Dreams Outgrow Rooms Built From Other Peoples Fears by Niro Mason 182

182 The Video 

I broke in a cold sweat, gripping the leather tightly. I dropped my gaze to the phone on the floorboard. I can’t seem to calm down my nerves as I try to have a grip on my senses after what the fuck I just saw. 

I closed my eyes, steadying my breathing even though it seemed like a difficult task. When I flickered them open, my nostrils flaring before summoning the courage to take my phone. 

The screen came up, and I unlocked it once more. 

My bottom lip quivered tremendously, and my pulse raced so fast I thought my veins would burst. 

Tears slipped beneath my lashes, and I heaved, studying the image of Jenna strapped to a chair, hands bound behind, covered in blood from head to toe, as if she had been 

tortured. 

The image was so graphic, I had to look away. However, I had to bring my eyes back, clenching my phone tightly so that it wouldn’t fall from my grip. 

Jenna’s eyes were open, but there was no life in them. She’s dead. 

Oh God. She’s dead! 

I covered my mouth as sobbed wrecked out of me. 

“Mrs. King?” 

I moved my quivering eyes to the tinted glass partition, sealing me away from the 

driver’s seat. 

“Is everything alright?” Julian asked, voice holding concern. 

My phone dinged, and I flinched. 

Jenna: Hi. 

I knew for certain that it wasn’t Jenna, or maybe this was some trick? Was she playing with me right now? 

Amidst my disorientation, I felt a burning anger rise. 

“I’m fine!” I replied to Julian as I typed in speed. 

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182 The Video 

Me: Who is this? 

Jenna: How was the honeymoon, by the way? I was really looking forward to your 

return. I’m glad you’re here now. 

I scoffed. 

Me: Is this some kind of prank? 

Jenna: No. 

Then the person began typing again. 

Jenna: I had a feeling you’d think that way, so here’s proof I’m not making pranks. 

A video was sent to me, attached to a text. 

Jenna: A word of warning… a very important warning… no one should hear this except you, or else there will be consequences, and you don’t want that. 

The video was downloaded, and I pressed play, reducing the volume to play safe. What I saw next stirred my insides în a way that made bile fill my throat. 

It was a video of Jenna being tortured; the video was just a few seconds, but I was traumatized. The way she kept screaming for them to stop as blood seeped. 

Jenna: Now you know I’m being serious. Feel free to doubt, but that would only make things worse. 

I was still. My eyes widened as the video played and played until I convinced myself this was as real as it got. The gut–wrenching scream, and when she begged to be let go. It was really her. 

Oh, Jenna. I shook my head, silently crying, before I got distracted by a ding. 

Jenna: Your silence tells me that you believe me. Now, to ensure you keep quiet about this and don’t tell anyone, especially your husband. I have something to show you. Trust me, you’re gonna love this one. 

He sent a picture, and my heart stopped for a second. 

Tori. 

She was tied up to a chair just like Jenna was, her mouth sealed by tape, but she wasn’t covered in blood. She looked so scared. 

“No…” I muttered, quickly dialing her number. 

12:44 

2:4 

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182 The Video 

Switched off. 

No, this can’t be happening, this can’t be-! 

Jenna: Remember what I said? Keep quiet, or there will be consequences. 

My bottom lip trembled, I didn’t even know when I typed; my vision clouded. 

Me: Please don’t hurt her. Please! 

Jenna: Only if you do as I say. One wrong move and I’ll send your friend’s torture video 

next. 

The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. I stepped into the foyer, still for a moment, recalling the stranger’s words. 

Act as if nothing happened. Your husband’s a sick bastard. His eyes are always on you. 

His eyes are always on you. Those words resounded in my head like a broken record, and everything spun momentarily. 

It means there are cameras. I have been in this penthouse for four months, and I had no idea. It’s unsettling to think that Ares has been watching me the entire time. 

I should have known. 

I jumped when I felt something curled on my leg, my back pressing against the wall as I shook in fright. 

Meow! 

Loki came to me, stroking his head on my leg, and I crouched, trying to keep my hand from shaking as I patted him. 

I missed you, too, buddy. But I can’t shower him with love right now. 

Hearing the chime from my phone, I rose to my feet and fished it out of my coat pocket. 

Unknown: Are you home safe, Mrs. King? I guess you are. Here’s what you’re gonna do for me. Go to your bathroom for a quick shower with your phone, and turn on the 

water. 

Clenching my phone tightly, I headed to my room, slower than usual, as my eyes roamed everywhere as if I could see where the cameras were. 

12:44 

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182 The Video 

When I got to my room, about closing the door, Loki rushed in and jumped on my bed. 

I walked to the bathroom, stripped off my clothes, and took my phone with me into the shower, turning on the water, but I didn’t get under. 

Me: I’m there. 

Unknown: Good. Now keep your eyes on the screen and read carefully: In your husband’s laptop, I need the information inside. 

I narrowed my eyes in confusion. 

Me: Information? 

Unknown: Don’t play dumb with me. I’m sure you know about your husband’s extracurricular activities. Hehe. 

My heart skipped a beat. This person knew Ares was in the mafia. 

Unknown: Or does he keep secrets from his wife? Pussy. I’ll tell you. Ares King is a drug lord, even better, he’s the Don. 

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