grip the kitchen countertop tight enough for my knuckles to whiten.
Someone tried to kill me.
And I have the distinct impression that they’ll try again.
And again.
And again.
They won’t stop until I’m dead.
Chapter 4
I tossed and turned all through the night. Every time I tried to close my eyes, I was bombarded with images of flames eating away at my poor car. In the distance, the man’s face was curved upwards into a devilishly wicked grin, reveling in my pain.
Now, it’s five in the morning, and I haven’t slept a wink nor do I plan to. My bedroom feels almost stifling hot, even with the window open a crack to allow natural wind in.
With a grunt, I push aside my blankets and waddle over to my closet. I grab a pair of spandex leggings and a lime-colored sports bra. After quickly changing out of my cami and sleep shorts, I brush my dark hair into a high ponytail.
I refuse, absolutely refuse, to allow that jackass to destroy me. I’ll never be the type of girl to wallow in a corner, sobbing and screaming and blaming the universe. No, the universe doesn’t control me. I create my own destiny, craft it from the shitty blob of clay I’ve been given.
Maybe it’s stupidity. Maybe it’s bravery. All I know for certain is I refuse to cower, refuse to show fear.
I grab my headphones from my nightstand and queue up my favorite jogging playlist. Immediately, Ruelle’s “Monsters” blares through the speakers as I duck out of my room, walking on quiet feet towards the front door.
Of course, I should’ve remembered that Avery sleeps even less than me. He’s already up, humming beneath his breath as he pours himself a cup of coffee.
My eyes can’t help but drag over his well-defined golden chest and to his wildly tousled hair. He looks like a rumpled angel—a fallen angel. Everything about him screams perfection and beauty, even with the morning shadow on his chiseled jawline.
I bite my lip tentatively as I watch him sway back and forth to a beat only he can hear. He’s a complete morning person. I’m pretty sure he rolls out of bed with a jovial smile on his face, showcasing his plump dimples. Even now, bare-chested with a baggy pair of basketball shorts riding low on his hips, he reminds me of a museum art piece. He’s just as ethereal as something you would see on a canvas.
“Shit, Em!” Avery exclaims suddenly as he spins around and spots me. Crimson colors his golden cheeks as he ducks his head sheepishly. “How long have you been standing there like a creeper?”
“Five or six hours,” I deadpan.
“Well, shit. Then you witnessed my morning masturbation, correct?” he teases, and I roll my eyes to cover up the instinctive blush. Because Avery masturbating? That visual does strange things to me, things I most definitely shouldn’t feel for my best friend.
“Whatever, dork.” With a huff, I bend down to grab my tennis shoes before plopping on the edge of the table to lace them up.
“Where are you off to?” he queries with genuine confusion. “It’s not even ten yet. And you haven’t even had your normal two cups of coffee.”
I give him a dry look. “I’m going on a run, obviously.”
The crease between his eyes deepen. “Did the zombie apocalypse happen overnight?”
“You know what…” Jumping gracefully to my feet, I grab an apple from the fruit bowl and toss it at his head. He sidesteps the throw easily, a smirk dancing on his lush lips. “You’re an asshole.”
“Nah, I’m hilarious.” Immediately, his smile fades, replaced by a look of concern. “I heard about what happened yesterday. Are you okay? What the fuck—”
“It was just a prank,” I say dismissively, my heart thudding at the lie. I want to tell Avery the truth—about my stalker and the smoking man—but I wouldn’t be able to survive it if I accidentally put him in danger. Avery’s too good for this world, too pure, and I don’t want my darkness tainting him.
“Do you think it’s safe for you to be—”
Once more, I cut him off. “Avery, seriously, I’m fine. It was just a prank that probably wasn’t even intended for me. Now, I’m going to go on a run. And not because there are zombies chasing me.”
Avery still doesn’t look convinced, but he concedes with a nod of his head.
“Be safe. Bring your pepper spray.”
Giving him a two-fingered salute, I duck out of the apartment before he can demand to come with