Chapter 64
Chloe
I could not find the words to describe how I felt discovering Amanda was the third person involved in my kidnapping. Why? Why would she crave to cause me such agony? I couldn’t contemplate a single cause behind her actions except when she asked me to join her. However, I was with Axle. Despite this, is that reason enough to have me kidnapped by a psychopath and almost raped?
On the flip side, given the identities exposed, I’ve concluded she was the one who prevented Enzo from attacking me that day. Why did she stop him if she wanted me kidnapped?
A multitude of questions ricocheted in my mind with no reprieve. Given the newfound information, I feel even more lost and confused by everything that has transpired over the last six months.
Apparently, Selena called Amanda while she was in jail, and that’s how she got tipped off to flee. Selena, in all her dumbfuckery, told Amanda she was going to turn her in. I shake my head at her stupidity.
Or did she do it to give her a heads-up and run? I’ve gone over everything in my mind a thousand times. I don’t understand it. I cannot fathom her reason for such heinous actions.
For now, Detective Rodriguez has an APB (All Points Bulletin) on Amanda and a reward for any information that leads to her capture. They are also wasting their time looking for Enzo.
They’ll never find him. Part of me wants to tell them not to waste their resources. However, in doing so, I’m aware I may implicate myself and Dominic. I would never do that to him. He assisted me in the most dreadful experience of my life, and for that, I am indebted to him regardless of the ball and what transpired afterward. I would never betray him.
I’m yanked from my thoughts when Axle’s arms snake around my waist, placing a kiss on my temple.
“What’s on your mind, Luscious?”
“Nothing. I’m Just running over packing to ensure everything has been kept in order.”
“I told you I can have movers here and do all of this for you so we can head over to our place and relax while they do all the hard work.”
Lips pulling from ear to ear. “And I told you no.” I chuckle at his facial expression of a scrunched-up nose and sliced eyes.
My bedroom and most of the bathroom have already been completed. I return to the kitchen to pack the dishes, pots and pans. Shelly is in the kitchen packing the glassware.
“Oh, Chlo, I have to take this massive wine glass, pleeeeeeease.”
Giggling at her ridiculousness, I wave her off. “Take it.”
“Thanks, Chlo, you’re the best!”
“Okay, that’s the last of the bathroom.” Jade places the box in the living room alongside all the other brown squares.
“Thanks, Jade. I don’t think there’s much left. Axle is in the bedroom taking apart the bed frame, and we have the kitchen and the living room left.”
“Perfect, I’ll help in the living room. I’ll pack up the pillows and other things I find around.”
“You are a lifesaver. Thank you, Jade. You’re the best!”
Shifting back to the kitchen, I notice Shelly on her phone, just staring. I walk over to her, placing my hand on her lower back. “Everything okay, Shell?”
She jolts from my touch, triggering my eyes to resemble an owl’s.
“Oh, crap Chlo. Sorry. I was reading some results, and I just...”
“Is everything okay?”
“I don’t know?”
“What do you mean you don’t know?”
She handed me her phone to view with my own eyes. Reading the screen, my heart falls to the floor.
“Shell.”
I know Chlo. I know. I’m so lost right now. I don’t know how to even feel about this.”
“It doesn’t matter. However, this turns out, I’ll be here by your side 1,000%.”
She nods her head, acknowledging my stance.
Axle strolls into the kitchen, coaxing Shelly to grab the phone, shutting the screen off, safeguarding it in her pocket.
“All done. What’s next?”
“Can you either pack the dishes with bubble wrap or help Jade with the living room.”
“Whatever you need me to do.”
’You know what, help Jade. Two in the living room two in the kitchen. This way, the packing will go by faster.”
Turning up the music, I scroll on my screen to order food since everyone is actively packing.
Ordering a brunch spread, I place my phone in my pocket, strolling over to Shelly, who is plastered to her phone again.
“Shell, you can stare at that all you want, it won’t change anything.”
“I know Chlo. I was reading a text from Eric. He’s asking me to come over. He said he needs to speak to me about something. I reminded him he was already supposed to be helping with the packing party.”
“What does he want to talk to you about?”
“I don’t know. Wait, he just replied.”
I watched as Shelly typed on her phone.
“Chlo, I’m going to meet him. He sounds strange. Almost like it’s not him.”
“Okay, we have everything under control here anyway. Just drag his ass here once you’re done sorting that out.”
Shelly nods her head, embracing me and strolling out the door.
“Wish me luck!” The door closes behind her.”
“Where’s she going?” Jade inquires.
“To get Eric and haul his ass here to help.”
“Good, he better help after everything he’s done.” Jade spits with venom.
“Jade, be nice. She needs us more than ever right now.”
“Why is that?”
“Just this is a big step for her. Moving into her mother’s house after she passed, that’s huge Jade.”
“Fine, I’ll be nicer.” She rolled her eyes as she commenced packing.
I smile at Jade’s response, returning to the kitchen and resuming packing.
After some time, a knock at the door halts my actions to answer the door.
“I’ll get it. I ordered food.”
“Yum. I’m starved!” Jade makes us aware.
Swinging the door open, I’m rendered frozen. I can’t move, I can’t believe my eyes, I can barely breathe.
“Chloe, who’s at the door?” Axle’s voice booms behind me. I can’t even muster words to respond to him.
A sudden wave of heat emanates from behind me. I assume it’s Axle, confirmed when his hand grapples my hips, trailing me toward his chest. Peering down to his hands, I take note of the fist that has developed on the right side. Peering back up at the person in front of me, I finally have gained the ability to speak.
“Dad?”
Shelly
Eric’s messages were so weird earlier. It’s like he was a different person. It made me worry. I know I shouldn’t even care, but you just can’t switch off what you feel for someone. I don’t want to be with him, that’s not going to happen, but now, after everything, I think friendship is the best course of action.
Arriving at what used to be our place, a wave of trepidation tremors through me. This used to be our home. This may be a bad idea.
Fuck. I’ll just see what he wants and go.
Knocking on the door, it creaks open. Pushing it further, I wail out.
“Eric! You left the door open!”
Silence. An eerie feeling wafts in the air.
“Eric!” Where are you?”
Nothing.
Fear runs through my veins. What if he did something to himself?
Shutting the door, I fly down the hall into the bathroom, empty. I head to the bedroom, halting at the door in shock.
“ERIC!”
A sudden stabbing pain in my neck shocks me. Moments later, everything gets hazy and then nothing.
~~~
What do you think Shelly was talking about with Chloe about what she read on the phone?
Chloe’s father shows up after all this time. What do you think he wants?
What the hell did Shelly walk into?
Thoughts? Theories?
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