Page 28 of Possession

Had he heard me? Had it gotten through?

The water was still rising.

Chapter Eight

“Grace!”

I didn’t want to wake up. It was warm, and everything had soft edges. Best of all, it was warm.

“Ms. Copeland.”

I dragged open my eyes. Blake?

Was I still dreaming? I’d been slipping between consciousness and unconsciousness for what felt like forever.

He sounded…frightened? Not like my Blake.

“Really? Ms. Copeland now?” asked a second voice.

I turned away from the bright light flickering around the walls of the cave. The circle of light bounced around like a drunk lightning bug. Ceiling, ledges, and then back again.

“Gracie. Come out, come out wherever you are.”

“Jack?” I asked out loud.

“Here! Blake, she’s over here.”

“Get back.”

I frowned. The frigid water slapped at my chest.

Jack groaned. “What the hell, Blake?”

“I can get her.”

“I’m just trying to help.”

“Get back. Grace? I’m here.” His voice was reverent. Soft and hoarse with a touch of the steel I knew so well. Hands slid under my armpits. “Where’s your shirt? Grace?”

His hands were too warm. They were painful. I hissed. “Wait.” My voice was a squeak. He tugged and I pushed at him. “Blake, wait.”

“Shh. I’ll get you out of here, I promise.”

A shape loomed over me. The light was back. I held my hand up. “Stop.” All I could see was a head.

“Blake. Jesus, stop.” Jack’s voice was harsh.

“Don’t touch her!” Blake snarled.

I tried to catch his hand, but my arms wouldn’t work. “S-s-stuck.”

“What?” He cupped my face. So warm. The light threw his angular face into slashing shadows. His eyes were wild. The light making his green-gold eyes shine like a cat’s.

“Foot. C-c-can’t.”

“Shit.” He looked down into the water.

Then he was gone. Smart move. He should go back. No. Wait. He should totally be?—

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