Page 128 of Pretty Thing

Finding him, I send a message with the disappearing option.

Eden: Hey.

Not even a minute passes before he responds. I can almost picture him coming in his pants when Eden popped up on his screen. Fucking asshole.

Kyle: Hey, I didn’t know you were on here.

Eden: I’m not. I have to delete this account when I’m done.

Kyle: Okay…why?

Eden: Kyle, if I tell you something, can you promise me you won’t tell Kris or say anything to anyone? And I mean anyone. You can’t suddenly show up at Felix’s door or anything like that.

Kyle: Okay.

Eden: Promise me, Kyle, I mean it.

Kyle: Wow, okay, I swear. What’s going on?

Eden: I’m at the police station with Felix and IDK if it’s anything, but they wanted to speak to him. Do you think he could’ve burned my house down?

Kyle: Yes!!! That guy is fucking crazy.

Me? I’m fucking crazy? Pot meet kettle. I’m not the one stealing her shit and jerking off in her bed.

Eden: I don’t want to believe that, but…I just have this weird feeling.

Kyle: Follow that feeling. He probably did it so you’d have to move in with him cause you turned his douche ass down.

Okay, now he’s pissing me off. I won’t just kill him. His reputation will be ruined and he’ll die painfully.

Eden: Yeah…maybe. Look, I have to go. But if I need you, I’ll open an account again and reach out.

Kyle: Anything you need, at any time, I’m there for you. I love you, Eden. You’re my best friend, and I’m ten times better looking than my sister.

I roll my eyes at the phone.

Eden: LOL. Thanks, you’re such a great friend. I knew I could count on you. Remember, don’t say a word.

Kyle: My lips are sealed.

Perfect.

I quickly delete the app from her downloads and lock the phone. Not a moment later, the door opens, and Eden and Officer Collins step out.

She’s dabbing her eyes with a tissue. I watch closely for any anger or suspicion, but the officer just closes the door and leaves.

“Are you okay,” I ask, holding her jacket for her.

“I will be. It’s just…there is nothing left. The house is nothing but ash. It’s like the accident all over again. Parents gone, car gone, and now the only home I’ve ever known.”

Eden covers her mouth as she turns to face me. I hook a piece of hair behind her ear as tears well in her eyes. My heart breaks for her. Yes, Eden living with me is what I want, but it shouldn’t cause her so much pain.

Fucking Kyle.

“I’m so sorry. I hate that you’re suffering.”

Closing my eyes, I pull her close and kiss her forehead.