Page 4 of Freeing Emily

I continue to scan the area. The operation is running like a well-oiled machine.

“Follow me,” Rhys says with a flick of his chin for me to follow.

We check the quality of the weapons as well as the ammunition. Rhys talks with some of the men that are overseeing the process. As he discusses everything, I can’t stop my thoughts from venturing toward Emily.

She is breathtaking. She doesn’t appear to be that much younger than I am either. She’s completely off-limits but I know it’s going to be difficult to avoid the draw I feel to her. Her allure is hypnotic.

I’ve never experienced this feeling before. It’s as though she’s created a space in my soul made specifically for her. It’s an absurd thought, especially since I’ve only just exchanged a handful of words with her.

Regardless, I want to make her mine. Declan’s threat seems minuscule compared to the mesmeric need to be with her. To claim her.

“Liam.” Rhys’s voice breaks my trance and I meet his annoyed glare. “Get your shit together, kid. We have shit to do.”

Shelving my thoughts of Emily, I follow Rhys as we make our way further into the warehouse.

Walking into the foyer, I struggle with the want I have to go search for Emily.

“Declan is down in the cellar. Follow me.” Rhys pivots and makes his way down a long corridor. He opens a large wooddoor and steps into an office. He strides in and stops in front of another door that is just behind the desk in the center of the room. Pushing it open, a stairwell is revealed.

We walk silently down the concrete steps to another door at the end of the staircase that opens to a large open room. A metal table sits to the right with a black bag and an assortment of tools set on the surface. Declan stands in a pool of blood and body parts are scattered in the center of the room with his back to us. In the back of my mind, I tell myself to heed his warning. But another part of me says to throw caution to the wind and take what I want.

Peering over his shoulder, he nods a greeting and then steps away from his victim. The body in the seat is nothing but flayed skin and meat. My stomach churns at the sight. I’m no stranger to torture but feck, this person looks like they got into a fight with a meat grinder.

Metal clanks as Declan sets his tools on the table. Blood coats his hands, face, and tattooed chest.

“Everything good?” He asks without lifting his head. His movements are slow and predatory as he scans his tools. He moves as though he’s not even human.

“Yeah, shipments are already heading where they need to,” Rhys replies as he steps through the blood and strides to Declan.

“Perfect. My da will be gone for a few weeks, so I’ll be in charge until then.”

“Declan!” Emily’s shriek comes from above and we all jerk our heads in the direction of the door before bolting up the stairs. I take each step two at a time with Declan and Rhys at my heels. Jumping over the desk, I pass through the threshold of the office door.

“Where are you?” I shout, scanning from left and right. My heart is pounding in my chest with such force that it’s almost painful. Her reply comes from upstairs, and I sprint up the steps.

Declan shoves past me and runs down the hallway before pushing a door open. We enter the space that I assume is Emily’s bedroom just by the smell of berries and wildflowers. Declan makes a beeline to the ensuite.

Emily is lying in the center of the shower with a towel wrapped around her. A gash on her leg is bleeding profusely.

“What the hell happened?” When Declan reaches for her, she shrieks.

“You’re covered in someone else’s blood! Don’t touch me!”

Declan looks over his shoulder and gestures for me to help but there is a clear warning in his eyes.

Emily’s blue eyes meet mine and I’m flooded with nerves. Walking slowly, I crouch next to her. The humidity of the shower causes sweat to slide down my back.

“Hold onto me,” I whisper, and she wraps her small arms around my neck. Goosebumps spread over my skin despite the heat of the room. Sliding my arms under her frame, I lift her from the tiled floor. She hisses when her leg touches the fabric of my shirt.

“How did you get hurt?” Declan asks as he scans the room.

“I fell in the shower and hit the edge of the bench.”

My shirt is wet from the water sliding down her soft skin and I struggle to keep my body from reacting to her proximity.

“I’ll call the doctor to come check her out.” Rhys pulls his phone from his pocket and leaves the room to make the call.

“Set her on the bed,” Declan orders.

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