Page 42 of Overcast

I don’t want either of them hurt. I can’t bring myself to want to see Mills injured when he’s been the only gentleness I’ve had since being taken.

Except when his fist flies into my rescuer’s face, sending him back two steps.

He’s loyal to Emric.

As much as I appreciate him, I’m still a no one to him. I’m still Emric’s prisoner that he was just about to dispose of.

For the first time since being pulled out of the vehicle, I quickly take in my surroundings as the chirping of birds encase the violent scene.

We’re on a two-lane road with houses lining the street. They are all pushed back and led to by long driveways, but someone has to see us.

Anyone.

Several guns have gone off, windows have been broken, and tires have squealed in protest. This place doesn’t seem to see or hear a lot of that.

Why is everyone deaf when I need help?

“Let’s go, girl.” My attention hauls to another heavyset man with balding hair and a beer belly gut. With a cigar sticking out of his mouth, he jerks his head to follow him.

My body doesn’t compute because, well...stranger danger.

Granted, he couldn’t make me follow him even if he had a bag of a million dollars and a lollipop in his hand for good measure.

I’ve never seen any of these men before, and I don’t want to leave with anyone.

I want to run off on my own and disappear. I’ve had my fair share of “fun” and adventure for the rest of my life on this excursion. Might develop a few nice scars from it too if you don’t count the mental ones I’m going to suffer from.

“You need a doctor. Come on.”

My thigh instantly reminds me of that fact by screaming in pain, still open from Emric’s blade. There’s been so much blood that’s left my body that I have no clue how I’m still alive.

Before I left the basement, I heard Mills yelling at Emric upstairs to wrap my leg before I died, but Emric never came.

No big surprise there.

The more I suffered, the more he likes it.

“I’ll let you hold my gun if it gets you to budge,” the new man urges, taking a step towards me, but he makes no moves to actually grab one.

I make a quick inventory of my options. I can’t run, what else is there besides screaming?

And even then…

The man’s features try to soften, but with the stress encircling us, it’s hard. We’re all in danger with Emric around.

“We don’t have a lot of time, girl.”

My lips begin to tremble as I start to slowly move forward. “Please...don’t hurt me.”

His thick brows furrow. “I’m not going to touch you. I’m here to get you away from these guys.”

“Who—”

“George,” he replies hastily. “But my friends call me Cuban.” He wiggles the cigar in his mouth. “I like my smokes.”

Taking another step, he mocks my actions languidly so as not to scare me any more than I am. His eyes flick behind me before landing back to my face.

“C’mon, sweetie, we really have to leave now.”

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