Page 113 of Twisted Legacy

“I just left the ballet and I’m heading back to campus.”

“That’s right. Plans with the grandfather. Tell me about it.”

“He pretty much ignored us, but at least I had good seats and saw a fantastic ballet.”

“In that world, women are accessories. They’re rarely seen as people with something to contribute.”

“Then I guess it’s a good thing I’m not part of that world.”

“The more time you spend around them, the more influence they’ll have over you.”

My whole body shivers, rejecting that thought. “Awe, Wolfe. Are you scared they’re gonna woo me away from you? I promise that will never happen. I’ll always be a stubborn pain in your ass.”

He chuckles. “I hope so, sweetness. I hope so.”

Chapter67

Thea

My eyes drift open when the timer goes off, letting me know my time in the sauna is up. I climb to my feet, stretching the tendons in my neck, groaning when I hear that satisfying pop.

When I grab the door handle and tug, it doesn’t move. I pull again, confirming it’s locked. I smear my hand across the steamy window, peering into the gym. I can’t see anything with how quickly it keeps fogging up.

I bang the heel of my palm against the door, trying to get someone’s attention. There has to be someone else here, because I didn’t lock myself in.

After a few minutes, I add my voice to the banging. Nobody comes, and I watch with a sense of dread as the lights in the gym flick off. I swipe at the beads of sweat running down my forehead.

I glance at the thermostat. It’s getting hotter in here. I resume pounding on the door and yelling until my voice goes hoarse. The last light clicks off. My next breath is heavy and thick. I’m back there. Back in that moment. I feel the heat on my feet and struggle to breathe as the smoke fills my chest. My vocal cords shredded from yelling for someone to help me. Just like I’m doing now.

“Let me out, let me out!!” I plead, straining to be heard. Nobody’s coming. There is no saving me this time.

“What the hell?”

“Thea! Thea! Wake up. Wake the fuck up.” Arms grab me, shaking me. My head lolls to the side. I try to open my eyes, but I’m too tired. “You are not doing this shit to me, Nem. Not today. Look at me! Dammit, look at me! We need to get your body temperature cooled down, but I need you to wake the fuck up!”

My eyes flutter open. I move my mouth, wanting to tell him I don’t take orders. My words slur. “Gid you shtrug me again?”

I miss his response because I finally pass out.

I know that beep. I’m intimately familiar with that beep. I hate the beep. “Easy, Thea.”

A cool hand presses against my shoulder, keeping me prone. “What?” I try again. “Did they catch him?”

“Catch who?”

I fall back asleep.

Hospital. I’m in a fucking hospital.

“You’re awake.”

I push myself up in bed to get a better look at my surroundings.

“Thirsty?”

I nod. My mouth is dry and my throat hurts. She holds the glass while I sip through a straw. She takes the cup away and says, “I’ll let the doctor know you’re up.”

She returns with him a few minutes later. “How are you feeling?” He asks as he takes my vitals.

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