Page 12 of Echoes

I just open my lips silently, begrudgingly letting him pop the pill in my mouth. He hands me a small bottle of water, and I quickly swallow, taking large gulps to hydrate my parched throat.

Making some notes on a file, he motions to my hands. "Come back this afternoon for another application. If the pain medication doesn't help, let me know."

"Right," I sigh. "Am I free to go now?"

"Yes, yes," he says, waving me off. "Wear gloves next time."

I stare at him bewildered for a second, wondering if he's having a senior moment. Has he forgotten where we are? Doeshe think I willingly have access to bleach and just randomly decided to wake up at the crack of dawn and start cleaning for the fucking thrill of it?

The guard grabs my elbow again as I step into the hallway, and this time, I jolt from his bruising touch.

"Can you stop that?" I hiss. "It hurts and I'm obviously not going to run. Even if I wanted to, I won't get anywhere."

He tightens his grip on me, coldly smirking like he's proud of himself. "Protocol. Suck it up."

I growl under my breath, knowing very well it's not protocol, but I don't bother to fight back.

As we approach the end of the hallway, I'm horrified to find Damon standing there alone. He looks as if he's waiting for me—arms folded, sneer on his face.

I wait for the guard to direct us toward the rooms or hall, but he stops in front of Damon, jerking me forward.

"This the one?" he asks.

Damon nods, not breaking eye contact with me. "She sure is."

My eyes widen in alarm. "What's going on?" I grill the guard. He ignores me again, turning and walking away. I'm left with the Devil, heart racing as panic starts to overwhelm me.

"This way," Damon orders, motioning toward the hall. He doesn't touch me, but there's a threat to his tone, warning me not to disobey or run.

Slowly, I follow in defeat. He leads us to the library doors, opening one side. His cold stare is telling me to enter, and against my better judgment screaming no, I do.

There's no winning here. If I refuse and stay outside, I'm at risk of being seen. If I enter inside, I'm alone with a predator—one who wants me dead.

But that's the thing about predators… They know how to hunt and chase.

My feet carry me to the tables at the back of the library, my eyes darting around. I know I'm looking forhim, but as I suspected, he's not here.

"So, Avery. You've returned to grace us with your presence," Damon says coolly.

I spin around to face him, trying to keep my distance. "I guess so."

"Hm." He paces along the floor, casually weaving around tables. "You seem surprised."

"I am surprised," I answer quietly. "Especially since…" I trail off, quickly shutting down the words.

"Since, what?" he asks in a deadly, curious tone.

I shake my head. Damon pauses, resting his hand on a nearby table.

"I asked you a question, Avery."

Biting my tongue, I shake my head again. I won't let him bully me into finishing my unspoken sentence. The last thing I need is to cause more trouble for myself.

He laughs quietly, the sound sending a chill through my bones.

"Since what, Avery? Since I framed you for murder?"

Chapter 5

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