Page 29 of Sadistic Obsession (Rise of Phoenyxx #1)

H unter

I quickly head there, fumbling my lockpick kit from my pocket.

A new skill, thanks to the mercenary group that hired me.

Looking around, I bend over the lock to trip the mechanism.

I put my ear to the door, listening for the distinct click when it disengages.

I hear the click, so I slowly open the door.

I bolt inside, gently closing it behind me.

His desk is my first destination. There are papers stacked on top, but I know those likely won’t be anything important.

I scan them, anyway, not seeing anything odd.

My gaze drops to the drawers in his desk.

They are all locked, so I use my kit to open them, one by one.

The first drawer contains student files, placed in alphabetical order.

It looks like last names A-M are in here.

The second drawer has student files N-Z.

Moving on, the third drawer has folders named for some of the students' families.

Now this is weird. I pick up the top one, Barbieri written on the front.

It's articles, photos, and stats for everyone in Trikk’s family.

I frown at the page of numbers with no explanation. Bank accounts, maybe?

I shake my head, taking quick screenshots of the file. I skim through the others; it becomes obvious these are files ONLY about The Six's families. What the hell is this about?

As I go to close the drawer, it makes an odd, hollow sound. Frowning, I knock around it, pushing where I hear it. It's a hidden drawer. It's quite deep, deeper than the desk looks like it could hold. I reach in, noting there is only one, very thick file inside. It has no name on the front.

I gasp when a photo of Phoenyxx slips out when I open it.

I reach down and pick it up. She looks young, ten or eleven, maybe?

She is clearly distraught, huddled in a small space.

She is skinny and frail-looking. I flip it over, paling when I see what’s written on it.

It says “Progress.” This is very bad; I can sense it.

I screenshot the front and back, placing it back inside.

I look through all of the photos and reports.

It looks like someone is giving regular reports of her to someone else.

Why? And why the hell does the director have them?

I check my watch again. I only have about five minutes left, max. I move to the computer, pulling up the main screen. I hacked his password last time I was in here, but there was no time to search it.

There are rows upon rows of numbered files. No rhyme or reason to the order. It seems random. I click on the first and hit a brick wall. It's heavily encrypted. Fuck. I will have to come back to this; there’s no time to try and get into the files.

I crack open the door, making sure the coast is clear. I slip out, locking it back up behind me. I hustle back to my apartment, needing to call my contact immediately.

I already have my phone whipped out as I kick my door closed, flipping the lock. I take a moment to catch my breath. I'm shaking, which is not how a highly-trained ex-Marine should be reacting.

This tiny girl is undoing all of my training. I know to never get personally involved with anyone during an investigation. This file, though, and the photos—it makes my stomach churn. Nothing makes sense at all.

With a shaky breath, I hit the call button. “I have an update.”

“Good, go on.”

“I searched Director Augustine’s office.

I found some strange files for the families of the six high-profile students I’m observing.

And I found a disturbing file in a hidden drawer.

” I pause, exhaling. “The new student, Phoenyxx Solomon. There are photos of her as a child and multiple documents. I didn’t have time to read through anything, but there are dossiers on the boys’ families, and I suspect one on Solomon as well.

I grabbed screenshots of a few of the documents. ”

“Is that all?”

“No, I checked his computer. There are hundreds of odd files with random numbers, all heavily encrypted.”

“Well, this is certainly some interesting information.

Good job, Harris. Keep at it. Get back into his office and get screenshots of all the documents you can.

We'll work on the encryptions. Focus on identifying the unseen staff members. Scout out the buildings—especially the medical wing. Keep a close eye on the six boys and stay very close to the girl.”

“Yes, Sir. I'll update you as soon as I get anything else.”

I hang up, stress pulling me taut. I pace back and forth, reeling at the implications so far. I have to keep Pretty Girl safe. Even if I have to go to extreme lengths to do so.

Phoenyxx

“Knock, knock!” A familiar voice calls out, jolting me from my sleep. I look around in confusion. I've really got to stop waking up in different places.

Trikk's room, oh hell yes. I smile, still feeling warm from last night.

I'm alone, feeling a twinge of disappointment. But then I smell the mouthwatering scent of bacon cooking, which gets me out of bed. I am butt-naked, but I don’t give a shit.

I go to the door, but it swings open from the other side.

“Oh... holy...” I look up at a shocked Frost. His eyes burn a hole through me as he looks me up and down. I smirk, intentionally licking my lips. “Hey, Frosty!”

He blows out a heavy breath. “Get dressed, Killer. We'll eat breakfast, and I’ll fill you in on today’s plans.”

I draw closer, reaching out to stroke his bicep. “Why would I want to get dressed? I like being naked...”

“You saucy little...”

“What the fuckkkk, Bambi?” Trikk calls out from behind Frost. “Clothes!”

I throw my head back and laugh. “Okay, okay. No need to freak out.”

Frost quickly closes the door. I can hear them murmuring while I search for clean clothes.

I rummage through Trikk’s drawer, grabbing a hoodie and sweats.

No bra, no panties. Comfort is what I’m after.

The sweats are way too big, so I roll the waistband and the ankles.

The hoodie is huge, but so soft and comfortable.

And they smell heavenly, like Trikk. “Coming out!” I call out, walking out into the hallway.

They're both standing there, trying to look nonchalant.

It's almost adorable. Trikk whistles, “Damn, you look good in my clothes!”

“Kitchen, please...I’m starving!”

“Follow us,” he grins.

My eyes widen when we get to the kitchen. I wasn’t expecting a large, fully decked-out kitchen in an apartment shared by men. How did I not notice it the last time I was here? “Wow, this is amazing!”

“We try,” Frost retorts, his eyes shining.

“Go eat! Plate is on the counter.” There’s a large island in the middle, with tall barstools pulled up to it.

I make my way to the steaming plate, salivating at the mass of eggs, bacon, and croissants.

“I can’t believe you cook!” I say to Trikk.

He laughs, swooping in to give me a heart-stopping kiss.

“There’s a lot more to learn about me, Bambi. ”

“Alright,” Frost interrupts. “Time for the serious talk. There will be one of us with you 24/7 for now, as you already know. Your safety is our priority until we can wrangle Synn. I'll be with you today, and Purge will be with you tomorrow. Ghost will be there tomorrow night.”

“So, you’ll be with me today AND tonight?”

“Yes, Killer.”

“Okay,” I shrug. Turning to my food, I see the looks on their faces, and I have to bite back a laugh.

“No arguments? Wow...” Trikk says.

“You eat, and we’ll be talking in the living room,” Frost announces. I shrug again, shooting him a thumbs up. I tuck into the food, moaning at its deliciousness.

“Hey, can I go back to my room for a while? I want to get more of my own things and maybe catch a nap,” I say, walking into the living room.

“Of course, I’ll walk with you,” Frost answers. “You ready?”

“Yeah...” I pause, biting my lip. “I don’t mean to be a bitch, but I really need some alone time.”

“Well...you know we can’t leave you alone. But I’ll keep watch outside your room for a while. Trikk—bring me the bag I asked for?”

“Bag?” Trikk shakes his head, miming zipping his mouth closed.

“Whatever,” I mutter.

Frost ushers me ahead of him, putting his hand on the small of my back as we walk out. “Hey!” Trikk yells. “Where’s my goodbye kiss?”

I laugh, looking back at Frost. “Give him a kiss, hot stuff!”

“Oh, hell naw...nope...Not going to happen,” Trikk emphasizes.

I giggle at the look on his face. I lean inside, going to kiss him on the cheek, but he turns his head, taking my lips.

I get lost in the chemical reaction, forgetting everything else.

I moan into the kiss but am jerked away from him. “Now, Killer. Let’s go.”

“Fine!” I whine. “See you later!” I call to Trikk.

Frost stays behind me, touching my back, all the way to my dorm. I unlock my door, turning before I go in. “Thanks, Frost, seriously. I appreciate you.”

A tiny hint of a smile crosses his lips, and he quickly looks away. “I’ll be right outside.”