Her husband.
; I shook my head clear, feeling something hit my body. I reached up and caught it.
“I got your pants,” Isabella said. “Get dressed, and let’s go.”
Go where?
Although I no longer cared as long as it was out of this house.
I had no idea what she and Jade had planned for tonight as long as I didn’t think about him.
Or her.
“Do you want me to read it to you?” Jade asked.
“Just paraphrase.”
She put a pen in my hand and led me to the wooden makeshift counter, placing the tip on the line where I was supposed to sign.
“It’s a disclaimer,” she explained, “talking about how the haunted house is a 4D experience, and the actors will engage with you and touch you. They’re not responsible or liable for any health problems. If you feel like anything is too much or you want it to stop, simply yell “quarter” and they will stop and offer assistance if you want to leave.”
My hand started to shake as I pressed the pen to the paper and signed my name. I laughed at myself. You would think I’d be used to being scared by now, but the idea of mad doctors, ax murderers, and chainsaws was even freakier when you couldn’t see them.
Quarter. Like as in ‘forgiveness’ or ‘safe haven’? Well, at least they had a safe word.
“Stay close,” Isa told me as we headed toward the entrance. “Hang onto my belt loop or arm, and let me know if you want to leave, okay?”
“Oh, you’ll run before I do,” I joked.
“Probably right,” Jade chuckled.
I heard Isabella’s tsk but didn’t give her any more crap. The sun had set a couple hours ago, and I wished I’d brought a coat as we shuffled through the fallen leaves toward the warehouse and conglomeration of various-sized sheds that made up the haunted house.
The chill in the air seeped through my oversized black sweater, my exposed shoulder already feeling like I had an ice cube sitting in that one spot, but my legs were nice and toasty in the leather pants. Thank goodness I wore my Vans, since I was sure I’d be stumbling and scurrying a lot tonight.
“Welcome to Coldfield,” a dark, deep voice suddenly said right next to me and I jumped a little.
Shit. I chuckled and took a step away, hearing my friends’ laughter, as well.
“Nice blood,” Jade commented, and I guessed he must be one of the actors sent to greet everyone in line. Blood, huh? I imagined prop blood on his face and clothes. Maybe a hacksaw in his hand with a really dull blade, if any, of course, to keep it safe.
Something brushed my arm, and then I heard his voice right next to me again. Did he move in closer when I moved away?
“Did you girls sign the waiver?” he asked.
“Yes,” Isa answered, followed by a little giggle.
“Do you know the safe word?” he pressed.
“Yes,” she said again.
“Good.” I could damn-near feel his breath on me, and I almost forgot to breathe. “Don’t use it. I don’t like to stop my fun.”
They laughed again, comfortable in their knowledge that they were indeed safe, but all I could do was stand there, déjà vu weighing me down like an anchor. The fear factor, the taunting, his threatening promises… So much for getting away from the house, everyone in it, and clearing my head tonight. This guy was Damon. Or like the point-five version.
And then I felt it.