Page 2 of Illicit Games

Here but not quite.

I keep staring at the black spot on the wall as if it has all the answers to my predicament. The soft rug beneath my ass became a bed of sharp needles about an hour ago. Yet I couldn’t bring myself to move.

A second knock comes, louder than before.

My roommate must be back from clubbing.

Knowing I can’t ignore her forever, I drag myself up from the floor. My muscles protest as I stretch into a standing position. I’m too slow because the knock turns into loud banging.

“Iris!”

I stumble back, hearing Kian’s deep voice.

Am I hallucinating?

“Open up!”

He’s here.

How did he find me?

“Open the goddamn door before I break it down,” he yells.

He can’t be here.

I’ll crumble if I see him.

“Please, Rainbow!” There’s a crack in his voice. “Let me see you.”

I shut my eyes and tighten my arms around my middle.

Thud!

My head snaps toward the sound.

Thud!

Oh god! He’s breaking down my door.

The thought of him dislocating his shoulder or injuring himself propels me into motion. I sprint to the entrance.

“I’m here,” I warn him before unlatching my door and pulling it open.

His wide chest rising and falling rapidly, his hands fisted by his sides, he stands like an avenging angel in the darkened hallway. Nobody else lives on my floor. Frantic eyes run all over my body before zeroing in on my face, making his muscles go rigid.

I know the picture I must paint.

Red-rimmed eyes, blotchy cheeks, hair disheveled, while still wearing the same clothes from this morning. I am a sad mess.

“Did he do this to you?” he angrily snarls. “I’m going to kill him.”

“No.” My voice comes out raw and unsteady.

Distressed gaze collides with my depressed ones.

“Rainbow,” he sighs, reaching for me.

I step back.