Page 48 of Ready Or Not

“Now now. You can’t possibly think I’ll just let you roam while I sleep.”

I jump off the bed, still clutching my towel. “I don’t want those on.”

“Sorry, bambi. I don’t trust you not to run.”

“I won’t,” I plead. “Please.”

Riley gets off the bed, a gleam in her eye. “One swing to make you feel better.”

“What?” Confusion fills me.

“I’m giving you a pass.”

“For what?” I back away as she gets closer.

“To fight me.”

“What?” My mouth drops open. “I’m not going to fight you.” I back up to the bathroom.

Riley cocks her head. “Wouldn’t it make you feel better? Least you fought back instead of taking it like a little bitch.”

Rage rushes through me. Who the hell does she think she is? I make it to the bathroom and try to slam the door on her. Riley just jumps in with me. My heart races and the backs of my knees hit the toilet.

Riley gives me a pitying look. “It’s okay. Just roll over and take it. I’ll be gentle.”

A flash of blinding rage washes over me, and I don’t think; I just act. I swing my fist at her face, picturing it going all the way through her skull into the back wall. Instead, it makes contact right below her right eye, and she staggers back.

Shock radiates through my fist, and I suck in a breath.

Riley staggers back. For a moment, she’s silent, and pure fear washes through me. She’s going to fucking kill me.

Then, Riley starts laughing. She holds a hand up to her face and checks the mirror. “One hell of a swing there, girl!” She laughs again. “But for the love of god, keep your thumb outside of your fist; you’ll break it.”

I stare at her in horror. Why is she laughing?

“That’ll do.” She stops looking at herself in the mirror. “Come on. Let’s go to bed.”

22

Bring Me To Life - Evanescence

We sleep with Rachel cuffed to my wrist. I hated sleeping on the bed, but the high from killing that dweeb and burning his house down made me crash. I slept harder than I have in a long time. Even the fact I had a hot, blue-haired number lying practically in my arms couldn’t rouse me.

It turns out that killing is good for the sleep cycle. I should do it more.

In the morning, I check Rachel’s leg again. It doesn’t look irritated or infected. Then I cuff her to the foot of the bed so I can leave. Thank god this is an old hotel, and the bed still has bedposts while being bolted to the floor. Rachel fights me, but I can’t take her where I’m going.

“I’m going to have to gag you.” I give Rachel a look. She’ll definitely scream her pretty little head off while I’m gone. And oddly enough, I don’t want to lose her. Despite the fact she pissed me off last night, I’m growing fond of the little horrified looks she gives me. It’s like having my own personal cheerleader.

I do throw blankets on the floor so she’s more comfortable. I use her leggings to gag her, which means she’s pantless, and then once I’m sure she’s secure, I leave her. My first stop is the sheriff’s department. I hate even going in there, but it can’t be avoided for what I want to do.

When I’m done, I go to Walmart to get a cheap burner phone and a few other things, like new clothes.

Manson wants me to prove myself? Fine. Let’s play.

23

Therapy - VOILA