Chapter 9
Ijolt awake, my heart hammering in my chest. The image of my father standing at my door is still vivid from the nightmare. I take a few deep breaths to calm myself as I look around my quiet, empty dorm room. Just a bad dream, I tell myself. But the knot in my stomach remains. I turn around again and notice that the space where Dimitri slept is cold. That means he’s been gone for a while. Where did he go?
Dammit! I roll over to his now empty side of the bed and wince as my dream comes back to me.
I know I cant avoid my father and my fiancé forever. Lorenzo will be sure to tell my father all about the murders on campus, not to mention what happened yesterday with Dimitri. The thought makes my blood run cold. I have to take control of the situation before Lorenzo twists the narrative to paint me as some kind of harlot. But am I not? I let Dimitri touch me all over yesterday and I liked it a little too much.
Glancing at the clock, I decide I need to clear my head. I drag myself out of bed and head to the bathroom for a long, hot shower. As the water cascades over me, I try to wash away the lingering unease from the nightmare. But the dread continues swirling inside me.
After getting dressed, I grab my phone to call Martha. She picks up after the second ring.
Hey girl, whats up? she says brightly.
Hey... so Ive been thinking about some stuff and Ive decided I need to go home for a few days to talk to my dad, I tell her.
Martha immediately sounds concerned. Is everything okay? This isnt about what that sleaze Lorenzo tried to pull yesterday, is it?
No, no, its not that, I say quickly. Its just family stuff I need to deal with. Ill only be gone a couple days.
If youre sure... Martha says slowly. You know Im here if you need to talk more before you go.
I know. But I think this is something I need to handle myself.
Well, call me if you change your mind. Or if you just need someone to vent to while dealing with family drama, Martha says.
I smile slightly. Will do. Hopefully my father wont drive me too crazy.
Oh please, youve been dealing with crazy men since the day you were born, Martha scoffs.
I laugh at that. Martha always knows how to lift my spirits. We chat for a few more minutes about nothing important before saying goodbye. I feel better after talking to her, but my nerves are still on edge.
I go about packing a small bag for my impromptu trip home. As Im rifling through my dresser, I hear the door suddenly click open behind me. I spin around, heart lurching again, only to find Dimitri slipping into my room and closing the door behind him with a cup of coffee in his hand
“Where did you go?” I ask him as I continue to pack clothes in my bag. He doesnt answer, merely giving me an inscrutable look as he casually locks my door and tosses my key outside. What the… we are on the fucking third floor.
Dimitri! I yell. I dont have a spare key - how am I supposed to get out of here now?
Dont worry, he says calmly. Ivan will catch it.
Catch it? I repeat in bewilderment. What are you talking about? Unlock the door, I’m going home.