Page 131 of Torn
My heart almost seizes at the ferocity of his voice and actions. Tor can be the sweetest guy in the world, but he’s got a ferocious streak when it comes to abuse of an innocent animal. He wants vengeance.
“Don’t worry,” he says to my gasp. “He won’t die. His buddies will find him. I just want to teach that fucker a lesson. He’ll never hurt another animal again.”
KENZI
Hey you, how is your morning? I love you xoxox
I switch from my message app to a browser app, then back to my text message app to see if it will refresh, but there’s still no reply from Tor, and it’s showing as not read. I sent the text almost four hours ago, at 8:00 a.m. We always text each other first thing in the morning, and Tor always replies within an hour.
Always.
Even before we were dating, he would always quickly reply to my messages.
I wander through the mall, trying to remember where all the stores I like are, in what seems more like a maze than a group of stores. I don’t shop often, and when I do, Chloe is usually with me and she steers us around the mall like she was born here. I finally find the lingerie store and pick out some new sexy bra andpanty sets that I think will make Tor smile. The price tags practically scare me into next week but the fabric is so rich and soft and accentuates my curves much nicer than anything else I own, so I can’t resist buying them.
Next, I find the craft store and load up on paper, ink, and little embellishments like lace, glitter, and gems that I’ve started to add to the paper of my hand-lettered work.
I glance down at my phone again as I wait in line to pay, but there’s still no text from Tor.
When I get to the parking lot, I call his cell phone and leave him a voice mail:
“Hey, honey, where are you? I’m getting a little worried. Call me when you can. I love you.”
I send another text, hoping I’m not being annoying as hell, but I’m worried.
Are you okay? I just bought some lingerie I think you’ll like. ;-) I love you bunches and I can’t wait to see you. xo
I start up my Jeep and my phone rings on the passenger seat next to me just as I’m about to reverse out of the parking spot.
Finally!
I grab the phone with a big smile on my face.
“Hey, hon, I’ve been missing you all morning.”
“Kenzi?”
I almost drop the phone. “Dad?”
Crap.
“Who did you think I was?”
Shit.
“Chloe.”
“Oh. Where are you?”
“In the mall parking lot. I needed a few things.”
He’s silent for a beat. “I don’t want you to panic, okay?”
My pulse instantly starts to race. “Now Iampanicking. What’s wrong? Is it Mom?”
“No, it’s Tor.”
My heart flies into my throat, and my stomach plummets as I try to deny away the words I just heard.