Page 11 of The Chaos She Brings

His casual question helps to cut through my racing mind even more. I scoff. “You say that like it’s something everyone does.”

He huffs out a laugh. “It’s not as uncommon as you might think.”

“Have you ever…?”

“No.”

I pick my coffee cup up—I don’t even remember putting it back down—and let its warmth seep into me.

“I just don’t understand why he snapped,” I say, thinking backto my relationship with Jake.

Kai looks like he’d rather be anywhere than having this conversation but thankfully he indulges me. Maybe he’s curious. “He never showed any signs before?”

“No. He was… really nice. He pursued me, seemed really interested. We’d only been dating for less than a month though, so I guess I didn’t really know him.”

“People often hide their true colours.”

My phone buzzes before I can think of a reply, and Kai shuffles out of the room, taking the view with him.

“Hello?” I answer, pressing the phone to my ear without checking the caller ID.

“Tess!” Carina’s voice screeches through the line.

I wince and pull the phone back an inch. “Hey, Cari.”

“How are you? I’ve been calling all day!”

“I’m… okay, I think. Kai’s actually been really helpful.”

“That’s good. Do you want me to come over?”

“Nah, it’s fine. Kai’s been good(ish) company so far.”

She snorts. “And how are you holding up after your first kill?”

I let out a small laugh. “Had a mini freak-out just now, but honestly, I’m not as stressed about it as I thought I’d be. But that’s kind of freaking me out more. I shouldn’t be so okay, should I?”

She’s quiet for a moment. “I’m not sure I’m the best person to ask for advice on that. But I think it’s good that you’re not freaking out too much. It’s not like he didn’t deserve it, trying to kill you first.”

I sigh. “It’ll probably all catch up with me later.”

“Probably.”

“Okay, but hold on. How come you know so much about this, huh? Don’t think you’re getting away without an explanation.”

Carina groans. “I know, I know. I’ll tell you. But… not over the phone. Tomorrow, okay? Have Kai swing by my place.”

“Fine. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

Hanging up the call, I practically leap into the air when Kai’s voice comes from behind me. “You should eat something,” he says flatly.

I clutch at my chest, trying calm my thudding heart. “Jesus,don’t sneak up on a girl like that.” I turn to face him and have to force myself not to pout that he’s covered up with a t-shirt.

Kai stares at me, his expression unreadable. “It’s my house.”

With a roll of my eyes, I shift the conversation. “What’s this about food?” I ask, flashing him a wide smile.