Obsession

Chapter 42

Warning: This chapter is intensely violent and gory. If you can't handle that, I don't recommend reading past the *****.

The bus comes to a screeching stop just a block or so away from my old house. I step off and look around, making sure I haven't been seen. It's only a matter of time before my friends figure out that I'm missing. At least, that's what I'm hoping for anyway.

I hurry to the front door of the house I once shared with my mom and dig in my purse for my keys. I try to push the key into the lock, but it doesn't fit. I try again, but it still doesn't work. It must be a new lock.

But why?

We haven't sold the house yet. We still own it as of today. Who would've changed the locks?

Getting frustrated, I quickly look around before using my phone to break the glass window on the door. It makes an awful sound as the glass shatters and sets off the alarm.

That's okay. I don't plan on being here long.

I rush to my mom's bedroom closet and start digging through packed boxes, looking for the small handgun I found. I have to have it. I plan on ending this nightmare with Kai today, one way or another. I'm sick of living in fear.

I search all over, but the gun is nowhere to be found. Hearing sirens in the distance, I run for the kitchen and grab a knife off the counter. I drop it into my purse and use the back door to make my getaway.

I run through Kai's backyard and into the woods next to his house. The empty field he told me to meet him at isn't far from here. I should be able to make it on foot in no time.

I use the trees to remain concealed as I move along. I clutch my purse tightly to my chest with one hand, keeping my other hand on the handle of the knife.

I spot him in the distance, sitting on the ground, leaned up against a tree. At one point in time, I would've thought the sight of him with the mid-afternoon sun cascading across his golden skin was beautiful. Now, the sight of him only makes my skin crawl.

I hate him.

I've never hated anyone before in my life, but I'm certain this repulsive feeling is surely hate. After all he's taken from me, after all he's put me through, I wish there was an emotion stronger than hate.

He looks up when he hears me coming. He stands slowly, watching me as if he expects me to attack him.

"I told you to pack a bag," he says.

"I'm not going anywhere with you, Kai," I growl.

He steps closer to me, studying my eyes carefully. "And why do you think that?"

"I don't think it, I know it. Today will either be the last day of your life or the last day of mine. Either way, this nightmare is over. I refuse to live on the same planet as you for another day."

He seems surprised that I would say something like that. "You'll change your mind soon enough."

"Where's Leo? What did you do to him?" I ask.

The mention of Leo's name seems to turn Kai's already dark eyes a few shades darker. "He's gone."

"What did you do?!" I seethe, losing my resolve.

"If you'll just calm down, I'll tell you everything you want to know," he says, reaching out to take my hand.

I snatch away from him. "Don't touch me."

He drops his arm to his side, narrowing his eyes at me. "You used to love it when I touched you. You used to beg for it."

My stomach turns at those memories. I wish more than anything I could take them back.