Her Instinct: His Game

Chapter 22 - Point of No Return

I feel like this is my longest chapter yet, so please enjoy! 

This chapter was inspired by "Yes girl" by Bea Miller. It really fits Kerri's feelings at this point in the story. Feel free to give it a listen as you read! 

The next morning came way too fast. Yesterday seemed like a blur.

I got out of bed to dress for school as my memories came into focus. All I could think about was Mr. Leto and his smug smile in my kitchen as he continued to threaten me - and in my own home!

I felt a fire light under me as I rushed to my bag and pulled out the picture that quickly retrieved on my way from his house yesterday. I stared down at the picture studying it. The woman looked the same as she did yesterday, but there was something different. I felt something different. It was like she was trying to tell me something through the lifeless reflection that looked back at me.

I had to dig more. I took a look at my schedule for the school day, hoping, I can do more research in study hall.

Today was the first day back since the break.I checked my schedule to see what my first class was.

Ah, Forensic Science. Great.

I sunk down into the lush chair in my room and rested my head in my hands. How do I face her all that happened? She thinks I'm ignoring her... I didn't even want to go to school, to face Allegra, to do anything. I just felt like sinking back in bed just to try and stay away from my troubles just a bit.

My phone buzzed twice.

Two new text messages.

Of course, they were from Mr. Leto.

Morning. Have a good night sleep?

I rolled my eyes and threw my phone on the bed, pretending I didn't even see his stupid texts.

Buzz buzz

Unable to avoid the temptation, I grabbed my phone off my bed and read the next message.

Oh, so you're ignoring me?

I dropped my phone back on the bed. How's this possible? Cameras? My phone?

Two honks from a car broke my thought process as the possible source Mr. Leto was using dawned on it me. I slowly turned and tiptoed to my window, praying my thoughts were crazy. Ever so slightly, I pulled back my mauve paisley curtains to find his grey SUV out front. I shut the blind instantly. I was under arrest in my room and Mr. Leto was the cop. This man just can't leave me alone.

The doorbell chimed.

Of course.

I could honestly smell pine from his cologne the moment he entered the house as it reeked around him and up the stairs. Even if he didn't text me, I'd know he was here. His own cologne was just that unforgettable.

I poked my head out of the hallway, trying to get some of her conversation with Mr. Leto. "Well, that's so thoughtful of you, Jared. Of course! Kerri!" she yelled up the steps.

I played along as I made my way down the steps, completely ignoring Mr. Leto's towering frame in the doorway. "Yeah, Mom?" I asked.

"Mr. Leto's going to give you a ride to school today," she said as he slid my lunchbox across the counter. "Your breakfast is inside your lunchbox so you're all set to go!"