Page 14 of Broken Skulls

“I’m sorry,” I mutter quietly, wondering if that is why he brought me here. He couldn’t save her, so he saved me.

“No need to be. She didn’t die. She lived through it. She said she regretted doing it the minute she let go.”

He didn’t even give me a chance to regret it. “I have nothing to stay for. Literally nothing, JD. I don’t have a life, and I haven’t for a long time. And that’s okay. Just let me go.”

“Close the door. I’ll be right back,” he says.

I slide the door closed, wondering if maybe he’s going to get the key to let me out. A few minutes later, I hear him leave something in the box for me.

“Put it on.”

My heart beats wildly when I open the door and feel what it is. It’s a blindfold.

“Trust me.”

“I don’t trust anyone. Not even myself.”

“Okay then, do it because I’m telling you to. You don’t have to trust me.”

I’ve never talked to anyone like him. He’s a bit strange.

“Fine.” I don’t know why I’m doing this.

“Is it on?”

“Yeah, it’s …”

When the door creaks open, I scramble back against the wall. Fear pulses through my veins now that there is no barrier separating us.

Why does he keep doing this to me? I don’t want to feel anything!

He kneels in front of me. I can’t see him of course, but I feel him. Oh, do I feel him … smell him. A craving for his touch begins to stir in my soul.

No!

He feeds it by placing his palm against the side of my face, giving me a dopamine hit like I’ve never experienced.

“What are you doing?” I rasp, struggling to control my breathing.

“I’m going to show you something.”

He places shoes on my feet as my mind races. This is my chance!

As he leads me out of the room and up the stairs, I begin counting. I note every twist and turn he makes. Soon enough, I feel the wind on my face. Gravel crunches beneath my feet, but I don’t hear any cars or anything. It must be daytime though, because the sun is warm on my face.

“Hold still,” he says before placing a helmet on my head. “We’re going for a little ride on the bike.”

“I’ve never ridden,” I tell him, tugging away as he tries to help me on behind him.

He gives my arm one good jerk, sending me flying against his hard body. My hands fly up to his chest. “If that’s true, you’re in for quite the treat. Get on.”

My stomach clenches painfully with a need I’m trying desperately to suppress. I have to get away from this man. He’s awakening something inside of me that I’d rather remain dormant.

Once I’m firmly settled behind him, he starts the engine.

Oh my god.

“There. Now that’s not so bad, is it?” he asks, grabbing my hands and pulling my arms around him. “Hold on tight.”

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