Page 10 of Arseni

“Really?”The man snickers.“You’re going to risk your boyfriend’s life like that?That’s cold.”

“There are cameras in this building,” I say through sharp breaths.“An-and security.”I close my eyes as the knife digs into my skin.

The man presses his mouth to my ear.“I guess it’s good I’m wearing a mask then.”He chuckles lightly, warm breath tickling my neck.The knife against my throat is the only thing that keeps me from jerking away.

It’s the oddest, most delusional thing, but I feel a surge of therapeutic hope mix in with terror.I’m scared for my life.There’s no doubt about it.But one call from Austin to security will make this man disappear.Thisproblemdisappear.

I can seek help.Join a support group.Talk to a counselor.

Am I really this fucking broken?

When the man’s tongue flicks my earlobe, I gasp, pressing my hands against his hard chest.

“You know what?”He inhales like he’s smelling me.“You’re right.We need more privacy.”

My eyes bulge at the enthusiasm in his voice.The knife leaves me, but I’m only awarded a moment of relief before the man grips my blouse and yanks me to my feet.He shoves me in front of him and presses himself against my back, his erection evident through his jeans.

He leads me by the back of my neck out of the office, into the hallway and down toward the stairwell.With every moment that passes, he morphs into a more vicious breed of dog.The security I feel begins to slip away, making me feel crazy for ever feeling it to begin with.There’s one increasingly real possibility I didn’t give enough thought.

What if he kills me?

What if hecame hereto kill me?

Whatreasoncould he have?

“I’ll do whatever you say,” I push out, making my voice as loud as I think he’ll tolerate.“J-just don’t hurt me.”My eyes dart around as we move, praying for someone to appear.Maybe it makes me selfish.I don’t know.

“What are you looking for?”the man asks while my head swivels.

“Nothing.”

“Here, let me help...Hey, Austin!Margot needs you!”

I grind to a halt and dart my eyes frantically.The man’s confidence sounds both reckless and terrifying.

He isn’t afraid to get caught.

He won’t hesitate to slice Austin’s throat, just like he promised.

Which means he isn’t hesitant to slit mine either.

Oh my?—

My thoughts halt at the man’s loud laugh, and I stumble when he shoves me forward.“Jesus, you really thought I’d walk you through here with your boyfriend waiting like a protective rottweiler in his office?”

My veins freeze over.I know Austin.He wouldn’t have just left without saying anything.

“What did you do to him?”I ask, my voice warbled with terror.

“Walk and maybe I’ll tell you.”

A new wave of dread stiffens my limbs as I let him guide me to the stairwell and up to the roof.Chilly air spreads bumps on my exposed flesh when we step outside, and I cross my arms over my chest, streaks of tears cooling my face.

“There, I came where you wanted.”I dig my heels in.“N-now tell me what you did to Austin.”

“Walk to the ledge.”

I struggle to stand in place as he tries to push me.When I speak, it’s nothing but a chilled whisper.“Why?”