Page 1 of Under Her Skin

KIEL

5 years ago

I clear my throat as I push off the corner of the wall. My chest burns and cramps, but I keep shuffling through the dark. My shin slams into an object I can’t see as I break into a run again, silently praying that the noise wasn’t heard.

My side feels both hot and cold and my shirt is damp with blood. I’m almost certain the bullet only grazed my skin, but it feels like I’m dying. Shouts echo from behind, followed by a noise that doesn’t sound human leaving my mouth. Bullets ricochet off the walls, the noise is deafening.

Abandoning caution, I run blindly through the tunnels. They must have some sort of night vision capability with how easily they are following me. But why haven’t they struck me down? It’s then I realize: I’m being hunted. Everything in me screams to run, and I don’t fight the urge, despite the exhaustion burning every muscle.

He whistles as if he’s on a holiday instead of hunting a drug lord in the Middle East. The other laughs at the sound and shouts my name. I trip and flail for purchase, but am suddenly without a wall to lean on. He laughs again. The other pauses his tune to laugh with him. Their footsteps are faster now, and I know they’re done with the chase. I consider begging, but it will only excite the crazy one. His eyes are dark—too dark—and they contain nothing but cruelty and malice.

It’shishand that grabs my neck from where I’m sprawled facedown in the dirt. He brings my wrists together behind my back as he speaks. “It’s you and me now, Kiel. Well, you, me, and your wife. She’s so lovely.”

I’m cold all over, and I start shaking. There are few things I love in the world. Really only one thing, and she’s in this monster’s possession. I can’t help it. I beg.

“She has nothing to do with this. Please. She doesn’t participate in my business.” He laughs and hauls me upright.

“That’s what she said too. She stuck to her story even after feeling my blade a few times. She’s a tough one, your wife. I get what you see in her.” I hear the smile in his voice, and I thrash in his grip.

“You’re sick,” I pant. The hand releases my neck as he steps in front of me, leaning in close.

“I am. And I will enjoy every moment I spend with you and your wife.” I know he’s trying to intimidate me, but I believe everything he says. I know he’ll enjoy torturing me and I know he’s enjoyed whatever he’s done to Lyssa.

“What did you do to her?” I rasp. He grasps me again and pushes against my back, forcing me to move.

“Why don’t I show you?” His voice is a sinister whisper, and the hollow feeling in my stomach returns in full.

We walk in silence while he steers me around the cramped space without pausing to assess for obstruction. I begin brainstorming ways to steal his night vision goggles when he opens a door and pushes me through.

1

CAL

Her dark hair is tangled around her face as she makes a fruitless attempt to push it behind her ears. She could roll the window up, but she seems content with the consequences of unruly hair, even if it means getting an unobstructed view. I squeeze my hand once on her thigh before removing it. Releasing my hold on the steering wheel, I remove her hair elastic from my wrist and hand it to her wordlessly. I don’t understand the look in her eyes as she takes it from me and wraps it around her hair.

I return my hand to her thigh, which she covers with one of her own. The car is silent and it’s a kind of silence I could live the rest of my days in. Roadside landmarks become more familiar to me as we head further north. My stomach twists at the thought of being in my hometown in just a few short hours. I haven’t been back since Chase and I hunted down my father. The time before that was for my mother’s funeral, so I don’t have many positive feelings associated with the place. I didn’t have many positive feelings about it as a kid either, but for some ungodly reason, I got the idea in my head to show Ava around.

I wanted her to see the place where I grew up, but the closer we get, the more I regret the decision. She was already watching me when I glanced at her, her amber eyes warm in the early evening light.

“Watch the road,” she scolds, but she says it with a laugh. “I’d rather not die before I get to see your hometown.” I roll my eyes at the insinuation.

“I’m not going to wreck the car. Have some faith, Viper.” She scowls at the name, her humor well and truly gone. It’s my turn to laugh as her scowl deepens. Regardless, I oblige her and turn back to the road, resisting the urge to look at her again when I feel her eyes on me.

“What?” I ask, my voice softer than I intended. She’s quiet for a moment, but she doesn’t move her focus.

“Your hair must have a red undertone. It looks almost auburn in this light.” I cut my eyes to her.

“My hair is definitely black.” She rolls her eyes.

“Nothing is ever just one color. It all depends on the lighting when you perceive it. On a cloudy day, your hair may seem darker, but something about this evening sunlight emphasizes the undertones.” I’m moved as I realize how differently we see the world. She sees such variation of color and light, whereas my world is very black and white. I tell her as much and she squeezes my hand.

“I happen to like the way you see the world,” she whispers, and I can’t help but look at her again. Her hair is already escaping the hair tie, small strands whip around her face.

“God, I love you,” I whisper back, and she grins. I hit the rumble strips, making her shriek.

“Watch the road, Cal!” She’s laughing again. I feel all of the anxiety from earlier melting away. I’m watching for a gas station, and take the exit when I see a roadside advertising one nearby.

“Oh great, I really have to pee,” Ava says, looking out of the window again.

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