The Perfect Fit

I step out of the elevator and into the private parking garage full of the most expensive, high-end cars and motorcycles I’ve ever seen in my life. My heart races faster than the Ducati I pass, and I brush my fingers over its supple leather seat.

Sucking in a lungful of cool air, I head for the highlighter-yellow Lamborghini. I can’t help but smile as I trail my hand along the hood. This must be Xander’s.

The sound of the elevator going back up has my stomach rolling. My pulse thunders against my pressure points. How the hell do they know I’m down here already? Glancing around, I scout for a good place to hide, but the garage is a massive square. And to make it worse, the entire room is lit by bright fluorescent lighting. Could I have picked a worse place to run to?

With my blood thundering in my ears and my legs propelled by fear and adrenaline, I jog over to the line of cars farthest from the elevator and crouch behind the one at the very back. I lock my eyes on the shiny silver doors, my heart fluttering in my throat while I wait for them to open. The elevator only has three stops: the penthouse, the lobby, and here. A red L appears in the small window above the elevator, and I swallow a thick knot of fear and excitement.

He’s almost here.

I tell myself that it might just be Xander coming down here to hide with me, but my body trembles and fear becomes my dominant emotion.

The elevator pings.

My heart hammers uncontrollably.

The doors open.

Blood screams in my ears.

Zeke steps out with a wicked smile on his face.

I almost fall on my ass.

“I know you’re in here, buttercup,” he sing-songs, and it’s one of the most frightening sounds I’ve ever heard in my life. Do I want to play this game to its end?

Marshmallow. That’s all I need to say, and this will all be over.

So, why don’t I say it? Why do I stay right here with my lips pressed tightly shut and my hand over my mouth, waiting for Zeke to find me?