Slut - Woodruff Jettie - Страница 21

My hand went in first, flipping the switch for light. Light that never came. All I could do was laugh. The bastard turned off the power. The ridiculous giggle was for how stupid he was. I didn’t think for one second that he’d leave it off. The camera didn’t work without electricity. The laughter continued when I answered his call without a hello.

“What the fuck are you doing? Don’t turn that phone off again, do you understand me, Gabriella?”

“Yeah, sure, Paxton,” I said in a nonchalant tone, heading straight to the little bathroom behind the rice paper room divider. Sure enough, it was there. A bright red stain in my new panties. I leaned over, trying to use the light to dig for something to use. Nothing. Not one freaking tampon, not one pad, and only a half roll of toilet paper. The one on the holder.

“Where did you go?”

“You want the truth or do you want to continue with the lies?”

“I don’t like this side of you, Gabriella. You need to stop.”

“Yeah, well, I’m not really Gabriella, so—” I said while dragging out the word.

“Where the fuck were you?”

“I went to see Candace.”

“Why?”

“Because I want to know what the fuck is going on. You won’t tell me anything, so I’m going to find out myself. Did you know Lane and Candace were leaving? Lane already gave his notice.”

“I don’t care where they go. What did she tell you?”

“Turn the power back on and you’ll find out.”

“How? What do you mean?”

“She gave me the envelope from her private investigator. You know, the same one you hired to find out where I went the day I wrecked? Bet you wish you could do that day over, huh?”

“And what, Gabriella? Seeing those photos is going to make you feel better? Knowing you fucked your friend’s husband is the answer you’re looking for?”

“No, not even close. That’s just one piece of a thousand piece puzzle. One that I am managing to put together on my own,” I explained while I walked to the kitchen to find the paper towel rack empty, too. Damn. “I need to come up there and get a few things.”

“Okay, come on up, but you’re not leaving.”

“Forget it, I’ll call someone else,” I countered. I didn’t give him a chance to rebuttal. Mi was on the other line, beeping in my ear. She could get me tampons.

“Are you still there? You’re worrying me sick,” Mi admitted when I clicked over.

“No, but I just started my period and I don’t have anything. Can you bring me something?”

“Sorry, we only have one car. Nick just left for his chess club. What did you find out?”

I rolled my eyes at Paxton’s name blinking across my phone. “Nothing yet. She gave me an envelope, basically telling me that’s all she’s got, and to never bother her again.”

“What’s in it?”

“I don’t know yet. Paxton shut the power off on me. I can’t see shit.”

“Asshole.”

“Right? Let me look around for a candle or a flashlight. I’ll call you in a little while.”

“Ugh, okay fine. I got the number for a Miss Chadwick. She’s Vander’s social worker.”

“Oh, perfect. You’re awesome. I love you,” I boasted. Why, I wasn’t sure. It wasn’t like I could call her and explain this crazy mess. Hello, this is Gabriella, but I’m really Izzy. I’ll be coming after Van now. That wouldn’t work.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Call me later, but do it before ten.”

“Okay, see ya,” I said while switching over to Paxton’s call—again. I knew what Mi meant. Nick would be home at ten and she didn’t want him to know she was still meddling.

“What? I’m trying to find a tampon.”

“I’m sure you have some up here. Come home, Gabriella. The girls are expecting you to be here when they wake up. Have you even eaten today? I have a plate ready for you. Your favorite.”

I laughed with that one. “You’re a funny man. Like you even know what my favorite is.”

“Shrimp scampi, minus the shrimp. Just the sauce over those little bow ties you like. Broccoli on top, sprinkled with real parmesan and garlic with butter and Italian dressing drizzled lightly over it all.”

All of my motions stopped, shocked into a frozen state. I could have sworn I heard my stomach growl. To say I was impressed was an understatement. I did make that a lot. The girls loved it, and Paxton complained every time, eating more than his fair share.

“You can’t bully me into coming home, Paxton.”

“Yes I can, Gabriella.”

“You had me arrested. You didn’t even try to talk to me. You had me arrested.”

“Come up here. I’ll meet you out by the pool with a plate of food and a drink.”

“I can’t. I’m not that strong. I’m afraid I won’t leave.”

“I know. Come up here.”

“Fuck!” I audibly said to the blinking phone, assuring me that he wasn’t there. He hung up. I was screwed, and now hungry. “Fuck, fuck, fuck,” I said again. Fucker.

I used toilet paper for a makeshift pad, not about to go to him. No way. I knew how much control I had around Paxton Pierce. Zero. Zip. None. I wasn’t about to do that. No way.

I looked everywhere for anything that could portray light. Nothing. Not one damn candle, and the flashlight I found had corroded batteries. Deader than dead. I waited in the dark for as long as I could, using up the last bit of toilet paper. Walking around the room like a blind person, I felt my way around, remembering the little closet by the bed. Maybe I stored a candle or a freaking tampon in there. My fingers felt the wood and then the metal doorknob. The thought of something creepy and crawly crossed my mind as I touched a few clothes, an empty shoe box, and a loose board. I jerked my hand back when I felt the splinter, afraid for a second that I had gotten bit by a spider.

I screamed and slammed the little door when the lights magically came on, scaring the shit out of me. The whole cabinet shook, rocking back and forth until it steadied. I was going to prison for life. First-degree murder.

“You’re impossible. I hate you,” I said to the camera. The camera that wasn’t visible from the little cupboard. That got my attention as I recalled the second thump after I had slammed the door. Looking up again, just to make sure I wasn’t being watched, I cracked the door and looked inside, seeing the piece of wood on the floor and the same envelope as the one on my counter tucked away in the top of the closet.

I didn’t want to deal with Paxton. I wanted to see what the big secret was from Candace, and now this. I stared at the new information hidden above my head, debating my next move. I needed a tampon. That was my next move.

“I’m coming, but not because you told me to. I’m coming because I have blood running out of my vagina, and that’s it,” I assured the camera as I stepped around the wall, knowing he watched my every move.

Again, I stomped angrily away from the counter, leaving my evidence for later. Or so I thought. I’d just closed the door when he called again.

“Bring the envelope.”

“No way. You’ll take it and not let me see it. I’m not bringing it.”

“For Christ’s sake, Gabriella. Get the damn envelope, or I’m coming after it.”

“I’m seeing what’s inside,” I demanded while I once again submitted, consciously and unconsciously to his ways. It was the only way I knew. Once I had retrieved the folder, snatching it from the counter with rage, I sent a glower to the camera, and slammed the door. Dumb me even locked the damn thing, knowing I wouldn’t be back. Paxton would never let me leave again. Ever.

I gave myself a pep talk the entire way up to the house, until I saw him that is.

The moon high above, casting beauty to the magnificent ocean had nothing on the beauty it cast in front of me. A soft glow fell over a dark silhouette. His hands were above his head, holding onto the top of the screen door. No shirt, jeans and bare feet were revealed as I neared him. Him and his stupid smirk. My internal pep talk to stay strong, not to take his shit, and hold my ground was forgotten. Chastising my absurd self-took its place.