Chapter 4I Am Deaf-Mute, And Learned His Scheme Through Smart Glasses

My scalp went completely numb.

The polite, soft-spoken Mr. Warren was one of the killers.

“What did she send you? Let me see... Damn it, this bitch found us out!”

A sudden shudder ran through me, and I whipped around.

The wooden bedroom door rattled violently as heavy boots slammed against it.

“She locked the door from the inside! She’s trying to run! Move out of the way, I’ll kick it open!”

If they broke through, I was dead.

I had to gamble everything on one crazy bluff.

I scrambled onto the bed, pulled up my skirt, snapped a quick selfie, and hit send.

The violent thudding against the door abruptly stopped.

“Wait, Boss! She sent me another message. It’s a photo! What the hell does this mean?”

In the photo, I had pulled up my hem to reveal my bare legs. Under the low light, my eyes were half-lidded, painted with heavy, seductive desire.

“Boss... I think she’s trying to hit on me.”

“Don't be an idiot! She asked for help earlier, she obviously knows we’re here!”

“Hold on! Let me ask her. She can't run anywhere anyway, what’s the harm? Boss, please, just let me reply!”

A second later, my phone buzzed.

[What is this picture supposed to mean?]

Seeing that notification, my frantically pounding heart slowed just a fraction.

He was my last sliver of hope. If I couldn't hook him, I was dead.

I deliberately waited a few painful seconds before replying:

[Mr. Warren, do I look pretty?]

The glasses immediately transcribed his vocal reaction:

“Hahaha! Forty years on this earth, and a woman is finally coming on to me... Boss, watch me play hard to get!”

My phone buzzed again:

[You're very pretty. But I deleted the photo. You have a boyfriend, you shouldn't be doing this.]

I typed back instantly:

[Don't talk about that useless loser! He wouldn't even take me out for dinner on our anniversary... I don't know why, but I feel so tired and dizzy right now. Every time I close my eyes, I just see you carrying those boxes without your shirt on... so manly... Mr. Warren, can you come help me?]

Even without hearing his voice, the transcribed text conveyed his mounting excitement clearly.

“Damn, she’s so desperate! Boss, Rick, I’m begging you guys, let me go first tonight! I want to feel what it’s like when a girl actually wants me!”

“I still think she’s playing you.”

“Screw off! Look at these muscles, what woman doesn't want this? Boss, come on, please?”

“Whatever. If something goes wrong, don't blame me.”

“She’s trapped like a rat, she can't escape! Heh!”

A moment later, his text arrived:

[This isn't right... How am I supposed to help you?]

[I don't know, I just miss you... It feels terrible... But my boyfriend is still out in the living room. Never mind, forget I said anything...]

[Don't wait! Stay right there, I’ll lure him away and come straight to your room!]

[I'm so sleepy... You better hurry...]

A few seconds passed before his final message popped up:

[Okay, he stepped outside for a moment. Open the door quickly, I’m right outside.]

[Wait, Mr. Warren, are you serious?... Okay, I’m opening it now...]

I suppressed a wave of nausea, drew a sharp breath, and walked to the door.

I didn't open it right away. Instead, I peered through the tiny gap under the frame.

Sure enough, there was only one pair of shoes standing there.

This was the critical moment.

The instant I unlocked the door, a completely nude Mr. Warren lunged inside, wrapping his thick arms around me and pressing his foul, reeking mouth toward mine.

I twisted my head away to dodge his lips, reaching behind his back to throw the lock again.

Blinded by lust, he didn't even notice.

He shoved me roughly toward the bed, his dirty hands grabbing at my body.

Enduring intense disgust, I let him push me, guiding his weight step by step toward the open window.

When my back hit the window sill, I suddenly pivoted, pinning him back against the frame.

Because he was short, he instinctively yielded to my movement, stepping backward until he was sitting precariously on the low ledge.

Just as he grinned, expecting me to service him, I summoned every ounce of strength I had and shoved him backward with all my weight.

Text flashed across my lenses:

“Aaagh!”

Then, absolute silence.