Page 57 of Spin the Damn Bottle

I would normally offer condolences, but I feel like we're way past platitudes.

Usually, I like to stand my ground against the likes of him, but we're alone in the orchard, and let's face it, he's a six-foot-something bulky baseball player and I weigh maybe one twenty, one hundred thirty pounds.

I push past him, practically jogging toward Glass. He sets off after me with a chuckle. "Oh, I don't think so."

Martin grabs my wrist, and I turn around, draw my fist back, and punch him as hard as I can, hitting right in his face. I miss the nose, but my knuckles sting so I must have hurt him.

"You bitch!" he spits. His grasp is weaker so I snatch my hand back and keep running, faster.

I risk a glance behind me and hit a solid frame. I open my mouth to tell whoever it is to help, but I close it when the stench of a familiar cologne and cigarettes meets my nose.

Christoph Billington.

I understand then.

I’ve been herded like cattle.

I turn around and start to run, but I’m not fast enough. Christoph grabs me and covers my mouth with some kind of rag. Kicking my legs to get away, I let out a muffled scream and try not to breathe in, but if anything, my frantic fighting and my useless punches only make me breathless and force me to inhale. Slowly, I lose the fight for consciousness.

Everything goes black.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

I wake up, groggy, confused, and nauseous. Everything around me is dark, and my blurred vision isn't the only reason why.

I blink and manage to discern two long legs at eye level.

"There she is, our sleeping beauty. I much prefer them awake, don't you?"

I know that voice, but I can't place it right away.

With some effort, I manage to lift my gaze, and I distinguish Christoph's smug grin.

Fuck. Everything comes back to me in a flash. I recoil, only to find my movements limited. I look down at my feet, and see my ankles are tied to a radiator. We're in a barren room with a small metallic bed, a cheap office chair, and a desk. The only light is from a small office lamp on the empty desk.

"What the hell?"

"Not very bright, is she?" Martin Lee comes out of an adjacent room with a roll of duct tape in hand.

Oh, fuck no.

"Stay away from me."

Both boys laugh. My eyes remain on Christoph, the main threat to me. He's a psycho, and he has made no secret of his intentions towards me.

Shit. I should have called David. I should have stayed safely in the U. By now, I'd be getting ready to go out and celebrate my Tisch acceptance with Jason.

Jason.

Despite the fear buzzing through my blood, I feel a sudden spark of hope. Jason is looking for me already. I know it. He has staff watching me; they would have reported my absence.

Oh, god.Why the fuck did I cut through the orchard instead of walking safely on the road, where anyone could have seen me? I'm a fucking idiot.

"You don't give orders here, pretty girl." Christoph stalks to me, and pressed up against the radiator as I am, there's nowhere to go. I bend to undo the restraints at my ankle and something cold touches my forehead.

I freeze. Christoph isholding a gun against my forehead.

Oh, no.