Page 74 of Toxic B!tch

My stomach churns at her words.

“Who sent you?”

“Your boss, Thomas Archwood,” she replies in a casual tone, like this is just another part of the job.

“What’s your name, sweet thing?” Elias asks, stepping further into the room.

“Alice,” she answers, her tone still light, laced with something darker beneath it.

He steps into the room, his back to the closet, and I can see him more clearly now.

“What does my surprise entail?” he asks, a certain anticipation in his voice.

“Anything you want,” she purrs, her voice smooth like velvet.

“I have another friend coming later. A little younger than you. Will you play with her?”

Indigo’s breath catches, but she doesn’t falter. “Anything you want. Do you have a picture?”

“I do...” He pauses. “Here.”

Indigo inhales sharply, her face hardening. “Oh, she’s a kid. What, like fourteen, if even? I won’t do that.”

Elias takes a step forward, and before I can blink, he grabs her by the hair, yanking her head back.

“Now, didn’t you just say anything?” he growls.

Indigo lets out a strangled whimper, and I feel the rage burn through me. But she doesn’t break. She’s playing the game her way.

“You were sent here for me. You will do as I say. Do you understand?” he demands.

She doesn’t answer immediately.

Smack!

My muscles tense.

“Do you understand?” he repeats, the threat in his voice now unmistakable.

“Yes,” she breathes out, her voice barely above a whisper.

The tension in the room thickens, and my stomach twists as I watch. I promised her I wouldn’t intervene, that she’d call if she needed me, and I’m struggling to hold on to that promise.

“Good girl,” Elias mutters, his voice laced with something twisted. “Now, how about you get undressed, and we’ll warm up before my friend gets here.”

Indigo stands from the bed, turning her back to him. She glances over her shoulder, meeting my eyes through the crack in the closet. “Can you help me unzip my shirt?” she asks, her voice soft but steady.

Elias moves behind her, reaching for the zipper. He gets a few inches down before Indigo whirls, the syringe she had hidden slipping into his neck with practiced ease.

“What the fuck!” he roars, swinging at her, but she dodges easily.

“Sorry, Elias. Some gifts are better left unopened, don’t you think?” she smirks, her eyes glinting with satisfaction.

He stumbles, his eyes narrowing in fury. “Fucking bitch,” he grits through his teeth, but before he can say another word, he drops to his knees, unconscious.

I step out of the closet, relieved but still filled with a quiet anger. Indigo hops up with a little clap of her hands. “That went perfectly to plan,” she says, her voice light and carefree.

“He hit you,” I say, my voice rough with concern.