Chapter 11

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Elle

Nothing...

Where did the masked figure go? I was sure I'd seen him. My eyes didn't deceive me, and I wasn't crazy.

My trembling fingers brushed against Cali's fur, and in that moment, I noticed he'd stopped barking. A tear slid silently down my cheek as I licked my dry lips. The strange texts I'd been getting all week had to be connected to this mysterious figure. Someone was clearly enjoying frightening me, but I wasn't going to be another pawn in his twisted game. I needed to change my number, and fast.

I walked to the kitchen, desperate to swallow the nauseous feeling crawling up my throat. The mask the person wore, dark and foreboding, had something like "Kiss me" written on the forehead.

It was all too strange. Everything had started the moment I stepped foot in Haverhill, right after my parents were murdered. The masked number had warned me not to tell the cops, my grandma, or Lila. So I had no choice but to figure out who this person was on my own, without involving the people I cared about.

The only person capable of all this was the killer, right? But the question gnawed at me: why hadn't he made his move yet? I was alone most of the time, my grandma was always traveling. Maybe he was waiting for the right moment?

I forced a nervous laugh as I downed a few sips of milk, trying to shake off the anxiety. I powered off my phone and headed back to my room, but the storm outside only amplified my paranoia.

___

"Morning, sweetheart! Did you sleep well?" Isabella's cheery voice greeted me as I stumbled into the kitchen, eyes barely open. I mumbled a quick "hi" and "yeah," shoveling a forkful of pancakes into my mouth.

"Grandma... did you hear anything unusual last night? Or... see anything?" I asked, trying to keep my voice casual as I stared at my cappuccino.

"Besides the storm? No, why? Did you see something strange?" She raised an eyebrow, offering Cali a pancake, his pleading eyes impossible to ignore. I wanted to tell her everything, but I couldn't risk scaring her or putting her in danger.

"No, nothing. I just... wanted to ask." I forced a smile, even though the weight of it felt like a lie in my chest.

"Oh, well, I have to go into town. Be back soon!" I kissed her forehead and rushed upstairs to change.

"Do you want me to come with you?" she called after me, but I was already halfway out the door. She'd definitely wonder why I was changing my number, and I knew she wouldn't stop asking until I told her everything.

"No, it's fine! Lila's coming with me. She needs to buy a gift for her mom's birthday," I lied easily, the words slipping out without hesitation.

I threw on a big sweatshirt and leggings, clutching my phone tightly as I headed out the door. I drove around for what felt like forever, searching for a parking spot at the supermarket. I would've stayed home all weekend if I hadn't felt the desperate need to buy a new phone card. Lila was in Los Angeles with her family, and I wouldn't see her until Monday.

As I passed a weapons shop, a strange thought flickered in my mind. Maybe I should... No. Weapons were dangerous, and my grandma would never approve. I'd be fine. I had my fists to protect me. I chuckled bitterly at the thought.

After grabbing the new phone card, I headed for the exit, but then - bam- I collided with a solid wall of muscle. Strong arms wrapped around me before I could fall.

Madden Knight.

"Shit, sorry about that... Oh, hey Elle!" Madden's voice was warm as he stepped back, a sheepish grin on his face. My cheeks flushed.

"Hey! I-I'm fine, don't worry about it," I stammered as he took a step back, his hands still on my waist.

He looked me over like he was trying to see inside me, his gaze intense. "I was gonna talk to you during lunch, but you were with that brunette. Didn't want to interrupt."

"You could've! I wouldn't have bitten you," I joked, trying to mask my nerves.

He chuckled softly, muttering something I couldn't quite catch. After a few seconds, he rolled up his sleeves, and my eyes couldn't help but follow the tattoos that covered his arms. I swallowed hard.

"Do you want to grab a bite? It's almost 12:30," he suggested, after glancing down at his expensive Rolex.

"Already?! Oh my god. I'm so sorry, my grandma's waiting for me!" I apologized, a sudden rush of guilt hitting me. "Maybe next time?"

"Of course! And hey, I'm really sorry about your parents. I know it's tough, but if you ever need anything, anything at all, I'm here." His voice softened as he gave me a sincere look.

"Thanks, Madden. I—I can't believe it happened either." The words caught in my throat, and a quiet sob escaped before I could stop it. I quickly wiped my eyes, but it was too late. Madden stepped forward, pulling me into a hug.

"Shhh... It's okay, Elle. Look at me." His low voice was steady, comforting.

I let myself relax into him, feeling a strange sense of safety in his arms, despite knowing how little I truly knew him. I pressed my head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

"I'll always protect you," he murmured, kissing the top of my head.

I looked up, surprised by his intensity. My cheeks flushed with warmth, but I didn't pull away.

"Do you have your phone? I want to give you my number, in case you need anything," he said, flashing me a bright smile. I didn't hesitate. I pulled out my phone and handed it to him.

He tapped in his number quickly, then returned it to me. "Don't hesitate to call, Elle. I'm serious. I'll always be there for you. That's what friends do, they protect each other."

His words were sweet, and his smile made my heart skip a beat. I couldn't deny how good-looking he was. He seemed too pure for the cruel world we lived in.

"Thanks, Madden. You're amazing." I kissed his cheek quickly before pulling away. We exchanged goodbyes, and I left, still feeling the warmth of his touch lingering on my skin.

___

Monday arrived faster than expected, and I dragged myself downstairs for breakfast. I felt a bit better since changing my number. No texts, no calls since Saturday. Madden and I had texted over the weekend, and he was so sweet. I really wished his brother was more like him.

Lila was late, but I decided to wait outside for some fresh air before another grueling day at school. As I scrolled through Instagram, a notification popped up. I clicked on it, and immediately, my breath caught in my throat as my eyes locked on the message.

" I dreamt about you. Me. You tied on my bed looking at me while I stroke your pussy. I can't wait to taste you and fuck your pussy. You're mine, Elle. Don't forget that. I will probably pay you a visit very soon and I expect you with your legs open. And wet."

___

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