not focusing on anything in particular, as I speak.
“Elijah. Give me that drive.” My words are low but strong and as devoid of emotion as possible.
He tilts his head, observing me, and decides that he has a better idea.
“Taylor, connect your laptop to the TV. I think we should all see what Evie’s secret lover has given her.” Elijah’s voice is cold and full of malice.
“Elijah… I’m asking you… don’t,” I whisper.
Micah comes to sit in front of me. “Is that why you won’t date me? Do you have a boyfriend or something?”
My eyes lift to his, but suddenly my tongue is made of concrete, and I can’t get my mouth to move. Time moves in slow motion as they all leave the kitchen. I’m glued to my seat. The last one to walk out is Celeste. She turns to look at me with such sadness it hurts.
“You’ve been seeing someone this whole time, and you didn’t tell me? I’m your best friend, aren’t I?” she questions.
Why do people always assume the worst of me?
Watching her walk out of the kitchen makes me jump out of my seat like it’s a springboard, and I run into the room. Whatever is on that drive, my heart knows she can’t see it.
“Taylor!” I shout, breathless, fighting my anxiety. “Take her out of this room.”
“What? Don’t I get to see what your mystery beau sent you?” she asks, clearly offended by my request.
I close my eyes, trying to get the earth to stop wobbling. “Please, Cele, trust me.”
I hear a shuffle, and when I open my eyes, Taylor is picking up Celeste while she smacks him.
When she’s gone, I turn to the guys in the room and address Micah and Caleb first.
“I’m not seeing anyone. This isn’t friendly.”
Caleb sits up straighter on the massive sofa. “Then we definitely need to see it.”
I look to Elijah. “I know you hate me, and it’s okay—Hate me. But let me see what’s on that first before you do.”
He shakes his head and places the USB into the laptop, using the TV as a display monitor.
Chills race up my arms, but there isn’t anything I can do. I move to lean on the back wall, farthest from everyone, and wait for the universe to throw another punch.
“Come here, Little Flower. Smile for the camera. Your owner wants to meet you.”
As soon as I hear his voice, I start shouting for them to turn it off—at least, I think I do—but they refuse to listen. I drop my eyes, refusing to look at the screen. I don’t need to see what I already know, and anger starts to build in my belly.
“You don’t—” I start, but get interrupted.
