Page 114 of Sinful Desires
Once I was sure that I had everything, I slipped my bag over one shoulder, turned the light off, and retreated into the hall.
When I made it back outside, I took long strides back to the main building where Gia had instructed I go for the laundry room. She warned me about it being creepy as fuck, especially at night, but if I didn’t do it now, it probably wouldn’t happen at all. When I made it inside, my shoes thudded against the expensive tiled floors, the sound echoing around the building.
Within a few feet, I was facing three elevators. Choosing the one in the middle, I stepped inside and pressed the button to the third floor. The ride to the top was smooth. At this point, I was so used to elevators, my stomach didn’t even flip as it did when I first started going here.
When the door slid open, darkness greeted me, making me squint. Glancing back and forth through the nothingness, anxiety rippled through me for the third time today. How the hell was I supposed to find anything in here? Hesitantly, I stepped out onto the carpet.
Come on, Aspen. After everything, you’re seriously scared of the dark?
I wasn’t scared of the dark. I just didn’t know how I was supposed to find the laundry room up here.
Keep telling yourself that.
I rolled my eyes. Now I was talking to the monster lurking within my subconscious. Shoving any and all thoughts away, I started down what appeared to be a hallway of sorts. It was nearly impossible to see room numbers or writing from where I walked, so I actually had to look inside the rooms.
After about five, relief bled through me when I finally found the right place. Flicking on the light next to the door, I moved toward a washing machine and shrugged my bag off my shoulders, setting it on the washer beside it. I retrieved all my clothing and deposited it into the machine before adding in some detergent that I located on a shelf nearby. Closing the lid, I drifted over to the bench with my bag in tow and sat down as I waited.
There was no way I would leave my clothing unattended. I’d made that mistake a few times growing up.
Since I had time to kill, I allowed my mind to wander—not that I had much choice in the matter. For some reason, Mr. Monroe’s face tumbled to the forefront of my brain. He’d been so…weird today. Couldn’t even look at me. Maybe he felt guilty about what we did. Hopefully he still planned on tutoring me.
Maybe hooking up with the guy who happened to be in control of my future wasn’t the smartest idea.
A yawn tumbled from my throat as I settled back into the uncomfortable seat. I was always making stupid dec—
A blood curdling scream sliced through my thoughts like a knife, making my entire posture go rigid. My throat tightened as I glanced toward the open door, seeing nothing but darkness through it.
What the fuck was that?
There was absolutely no way I imagined this, but nothing but silence followed, making me think that I might have. I’ve been under a lot of stress, and sleep hasn’t come easily over the last few weeks. It sounded so close, though.
Maybe this place really was haunted. Paranoia set in, goosebumps prickling against my skin at the prospect. My gaze moved around the room frantically, like something might just jump out at me.
When another scream penetrated the air, I didn’t hesitate before jumping to my feet, leaving my bag on the floor and rushing through the door and into the darkness. My heart pounded frantically against my ribs as I ran. It was easy to judge that stupid girl in a thriller when you weren’t the one in that situation. It was like all rationality flew out the window and the only important thing was survival and making sure others were safe around you. Fear consumed me, but so did curiosity.
That scream was so sharp and loud. An unsteady breath clogged my throat as I slowed my pace, afraid of what I might find.
Looking around, confusion contorted my features. I knew the sound came from over here somewhere. I just didn’t know where exactly. What the fuck was I about to find? Maybe leaving would be the smartest move, but then guilt would eat away at me for months after.
Right on cue, another scream penetrated the air, making me wince. It was much closer now. This one was different though. Instead of being sharp like the other two, it was muffled. Almost like a gurgling sound.
My gaze slid to the door nearest to me. With shaky hands, I opened it and stepped inside, carefully closing it behind me. The last thing I needed was for them to hear me enter. Furrowing my eyebrows, I craned my neck to look up at the flight of stairs that seemed to lead to a secret room of some sort.
Maybe this place really was haunted. Why would anyone come here, and how would anyone even know about it? Unless you were faculty obviously. Clamping my eyes shut, I balled my hands into fists. I couldn’t talk myself out of this.
With my mind being made up, I released a shaky breath before cracking my eyes open again and took my first step forward. The staircase wasn’t very long, and when I reached the top, I made sure to look both ways. Confident that there wasn’t any immediate danger, I stepped into the crowded room. Antiques littered the area, making it impossible to see around. It was like a fucking maze.
With caution, I passed a large mirror, my reflection staring back at me, forcing me to move my legs a little faster. The gurgling noise I’d heard moments ago grew louder, forcing my heart into overdrive.
Something wrapped around my arm, and a surprised yelp tumbled from my lips as I immediately attempted to jerk away. My efforts were useless even with the adrenaline pumping through me. Turning my head, I could feel my face visibly pale as my gaze bored into the Michael Meyer’s mask.
Foster.
He pulled me along with him, my feet tripping over the carper as he did so.
“Look what I found,” he called out, pushing me forward.
I caught myself at the last minute and regained my footing. My heart beat erratically inside my chest as I lifted my head. All the guys stood side by side wearing their masks, red stuff—resembling paint—coating their skin.