23. Chapter 23
Chapter 23
STARLET
I called a taxi to take me to the doctor’s office but barely halfway, a sudden decision took hold of me, and now, I stand at the front door of my house. I haven’t been here since I escaped, but I think this is the first place I should’ve come to. For what ? I don’t know. Maybe closure.
I slowly open the front door, the creaking hinges echoing through the empty hallway. The musty smell of dust greets me, tinged with a hint of nostalgia. It’s clear that no one has been here in a while. The air feels thick and suffocating as if holding onto the memories that reside within these walls .
As I make my way through the silent house, the soft sound of my footsteps muffles any sound, adding to the eerie stillness.
My eyes scan the rooms, falling on everything that carries a sort of memory. The island in the kitchen, once the place that held the intimate moment me and Argent shared, now stands deserted and forgotten.
The broken frame in the hallway, a reminder of a time when things were shattered beyond repair. And there it is, the couch, worn and faded, bearing the weight of when I finally submitted to him.
But it is my bedroom that stops me in my tracks. Wooden fragments were still scattered over the floor, the door hanging precariously from the hinges. My heart, a wild rhythm in my chest, urges me forward.
I take a hesitant step into the room. Looking around the room, the memories flood back, tightening my chest and threatening to break the dam holding back tears. And then, I see them.
All of the notes Argent used to leave me, scattered over my bed like confetti of emotions. I frown, a mixture of sadness and amusement, as I lean down and gather them in my hands. Rereading every single one, each word carries a piece of our story.
A chuckle escapes my lips, a bittersweet sound, as I shake my head at one of the first notes he left me.
I hope you don't bring that pretty boy home – A
Hesitantly, I turn over the note, my fingers trembling as I feel the weight of it in my hands. A knot forms in my stomach as I stare at my own handwriting, the words mocking me.
He got what he wanted – S
A rush of memories floods my mind, the images vivid and painful. Tears well up in my eyes, blurring my vision as I struggle to read the note before angrily shoving it onto the bed.
I storm out of the room, my footsteps echoing through the empty hallway as I make my way to the kitchen.
Opening the cupboard, the dim light reveals the familiar shape of the bottle of bourbon. Frowning, I slowly wrap my hand around the cool glass.
I remember there being more than this when I last had some. Dismissing the thought, I unscrew the cap, the smell of the dark alcohol instantly filling the air .
I take a big gulp, the burning sensation traveling down my throat, causing me to scrunch up my nose in discomfort. But the pain is somehow comforting, so I take more and more gulps, trying to drown out the memories that haunt me.
About an hour passes, the silence broken only by the sound of my heavy breathing and the distant hum of the city outside. Suddenly, the sound of a car coming to a halt in front of the house reaches my ears. I’m sprawled out on the couch, my body heavy and unresponsive. The bourbon has consumed me, numbing my senses.
The door opens, and I am met with Argent stepping through, his presence both familiar and confusing. I struggle to focus, my vision blurred and hazy.
Eyeing him confused, I muster all the energy I have left to sit up, my limbs feeling like lead. “How t-the hell did y-you find me?” I stammer, my voice slurred and unsteady.
“The camera in your room,” he says softly, his voice barely audible above the pounding in my head. He takes calculated steps toward me, his movements careful and deliberate. “It sends a notification to my laptop whenever it picks up movement. ”
I let out a laugh, my voice filled with bitterness. “You’re drunk, Starlet,” he remarks, shaking his head as he takes a seat next to me on the couch. “How convenient,” I scoff as my head falls back onto the couch.
“What's that supposed to mean?” He asks, snapping his head towards me.
“If it notifies you, how was it possible that you weren’t here when Zavier came and took everything from me?” I seethe, my voice dripping with venom, as I lock my teary eyes on his. His face falls, his features contorting with guilt, as he stares back at me.
Silence hangs heavily between us, amplifying the tension in the room.
“Where were you, huh? Why didn’t you help me? Why weren’t you here?!” I shout, my words laced with pain. Tears stream down my face, my voice trembling with hurt. My desperate eyes implore him to respond, to offer any explanation, any justification.
But he remains silent, his silence a damning admission.
“I—” he starts, his voice trailing off, before abruptly shutting his mouth. His throat bobs as he swallows hard, the weight of his unspoken words palpable in the air. I wait, my heart pounding in my chest, for him to provide some semblance of an answer.
“Answer me!” I demand, my voice cracking under the weight of my emotions.
“I’m sorry!” he snaps, and I flinch at the sharpness of his tone. Sorry? Is that all he has to offer? Another bitter laugh escapes my lips, mingling with my sobs, as I shake my head in disbelief.
“Do you have any idea what he has done? No, you don’t!” I cry out, my voice filled with anguish. “You have no fucking idea what I had to go through. How many times I have prayed and begged for it all to end?” Despair washes over me, and I bury my face in my hands, the weight of my pain too heavy to bear.
“You’re right,” his voice breaks through my sobbing, his words a solemn confession. I slowly lift my head, my tear-streaked eyes searching his face for any signs of understanding.
“I can’t even fathom what you’ve been through. But I can tell you what I went through.” His voice is low, filled with raw vulnerability .
“I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t sleep,” he admits, his voice heavy with remorse. “I came to this very place every night, lying on your bed, desperately clinging to any remnant of you. I cried for the first time in years... for you.” His confession hangs in the air, his green eyes locked with mine.
I remain silent, my gaze unwavering, as the weight of our shared pain fills the room.
“I never stopped looking for you, little star,” he whispers softly, his gentle touch tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
A wave of guilt washes over me, realizing how unfairly I blamed him without considering his own pain. Zavier didn’t just ruin my life, but also the lives of the people I love.
And if he thinks he’s getting away with it—he’s out of fucking luck.
Squeezing my eyes shut, I take a deep breath, feeling the warmth of his hand as he intertwines his fingers with mine. “Let’s get out of here, baby,” he murmurs, his touch radiating through me.
It had to be a few hours that passed when I woke up. After my little breakdown, Argent drove us home, and I fell asleep in his arms.
Slowly, I swing my legs over the edge of the bed and make my way to the kitchen. As I enter, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and I spot Argent and Demitri standing at the counter, sipping their cups.
“Hey, sleeping beauty,” Demitri greets me with a genuine smile, and I offer a small wave before turning to Argent. “Feeling better, baby?” he asks, planting a gentle kiss on the top of my head. “Yeah, um, are you going somewhere later?” I ask.
“I’m about to leave, yeah... why?” he replies, raising an eyebrow and setting his cup down. “Would you mind dropping me off at the doctor’s office? I think it’s time I go back to my sessions,” I explain. His face lights up at my words, and he caresses my cheek with his hand. “Of course. ”
We arrive in front of the office, and just as I’m about to open the door, Argent stops me. “Do you want me to come in with you?” he asks, his eyes scanning my face.
“I’ll be fine. Besides, you have your own business to attend to, right?” I assure him, giving a light peck on the lips before opening the car door. But before I can shut it, he interjects again, “I’ll pick you up when—”
“No, it’s fine. I’ll take a taxi and meet you at home,” I cut him off, flashing a quick smile before closing the door and heading towards the entrance. I need to find a way to see the doctor.
I don’t have an appointment, but I won’t leave until I get to see him.
Stepping into the frigid and eerily silent waiting room, I cautiously tread toward the front desk, my footsteps barely making a sound on the polished marble floor. The air hangs heavy with a scent of antiseptic and faint traces of perfumed hand sanitizer.
The receptionist’s head jerks up, and a cold smile twists her lips when she catches sight of me. Thinking quickly on my feet, I summon a well of emotion, forcing tears to well up in my eyes. Her expression instantly crumbles as concern replaces her initial hostility.
“Is everything okay, sweetie?” she asks sincerely, rising from her plush chair. I sniffle, aggressively wiping my eyes, and manage to blurt out, “I need to see Doctor Storm, right now.” Her tone softens as she replies, “I’m sorry, dear, but if you don’t have an appointment, he won’t be able to see you today.”
I feel a surge of frustration and desperation, and all pretense shatters. “I don’t give a shit! I need to see him right now!” My voice echoes through the room, drawing the attention of everyone present.
The once tranquil waiting room now buzzes with whispered conversations and curious glances.
Minutes of heated argument pass before Doctor Storm emerges from a nearby hallway, his face etched with a frown.
“What is all the fuss about?” he demands, crossing his arms as his gaze fixates on me. The receptionist quickly interjects, “I’m so sorry, doctor, this woman is demanding to see you without an appointment.”
His expression softens, and he dismisses her concerns with a wave of his hand. “It’s fine. Miss Macklamor, please follow me to my office.” He turns and strides down the dimly lit hallway, his footsteps muffled by the plush carpet.
Taking a deep breath, I trail behind him, my heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.
Entering his office, he closes the door behind me, sealing us in a cocoon of privacy. The room is bathed in the warm glow of soft, muted lighting, casting long shadows on the mahogany furniture.
A faint scent of freshly brewed coffee lingers in the air. He chuckles softly, his voice a low rumble that reverberates through the room.
“That was quite a performance,” he remarks, amusement dancing in his eyes as he settles into his leather chair behind the imposing dark wood desk. His gaze remains fixed on me, unwavering. I wipe away the fake tears from my cheeks, stepping closer to him, my voice laced with determination.
“Yeah, well, I had to see you one way or another.”
“I know you're not here for an actual session—so what is it you want, Starlet?”
“I know that you know where Zavier is hiding,” I say, my words causing his face to fall. I can see the tension in his jaw as he leans forward, resting his elbows on the desk.
“And how exactly do you know that?” he asks, his voice laced with curiosity. The sound of his voice fills the room, echoing off the walls. I stand my ground, crossing my arms over my chest, my gaze fixed firmly on him.
“That’s not your concern. What I want to know is where he is—and you’re going to tell me,” I state firmly. He rises from his seat, the sound of the chair scraping against the floor.
He walks around the desk, his footsteps echoing with each step until he comes to a halt in front of me. A smirk plays on his lips as he stares down at me, his eyes filled with defiance.
“And if I don’t?” he challenges, his voice dripping with arrogance. I narrow my eyes, scoffing at his audacity.
“Then I’ll—”
“You’ll... what ?” he taunts, his voice dropping low as he steps closer, causing me to involuntarily retreat until my back hits the door. His blue eyes pierce into me as he scans my face .
“I’ll let Argent know you’re the one that’s been helping Zavier,” I barely manage to utter, my voice trembling slightly. He takes a step back, his silence speaking volumes as he continues to lock eyes with me.
“Please, Dane,” I beg, my voice pleading. “I cannot let him get away after everything he has done.” He nervously pulls his bottom lip between his teeth, his eyes darting around the room before he aggressively rubs his face.
“You owe me.”
His head snaps to me and after a few moments of silence, he brings his face close to mine, his breath warm against my skin.
“He’s back at the cabin. After the police searched it, he figured no one would ever think that he’d go back there,” he reveals. Relief washes over me, the weight on my shoulders lifting as I take in a deep breath.
“Thank you.” I softly say, giving him a small smile before turning to exit his office.
I need to figure out how I’m going to get to Zavier before Argent does. This is my revenge, and I won’t let anyone stand in my way.
I hate lying to Argent. He is under the assumption that I had a great session today. He even cooked me dinner to show me how proud he was of me. And he made my favorite too. Seafood pasta—bastard.
The weight of guilt settles in my chest as I carefully untangle his arm from my waist and slip out of bed. The cool fabric of my skinny jeans brushes against my skin as I hurriedly dress in an army green t-shirt.
I open his desk drawer and retrieve his knife, the glint of the blade sending a surge of adrenaline through me. With a quick glance at Argent, making sure he’s still asleep before I make my way to the front door.
The realization hits me like a punch in the gut—how the hell am I going to get to the cabin? I can’t exactly call a taxi and tell the driver to drop me off at some sketchy cabin in the woods.
My eyes drift to Argent’s car keys resting on the counter, and I summon the courage to grab them. It’s been years since I’ve been behind the wheel of a car—well except when I was on top of Argent, but that doesn’t count. Time to put on my big girl shoes and face every single fear tonight.
Silently, I slip out of the house and settle into the driver’s seat. The smooth leather of the steering wheel feels familiar in my trembling hands.
Come on, Star. You’ve overcome worse.
I turn the key, and the engine roars to life and I pray that the sound doesn’t wake anybody up. With another deep breath, I maneuver the car out of the driveway and start my journey toward the hell hole I crawled out of not too long ago.
Here I come, Zavier… hope you’re ready.
If it weren’t for the news revealing the location of my captivity a few months ago, I would’ve never found this place. It’s isolated, surrounded by thousands of tall trees.
I bring the car to a halt a few meters away from the cabin, swinging the door open and stepping out into the crisp night air. The sound of birds taking flight startles me, intensifying my already heightened nerves.
Stupid birds.
Bringing my attention back to the cabin, I cautiously tread towards it, my steps measured and deliberate. The creaking sound of the porch echoes in my ears as I ascend the few steps. Closing my eyes tightly, I stand in front of the door, mentally preparing myself for what lies ahead.
Oh well, there’s no turning back now.
My heart pounds against my chest, its rhythmic thumping reverberating through my body. With a trembling hand, I muster the courage to knock on the door. I don’t even know if he is here or if Dane just lied to shut me up.
Suddenly, the metallic click of the lock breaks the silence, and the door glides open, revealing a startled Zavier. His widened eyes meet mine, his face draining of color. A wave of nausea washes over me, my senses overwhelmed by the mere sight of him.
“S-starlet?”
I always knew that one day I would have my revenge. I just didn't know when or how. All I knew was that I couldn't let him get away with what he had done to me.
Without hesitation, I catch him off guard as I slam my fist into his face, feeling the impact reverberate through my bones. His nose bursts open, and the metallic scent of blood fills the air.
Before he can react, I grab the empty beer bottle from the kitchen island, the cool glass slipping into my sweaty palm, and smash it against his head. The sound of shattering glass echoes in the room, mixing with his pained groans.
I have no idea where all this rage came from, but it is consuming me like a dark shadow, blinding me to everything but my vengeance. All I see is red, a haze of fury distorting my vision.
As he falls to the ground, his fingers snag on the hem of my shirt, tearing the fabric as he tumbles backward. I manage to stay on my feet, the adrenaline coursing through my veins, and I watch as he scrambles back, his eyes wide with both fear and shock.
“You fucking took everything from me!” I yell, my voice is raw with emotion, the pounding of my heart drowning out all other sounds. I scan the surrounding room, my gaze darting frantically. And then, amidst the chaos, I spot a poker resting near the old fireplace. Its cold iron handle beckons to me.
Striding towards it, I forcefully wrap my hand around the worn grip, the rough texture digging into my palm. Zavier remains on the ground, his body trembling, his eyes fixated on my every move as I draw closer to him.
I looked into Zavier's eyes, and I saw fear. Fear of what I was going to do to him. And that's when I knew that I had won.
“Let’s see how you feel when you’re helpless,” I snarl, my voice dripping with venom.
Just as he raises his hand to cover his face, a flicker of self-preservation in his eyes, I swing the poker as hard as I can. The solid metal connects with his face, the sickening crunch of bone reverberating in the room.
Blood splatters in all directions, staining the walls as I continue to strike him mercilessly, my blows fueled by a mix of adrenaline and vindication.
Each strike lands with a sickening thud, until finally, he lies motionless on the filthy floor.
There’s no nap time, Zavier. I’m far from done with you.