· N E R D ·

f i f t e e n

Evan winced when he moved his wrists. The duct tape was so tight that it was cutting off circulation to his hands. He tried to look around the room again, but it was pointless because he couldn't see. Where were his glasses?

Squirming around did him no good yet he couldn't stop. He was so frightened and nervous. The last thing he remembered was typing his manuscript and talking to—

Luke.

Doing his best to flip over, Evan now lay on his stomach. Some pain from his wrists was relieved, but not enough to be comfortable.

He closed his eyes and whimpered. Jonathan. Who would've guessed your own best friend would betray you? I can't believe this is happening. Jonathan...

Smooth yet heavy footsteps indicated that Evan was no longer alone.

"What a blissful sight," Luke sighed happily as he joined Evan on the bed. "The most beautiful person in the world all tied up right in front of me."

The younger began to shake slightly, but it was enough for Luke to notice.

"Aww," he cooed, "don't be scared, honey."

He picked the smaller male up and placed him in his lap so it looked like he was cradling a baby.

Evan squeezed his eyes shut and prayed to whatever god was out there that Jonathan would burst through the door and save him like a hero.

But he didn't.

"You know what tomorrow is, baby?" There was no answer, of course, since Evan had duct tape on his mouth, so he continued anyways. "Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Isn't that amazing? We get to spend the day of love together. I hope you like the things I have planned for us."

He grabbed Evan's face and brought it closer to his own. "Look at me, Evan."

The seriousness in his voice made the other male do as told. They locked eyes and Luke's face was nothing but absolutely bound and determined. It frightened Evan even more.

"If you even so much as try to run away from me, I'll kill you. Okay?"

Evan closed his eyes again and nodded, crying silently into the duct tape. That's when Luke began to rock him back and forth, again, like a baby.

• · • · •

"There's no fucking way. Luke? Luke Patterson?"

"I can't believe it either but yes."

"Well where's Jonathan?"

"He... Um... He's in his dorm with Craig. Crying. Still."

"I feel so bad for him. I feel bad for this entire situation."

"Have you guys called the police yet? Filed a 'missing persons' report?"

"No, we haven't contacted officials yet and even if we did, we can't report him as missing because he's not just 'missing,' he was kidnapped."

"Brock's right. But even if we report him as kidnapped, there's not much the police can do. Yeah, they can try to track down his car, but he probably ditched it somewhere to throw off any kind of lead. Plus we have no idea where he would take Evan."

"I think Jonathan should talk to two of my friends. You all don't know them, but they'll be able to help. They're private investigators."

"Who?"

"Max Gonzalez and Adam Montoya."

Mature themes in the next chapter.