chapter 25 : here to collect

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Esmeralda's POV

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Esmeralda's POV

I couldn't believe what had just happened. My heart raced as I stormed out of the security office, my anger bubbling just beneath the surface. Trevor and Caleb had both crossed a line, and I was sick of being treated like I was too delicate to make my own decisions.

I pushed through the heavy doors of the building and stepped into the crisp afternoon air, my mind still reeling. I glanced around the campus, the sun casting a warm glow over everything, but it felt as if a storm was brewing inside me. I couldn't deal with Trevor right now, nor did I want to be anywhere near Caleb after what had just happened. I needed to be alone, to think.

As I walked away from the chaos, I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I didn't care about the fight or the consequences. I just wanted to go home. I turned down a side street that led to the parking lot, planning to grab my car and head back to the house, hoping to find some peace and quiet.

But then, everything changed in an instant.

Before I could fully register what was happening, a hand clamped down on my mouth from behind, and a strong arm wrapped around my waist. Panic surged through me as I struggled against the grip, but I was pulled backward into an alleyway, the world around me fading into a blur of confusion and fear.

"Shh, shh," a low voice hissed in my ear, sending chills down my spine. "No need to scream, sweetheart. Just cooperate, and you won't get hurt."

I squirmed and kicked, trying to break free, but he was too strong. The alley was dark, a stark contrast to the brightness of the campus, and the smell of stale smoke and garbage filled my nostrils. I could barely see his face, just the outline of a man, tall and imposing, with a sinister grin that made my stomach churn.

"What do you want?" I gasped, the words barely escaping my lips through his hand. My heart pounded as I struggled to regain control, but the fear took hold, threatening to paralyze me.

"Oh, I think you know what I want, Esme," he said, his voice dripping with a sickening mockery. "You're Trevor's little sister, aren't you? Such a shame he didn't keep a closer eye on you. But don't worry, I'll take good care of you."

I couldn't process his words, my mind racing. Who was this guy? What did he want with me? I needed to get away from him. I twisted my body, desperate to break free.

"Let me go!" I shouted, but it came out muffled and weak against his hand.

He chuckled darkly, a sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Oh, I don't think so, princess. You see, your brother has made some enemies, and I'm here to collect. But don't worry, I won't hurt you... yet."

He finally released his grip just enough for me to take a breath, but I wasn't about to let him get the upper hand. I glared up at him, trying to muster any ounce of bravery I could. "What do you want?"

"What I want is simple," he said, leaning in closer, his breath hot against my face. "I want to teach Trevor a lesson. And you, my dear, are going to help me do that."

Before I could respond, he yanked me further into the shadows of the alley, my heart pounding with terror. I fought against him, but he only tightened his grip, dragging me deeper into the darkness. The world outside faded away, leaving only the sound of my frantic breathing and the sickening laughter that echoed around us.

"Let me go!" I screamed again, panic rising as I realized the gravity of the situation.

"Just a little ride, sweetheart," he said, his voice low and threatening. "We'll have some fun, I promise. Trevor will come looking for you, and when he does, I'll be waiting."

I couldn't comprehend his twisted logic. My brother's rival? Why was this happening? My mind raced with thoughts of Trevor and Caleb, their argument still fresh in my memory. I had to get out of this. I had to survive.

"Please, just let me go!" I begged, desperation creeping into my voice. But he only tightened his hold on me, dragging me further into the abyss.

"Not a chance, princess. You're going to find out just how deep the rabbit hole goes. And trust me, it's going to be a wild ride."

As the darkness closed in around me, I felt the suffocating grip of fear tighten. I had to find a way out of this. I couldn't let him win. I needed to stay strong for myself, for Trevor, and for Caleb—whether I wanted to admit it or not.

𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒑𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓'𝒔 𝑺𝒊𝒏 18+ | Standalone | The Kensington SeriesWhere stories live. Discover now