Page 47 of Scars of Silk

“It’s pretty damn good.”

I disconnect the call and then pop the end of my snack into my mouth, chewing thoughtfully while I work out what I want to do next. I want to go and find Dan. I want to hand myself over to him and let him make me come in shuddering waves of desire.

“Can I help you there, love?” I turn at the sound of a male voice behind me. A guy is at his front door, leaning against the frame. He looks like I’ve woken him up with my senseless chat.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” I jump up and tighten my jacket over my chest. “I just sat down while I was taking a call, I didn’t mean to be rude.”

He smiles, dark eyes, dark hair—not dissimilar to Dan. He looks about the same age too. “I don’t suppose you know Dan Smith, do you? You look kind of similar.”

“Not since school; we run in different circles.”

I shrug. This address wasn’t on my list of names, so this is a bonus. “It’s a big town.”

He shrugs. “Not that big. What’s old Danny been up to this time? Is he still fighting at that club?”

I school my frown into a neutral expression. “Not that I know of. I’m trying to find out about Brighton Comprehensive. There have been some historical complaints. I work for the council.”

“Please tell me they are going to knock it down.”

“Maybe. I don’t get to decide that. I’m just down the ladder with the clipboard collecting information.”

His eyes settle on my face. “It was okay, I never heard of anything bad going on.”

“Oh, that’s interesting. I’ve heard all sorts of things from other ex-students: fights, attacks. All sorts.” I chuckle a little. “Maybe you were in one of the better friendship groups.”

“Goody-two-shoes me.”

Yeah, bet you were, buddy.

He leans out of the door slightly as though he doesn’t want the neighbours to hear. “You know what, that Dan, he’s always been at the centre of all the problems. Him and his friends. I’ve heard they’ve been spreading rumours about all sorts of innocent people.”

“Oh, I doubt that.”

My rebuttal is too quick. I’ve timed it all wrong. I should have written it down and pretended that I had no prior knowledge.

Rookie error.

It’s too late, but I write it down anyway, nodding slowly like I’m absorbing the information.

When I look up the guy is smirking, his eyes hiding depths that tell me he knows exactly what I’m here for.

“And you are? Do you mind me asking? I won’t be passing it on anywhere. It’s just to show I haven’t made up my evidence.”

“Yeah, love. I’m Elliot. Tell Danny I say hi and that I hope his injuries are better.”

“What injuries?” I ask, but again I can sense the dark eyes can read through everything. Unnerved and not feeling particularly safe down the narrow back road, I tuck my papers under my arm. “Well, thanks, Elliot.”

“Pleasure, love. You can come and ask me questions any day you like. We rarely get beauties like you down this way.”

My skin crawls, but I smile warmly. “Thanks for everything.”

I walk to the end of the road as slowly as I can, knowing full well I’m being watched all the way. At the end, before I turn left back towards the seafront, I turn my head just a fraction and find him still watching me but talking on his phone. He sends me a cheerful wave.

Fuck.

Just fuck.

Now I will have to tell Dan I did exactly what he told me not to and spoke to one of Aiden 'I’m such a pervert’s' mates, and that they know what I look like and the fact I know Dan.