Page 38 of Savage Salvation

“Too bad,” I mumble, focusing back to my work.

“Gage was back on campus today like nothing ever happened.”

“Shocker.” Not at all.

Isaac remains quiet for a few seconds before finally heading to the exit. Once he reaches it, he pushes the door open and turns back to me. “I’m still your friend, Kins, if you need anything just let me know. Happy Valentine’s Day.” He steps out, the door shutting behind him.

I hate this fucking holiday. Even more so now. I don’t want to be angry at him. I want to curse him out. Tell him he’s a dipshit who let Gage use him. But I can’t. Because I did the same. Only I didn’t simply make a deal with the devil, I climbed into his bed and danced with him.

29

Kinsley

Another message. Danielle usually isn’t persistent but I’m guessing her son getting pushed through a glass display case upped her level of anxiety. I doubt it’s for my concern, but she’s at least determined.

Danielle: I’ve been messaging you all day. Answer me.

Danielle: I’m worried about you.

That’s new.

Me: I’m fine. What’s up?

Danielle: I wanted to check on you. You weren’t at school today. And with what happened to Ryan, I wanted to make sure you’re good.

Me: Yeah. I’m good.

Danielle: Come by the house so I can see for myself.

Me: At work.

Danielle: Leave early. It’s Valentine’s Day. I have some chocolate for you too.

Me: I’ll swing by later or tomorrow.

Danielle: After everything we do for you, that’s your response? I expect to see you at this house soon or I might forget to pay your tuition until later or tomorrow.

Wow. She’s thrown that in my face before, it’s not new. And while I do greatly appreciate it. The last conversation was she paid it, and I attended school and made sure to graduate. The only other times she mentions it is to remind me of how tight money is and how my tuition is partly to blame.

Me: I’ll be by in a few.

Why not? This is the worst holiday of the year. Might as well end it on a low note. And why does the fact that she got me chocolate bother me most? I don’t like chocolate, but she wouldn’t know that. Because I’m at the store more than I’m at the Wagoners’.

“No hot date tonight?” Johnny asks from across the store.

“Nope.” Ugh. “But I do have to swing by Danielle’s. Do you mind if I head out early?”

“But what will all our customers do?” he jokes, looking around the empty store. “It’s no problem. Go ahead. I’ll put a note on the door and lock up, so don’t forget your keys to get back in. I’ll be gone. Hot date and all.” He gives me a wink. “With a Halloween marathon.”

“Now, that is what Valentine’s should be about.” I laugh. Yep. More my speed. This is why Johnny and I click so well.

I grab my phone and keys, tell him bye, and head across town. The drive isn’t long enough because I arrive way too soon. Driving around the block is more appealing, but I decide against it. The sooner I go, the sooner it’ll be over with.

I park in front of the house since I don’t plan on staying long. And Danielle won’t mind my quick getaway because she complains about my car dripping oil on the driveway.

I hurry to the door, punching in the code and step inside. Every time I punch those numbers in, I expect it to deny me access. I almost think I’m hoping it does one day and makes the decision for me.

Stepping into the kitchen, I notice most of the lights on, the table set for three and candles placed randomly over the house. Apparently, she really did mean for me to eat and run. I turn, shaking my head and walk towards the den, where Danielle spends most of her time. But before I can call out her name, I’m thrust forward, my face smashing into the wall. My arms come up too late to protect myself, and my head slams against the wall, sending a throbbing pain through my head. My vision goes black for a second from the hard impact, and I fall to my knees. Before I can get up, a hard blow strikes me in the back, sending me sprawling against the floor.