Chapter Nine
Lila lies with her head in my lap, eyes glued to the final scenes of Scream.
She’s got an odd obsession with Ghostface.
And honestly, who can blame her? Skeet Ulrich and Matthew Lillard are walking thirst traps.
But it’s not the movie that’s got my nerves buzzing.
It’s the text from the masked stranger—Ghost—digging its claws into my thoughts, refusing to let go.
Dad hired someone to hunt down whoever's blackmailing him, but my software only lets them as far as I let them. Maybe she won’t judge me.
My throat goes dry. “Lila, can we have a we listen but don’t judge moment? ”
Lila turns her head up toward me, searching my eyes. She pushes herself upright and shifts to face me. “Of course. I would never judge you.”
We sit in silence for a few moments, “I…” The words stick, and I have to push the rest out.
I need this off my chest. “I wasn’t sick yesterday.
I went to that opera thing. There was this masked man—Yeah, I know it was a masked event—but we were the only ones in our box.
I didn’t even know he was there until he was behind me, whispering my name.
I didn’t know it then, but he’s the guy my dad hired to find out who’s blackmailing him.
I don’t think he’s figured out it’s me yet.
So maybe I have a stalker now, too. I don’t know.
He got aggressive, but he never really took control from me.
And omg, Lila—it was probably the best sex I’ve ever had.
My brain can’t even wrap itself around that.
He coerced me into it, but I still… liked it.
” Once I start talking, I can’t stop; the words just rush out.
I leave out the part about the knife and blood…
She would think I’m insane and have me committed.
Lila stares at me, mouth falling open. “Kiera, I…” She falters. “I don’t know what to say. I’m not judging you at all, but are you sure you’re okay?” She’s handling me with kid gloves again. “What happened was still wrong. Do you want to turn him in? It’s not too late.”
“No! I don’t want that,” I practically shout at her.
“One, it will put me in the spotlight, and I can’t have that right now.
And two… it feels like he gave me some power back after Asher.
With Asher, I said no, and he knocked me out.
With this stranger, my body reacted to him like he matched the darkness inside me.
It felt as if I had really said no and meant it; he would’ve stopped right away.
He took control, but only inside the lines I drew. If that makes sense.”
Lila squeezes my hand. “I get it. So, I’m guessing the doctor's visit was to get tested.” I manage a small, tight smile. “Kiera, I wish you’d told me. But if you’re okay, that’s all I care about.”
“I struggled with it for a little bit, but I’m okay.” I shoot her a guilty look. “There is one more thing. Um…he kind of texted me an hour ago.”
“HE DID WHAT?!?” Lila shrieks, lunging for my phone. She scrolls through the messages in a blur. “He’s insane, Ki. Are you sure you don’t want to deal with this?”
Laughing, “I’m sure. I’ve been training since junior high for men like him. I’m not scared.” I haul Lila into a hug, smothering her. “Thank you for everything. For being the best sister-friend anyone could ask for.”
“That’s what I’m here for. So I’m sleeping over, and we’re having a full-on gossip session. First question: despite the, uh, circumstances… was it good?”
I whip a pillow at her. “Fuck no, we are not talking about this. Anyway, how are you and Daxton?”
“Oh, I broke up with him. A couple of days after his family’s dinner, we went out, and he kept talking down to the staff—and to me. Snapping his fingers, rolling his eyes, making little digs.” She shrugs, like it's nothing, like water rolling off her back.
“I love you, but thank fuck. You were so out of his league it wasn’t funny.” A yawn punches through my sentence as I stretch. “Ready for bed?”
“Yes, but I call the left side this time. I hate sleeping by the door.” We make our way to the bedroom.
There’s a small chip in the doorframe I don’t remember seeing yesterday.
Okay, Ghost, I see you’re not going away.
We slide into bed, and I lie on my back, staring at the ceiling until the hum of the fan finally drags me under.
A few days later…
I wake up to a face full of Lila’s hair.
This girl and all her damn hair. I swipe it away, grab my laptop, and lean back against the headboard.
I draft a new email to Dad, attach another photo, and the same audio clip.
This time, I add a line: Eyes have seen your sins, are you ready to atone?
Pulling up the dark web, I start digging for anything I can find on this Ghost. When the result finally pops, I scan it, then smile.
Gotcha. A few minutes later, Sleeping Beauty finally stirs awake. “Well, good morning, Sunshine.”
“No. No good morning.” Lila yanks the blanket over her head.
I roll my eyes. “Ok, grumpy, want to order breakfast?”
“Can we get chorizo con huevo from the shop down the road?” She gives me her best puppy-dog eyes.
“Sure, I’ll go get it while you wake up and brush that dog breath.” I jump off the bed before she can hit me.
“You’re lucky I fucking love you, and that you’re getting breakfast!” she yells from the room. “Get coffee too!”
“Sure thing!” Grabbing my keys, I walk the five minutes to Lila’s favorite shop. I bump into someone. Apologizing, I glance up into a familiar pair of blue eyes. “Oh. It’s you.” Sterling’s fingers are still gripping my elbow.
He’s wearing a lopsided grin that makes his eyes sparkle just a bit. “Yup, just me. At this point, I’m pretty sure you’re the one stalking me.”
“Me? Stalking you?” I scoff. “Are you actually this deranged, or have you had a psychotic break recently? Because you either keep showing up wherever I am or you’re out there looking for me when I’m not?
“I was not there for you.” His eyes darken, that grin turning downright sinful. I hate the way my body answers before my brain can shut it down. This man is trouble. Beautiful. Dangerous. Trouble.