Midnight Toxicity

24

Not wanting to encounter anyone else, I swept up my things, hightailing it out of the bathroom. I quickly rushed through the short corridor, causing Chace to jump up from his seat in front of the TV.

"What happened?" he demanded, following me into our bedroom across the hall.

"What do you mean?" I played dumb, placing my clean clothes aside for tomorrow.

I would need to wake up extra early to bathe, but tonight I was exhausted and irritable. Longing for a quiet moment to reflect on what I had learned since waking up in the hotel back home, I exhaled a tired breath. Sometimes my choices led me down a long, windy path, but there were usually a few breaks along the way.

"Starting with the obvious," He drawled, tossing his laptop on his neatly made bed. "You didn't shower, and I don't remember your shirt hanging on by a thread last I saw you. Are you scared of someone?"

"As if," I went full valley girl, even flipping my ponytail. "Nothing scares me, especially not some short, rapey douche who can't block a punch."

He took off his glasses to rub the bridge of his nose. "That fucker. You met Glen?"

"Define met" I deadpanned, yanking the comforter down the mattress. "I don't want to talk about it, so either get ready for bed or return to the dull drawing room."

Chace shook his head in frustration at my dismissal. "Okay, whatever."

I side-eyed him as he unbuttoned his shirt, tossing it aside before stomping out of the bedroom. Damn, the boy had a body I could climb like a ladder. When he didn't immediately return, I snuck over to his dresser and stole one of his shirts to wear. I slept in the nude, figuring he would be uncomfortable with my tits on display.

When he returned, he paused on the threshold for a second after realizing the black shirt I wore belonged to him. He ignored me after that, walking over to his side to undress. I realized I was staring, quickly ducking under the covers.

I inhaled the fresh scent on the pillows along with Chace's unique spice lingering on the fabric, and soon my body relaxed. He shut off the lights, and darkness descended. And silence. It was so quiet my ear started ringing. I was used to cars and people shouting at all hours on my street.

"Chace?" I whispered after a half-hour passed, wondering if he was the type to fall asleep quickly.

I heard a rustle of sheets before he rasped, "Yeah?"

"Did you volunteer to be here? You don't need to tell me your story, just... do you like it here?"

"Workouts begin at six, so I suggest you get some sleep," he grunted, "and you're welcome to wear my t-shirts, but stay out of my other belongings. I noticed you didn't arrive with much."

"Are you always this charming?" I teased, thankful for the dark so he couldn't witness my blush. "Marie said I can order stuff, but they provide clothes, too."

"True," he mumbled, "Mr. Golding will want you to look a certain way."

My pulse spiked at the creepy information. "Really? Like how?"

"I don't fucking know." He sounded tired, and I felt bad for interrupting his rest. "You'll see. Sorry I was such a hardass when you arrived. I have put up with everyone's shit all week and didn't think you'd be so young."

"You aren't that much older," I grumbled with a smile. "Besides, he can dress me up if he wants. It doesn't make me lesser than him or anybody else here."

He remained silent for several minutes, and I suspected he fell asleep before he suddenly demanded, "If anyone corners you again, come to me."

I frowned at his protective tone. "I'm capable of taking care of myself. Have done so for a very long time."

"I'm not saying you're weak, but we're in this together, Charlize. Partners."

"Partners," I slowly repeated, turning to see that he faced the wall. "Yeah, okay, but vice versa. Come to me if you hear people spitting out my name."

"Deal," he chuckled. "Now go to sleep."

I zipped my lips, staring at the beautiful designs on the ceiling until my eyes drooped. Being here without the support of my friends made me extra vulnerable. I missed Jack... and his asshole brother.

Glen's assault nailed the point home that I'm now living with people with no morals and need to be more vigilant. It wasn't long before my exhausted mind gave up the fight and stopped worrying about all the things I couldn't control.

I had a terrible nightmare that night.

A young girl with inky black hair pulled my hand. She was leading me down an unfamiliar hallway. I could scarcely see anything in the dark and cavernous passageway.

"Hurry," she whispered beside me, urgency in her sweet tone. "We are not allowed outside these walls."

When I turned my head to get a better look at her, there was nobody there. When I glanced down, I could see her fingers woven tightly between my own. I could feel her touch, but when I once again tried to take in her shape, there was only a blank space.

"Where are we going?"

"Back to where we belong."

"Which is where?"

"Master has needs, and you must see to them. To all of them."

I shook my head. "Nu-uh, Sister, I don't do that anymore."

"His reprimands have begun a river of blood that no number of apologies can stem. Within these walls, we all obey or suffer. Maybe you enjoy the bite of pain?"

"Only when I'm able to return it."

The invisible girl lifted our joined limbs, and I became she, and she became me.

"Stop it!" Our flesh melted together, blackness engulfing my sight. "I won't stay. I can't live like that!"

"Escape is impossible with that attitude."

"Charlize?" A rough hand pulled me from my nightmare. "Get up, Charlize."

I blinked awake, tears glistening in my eyes.

Chace frowned at me with concern written on his face. I wiped my cheeks with both palms, sitting up in bed. The faint light coming from the window threw shadows across the room, telling me the sun had just risen.

"What's going on?" I rasped in confusion.

He smirked, tucking his white locks behind his ears. "It is time to demonstrate your stamina."

"Sounds dirty."

"It can be. Most days, you'll wish you were in a penthouse sipping wine instead of sewing a leg wound with no light while a sadistic killer tries to kill you. Let me know if your sneakers fit."

I groaned, flopping back on the bed. Not only did this weird house give me nightmares, but now they were planning to torture me by running. Chace dropped a pile of clothing at the end of the mattress with a grin, leaving me to dress in private.

"Five minutes," he warned. "Meet me outside."

"Got it," I muttered, tossing the blankets aside.

I once ran four city blocks in five-inch heels. I can handle a marathon with that hottie at my side.

Not that I had any choice in the matter.