Page 29 of The Boy I Loved

Lauren’s throat bobbed with a swallow, and she glanced away, blinking back a few tears that threatened to spill. “This is just…sounlikeher.” She shook her head, causing a few strands of hair to tumble around her shoulders.

“Are you sure she isn’t at home?” Mason suggested.

A stitch formed between her brows. “I mean … it’s possible. But she would have answered my calls by now, right?” She gave us hopeful glances, like we held all the answers she needed. In a weird way, it seemed as if she trusted us.

“Unless she’s sick,” Vincent offered.

I nodded in agreement. “She’s probably at home sleeping. If it’ll make you feel any better, we can all go with you to check after we get off work.”

Vincent’s lips twitched, but he rolled his lower one between his teeth before she could notice.

“Really?” she asked, relief spilling off of her in waves. “I’d really appreciate that. Thank you, Dom.”

“Don’t mention it.”

She shot us a small smile before turning on her heels and made her way toward her vehicle at the other end of the lot. Her curls bounced with every movement she made, and I couldn’t help but notice the exaggerated way her hips swayed.

“What if she goes straight there?” Nicholas whispered, his gaze pinned on the girl who had just departed.

“We’re going to tail her,” Mason replied. “Let’s go.”

So much for rest.

Annoyance trickled through my veins as I turned toward my tinted-out Ford Explorer. I jerked open the driver’s door and slipped inside with Mason joining me in the passenger seat moments later.

“Cheer up,” he said, reclining the seat and settling back like we were going on some kind of entertaining road trip.

“Eat my dick.” I inserted the key into the ignition and twisted until the vehicle revved to life, vibrating beneath my shoes.

Mason released a snort as I backed out of the parking space. “Don’t threaten me with a good time.” He winked.

Insufferable.

Why had I befriended him again?

Nicholas pulled ahead of us in his SUV, creeping out of the lot with us right behind him. A few paces ahead of him was Lauren’s red convertible.

All I could hope was that this didn’t end badly.

The street was jam packed with vehicles—students leaving school, and parents driving home from work.

I followed closely behind Nicholas, making sure to keep a good distance. My heart beat frantically within my chest, a mixture of anticipation and exhilaration flooding through my system.

As much as I hated what I’d become, there was a part of me that enjoyed it just as much. The things I did, the pain I inflicted, gave me a high like no drug ever could. The screams as I took what I wanted, the begs, the bribes, the bones snapping beneath my fingers.

My cock stirred just thinking about it. It wasn’t the women who turned me on—it was the sadistic nature of it all.

Hazel wouldhateme if she saw what I’d become. That thought put a damper on my growing erection. She was the complete opposite of me—clear-headed, kind, delicate, soft, empathetic, down to earth. Everything she was, contrasted against my very nature. In order to keep her safe, she needed to stay away from me, otherwise … she’d end up just like Stacy.

Forcing the thoughts of my childhood friend to the back of my mind, I pressed on the gas with more force, keeping my gaze pinned on the convertible up ahead. Lauren took a right at the intersection, leaving us to trail her cautiously.

As expected, she was heading in the direction of Stacy’s house. There was no reason she should be going this way—not if she’d intended on going home. She lived near the mechanic shop.

Mason tsked under his breath, coming to the same realization I had moments ago. “Naughty, naughty girl.” His lips stretched intoone of those devious smiles of his, his blue eyes darkening with the temptation of inflicting pain.

At the next intersection, I went straight rather than right—like Lauren and Nicholas had.

Mason straightened in his seat, confusion fluttering across his face. “What are you doing?”