Page 47 of Darkness

I scoff. “That’s not your decision to make.” I push past him, opening the door and letting myself out of his room for the first time.

That felt so fucking empowering.

He follows me, and I enter the hall, but my power trip evaporates as I realize I don’t know where Ivy is. I exhale grumpily and turn toward Nycto, who is assessing my every move.

“What now, Eva?”

I roll my eyes and jut out my hip. “Just take me to Ivy.”

“That’s not the way to ask for something.”

“Can you take me to Ivy… please.” My tone is totally sarcastic, but I don’t care, and I cross my arms over my chest.

“Of course, chiquita. Whatever you wish,” he mocks, equally sarcastic.

I might revisit hating him again after all.

But I’ll worry about that later.

Right now, I need to see my sister.

Chapter Eighteen

EVA

Nycto walks me through the clubhouse. Brothers watch me like they know shit is about to go down, but all I can worry about is my mission to see Ivy.

Nycto tries to take my hand, but I yank it away. I’m angry. No, I’m furious. He’s had Ivy here for a whole day, and he didn’t tell me. Nycto huffs, leading me past the entrance to the clubhouse where I had planned to escape from only moments ago. If I’d succeeded, I would have left when Ivy is here.

How fucked up is that?

We walk to a set of stairs that head down, and he gestures for me to lead the way. The stairwell is dark, ominous. Foreboding.

Where the hell are they holding her? Is she some kind of prisoner? It makes sense. I am, after all.

Taking in a long breath, I start the descent and find myself entering a darkened area. It smells all kinds of wrong. I gag. It’s fucking eerie and strange. The walls are made of red brick. Some look new, some older. The whole area makes no sense to me, but a light catches my attention at the end of the long, dank room. A large brick wall is open, showing some kind of makeshift hotel suite inside.

What the fuck is this shit?

Nycto ushers me forward, and with each step I take, my nerves heighten even more. This place is beyond strange. Movement on the sofa catches my attention, and I pause. My heart thuds rapidly as I glance at Nycto. His lips turn up slightly as if trying to ease my nerves. It doesn’t help.

My body trembles as I walk faster toward the room. “Ivy?” I call out.

The figures on the sofa turn.

And I see her.

She stands while I stop dead still.

She’s perfect.

Exactly as I remember.

In the same dress we left Cuba in.

It hasn’t been a long time, but I don’t know what I was expecting.

A small whimper escapes me. I can’t hold myself back any longer, so I race forward, the chill of the concrete floor sending an ache through my bare feet.

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