“No I have it memorized,” I said. “Call Grey and tell them where I’m heading.”

I sprinted down the steps of the apartment and found my car still waiting outside.

My heart raced, and I could barely hear myself over the growing worry causing a rush in my head. My foot pressed down on the gas pedal, and the car lurched forward, flying through the streets. I avoided pedestrians and traffic while maintaining a speed far over the limits. Not a single thing could stop me from getting to Len.

My only worry was getting to her in time.

Mallory was obsessed with her. Even with that worry spreading, I knew there was a chance she wouldn’t hurt her. It was more likely she was using her as bait. She needed control back, and that couldn’t happen if I still existed. She wouldn’t hurt Len unless I didn’t give her what she wanted.

Me.

28. Lenny

28

LENNY

Everything was black when I finally woke again. I tried to open my eyes, but they fluttered against something. When I tried to move my hands, I found them bound behind my back, my body upright and my hands touching a metal chair.

Finally, I heard someone speak and lifted my head, moving around to try to gain my bearings.

My body jumped as hands touched the back of my head. The fabric fell away, and it took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the light of the room. I tried to crane my neck to get a look at them.

I didn’t need to. They walked around the chair to stand in front of me, and my breath caught in my throat.

No, this wasn’t right.

Mallory hovered in front of me, red lips pursed and arms crossed. She scowled as I struggled to catch my breath again.

“Why did you have to do this?” she asked. “Everything is ruined.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, still confused.

My mind raced with every possibility.

Mallory started to walk around my chair, examining me. Her hand brushed my shoulder, and she picked up my curls, slowly starting to hum.

The sound was eerie, almost haunting. I recognized it. My mind didn’t want to admit it, but I’d heard that same exact sound before.

“It was you,” I said. My throat burned as I got the words out.

“Obviously,” Mallory said. “It was me who took care of you all these years.”

“You tried to kill me,” I choked. “You ruined my life.”

“I saved you from him.” Her hands tightened on my curls and yanked them. My neck snapped back, my head forced to look up at her. I found my eyes staring into hers, looking down at me.

“They all leave. I saved you from the pain of it. I saved all those women from the pain I had to endure.”

“I don’t understand. This isn’t you, Mallory,” I tried.