And another.
And then it was clearly a call coming through.
Don't look at her phone. That's a new low, even for you.
I ground my teeth at the urge to look at it. It lit up in the dark room like a beacon, calling my attention. It started ringing again.
“Fuck it,” I whispered. Even though it felt wrong, I slowly untangled myself from Pearl and leaned over her to grab her phone.
She was still sleeping soundly, the whole thing unbeknownst to her. I cast her one last glance before looking at the lock screen.
My eyes widened when I saw the number of texts. I didn't know her password, so I wasn't able to unlock it, but I could see the preview.
Answer me.
You think you’re safe?
Answer me.
Bitch.
Answer—
The screen lit up as a call came through. Shock and anger were mixing in my veins.
It was from another number, but it was obvious this was the same person who had been sending her text messages.
Who the fuck thinks they can talk to her like this?
It can’t be my father, can it?
If it’s someone else, who can it be?
Different theories started sprouting in my head, none of them good.
Don't pick it up. Don't pick it up.
I picked it up.
“Who the fuck is this?”
There was a laugh from the other side. It wasn't my father. He hadn't found Pearl yet, but someone had. It was a voice I’d never heard before, but that didn’t mean I felt relieved.
“Oh! Is this thelover?” he asked, dragging out the word. “Emerson, right?”
Fear shot through me.
“If you don't stop messaging Pearl, I’m going to?—”
“Going to what, huh? I bet you don't even know who I am.”
I didn’t. But it wouldn't take long for me to find out.And when I do…
“I don't need to know you to kill you.”
His next laugh was so loud I had to pull the phone away from my ear. My eyes fell to Pearl.
What has she been hiding from me?
