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He’s kind too. He asked permission.

I’m not used to having a say. That’s why I said yes. It’s the first thing I’ve had a choice over in such a long time.

I tip my head back and rest it on the panel behind me. Brush my fingers over my mouth. Am I supposed to still be able to feel him there? Is that normal? How much of a disappointment was I?

I’m making too much out of nothing. It was a silly game. And a kiss is just a kiss. They were all having fun. It didn’t mean anything to anyone but me.

I march over to the closet, open it and grab a fistful of Sonatina’s designer clothes. I shove the material in my mouth, and I scream.

God, I am such a loser.

The click rhythm of Sonatina’s heels reaches me. The click is fast and hard. My chest tightens and I shove her clothes out of the way so I can pull the door of the closet closed with me inside.

It doesn’t quite latch and there’s no handle for me to yank it closed with. Then there’s no time. The outer door slams against the wall, making everything that’s touching the walls rattle. “That slut is going to regret ever getting in my way. She thinks these last two years have been rough...”

I don’t dare breathe when she’s quiet. My fingers start to hurt from holding the door as closed as possible.

“What the hell are you doing? We had a deal. You said you would take care of her.”

Sweat trickles down the back of my neck and into my collar while I wait for whoever she’s conversing with to answer. When they don’t, I realize she’s on the phone.

“I’m holding up my end. When are you going to hold up yours?”

Who is she talking to?

“Tomorrow night. I’ll send you the name of the hotel... the suite number...” Her heels click closer. “I’ll arrange a keycard for you. No... you’ll have to figure out security on your own.”

What exactly are they planning? Because it sounds like she’s organizing for Kelsey to be snatched.

I wish someone would snatch me.

“No, I don’t care what you do with her. Just get her out of my way.”

Everything goes silent. I suck my lips in. I hate this kind of silence. It’s never a good sign. I shut my eyes.

“Lennon?”

I swallow. It can’t be as loud as the crowd will be later tonight, right? But what if it is? What if she heard me swallow? She has this way of being able to hear me even when I’m as quiet as a mouse.

“Lennon, I know you’re in here. Come out from wherever you’re hiding, you stupid... fat... cow.”

I start to tremble. My fingers are cramping, but I will not let the door open. If she knows I’m here, it won’t matter if I make finding me easier for her. It doesn’t change the outcome.

Her footsteps fade. The outer door opens and closes.

Still, I don’t dare move.

She sighs. “You’re really going to wish you were dead this time.”

I already do. All the time. Except the night I went out with Kelsey and the other girls. That was the closest I’ve ever been to being happy I’m alive.

And when Kodiak touched his lips to mine. Because it’s the only memory where a choice was mine.

The door is yanked open and I almost stumble out.

Sonatina’s face is purple and red. Her eyes are practically glowing with violence. But it’s her smile that chills me to the bone as she gently reaches up and strokes a few loose strands of my hair. “You should have come out.”

Her hands tighten in my hair.