Page 206 of A Love Like Venom

Come on, Reed! Fucking think!

Keeping my gaze steady on theirs, even though it’s a fucking struggle to keep my eyelids open, I subtly test the chains that bind me.

The barbed wire digs in my skin but the chains have become looser.

From the constant swinging back and forth from their blunt attacks and my blood dripping down my arm the restraints aren’t as tight.

As they converse with one another momentarily distracted I take the opportunity to test the chains some more.

I ignore the pain. I block out all the doubts in my head.

The only thing I can hear is Alice telling me how much she believes in me.

And that’s all I need.

I hear her voice one last time,I believe in you, Reed. Always.

Mustering up all the strength that I have I lift the lower half of my body upwards while wrapping my hands around the barbed wire chain. The barbed wire slices my skin but I don’t feel it. My body is numb to everything at this point. Then taking all the strength that I have I forcefully throw my body back down and the chain above me snaps.

My body makes impact with the cement and I lose my breath.

Running on the adrenaline I have left I force myself to stand and face the two men who have shock written all over their face.

Before they have a chance to retaliate I take what’s left of the chain dangling around my wrists and lash it against one of them. It strikes the bigger one in the face. A gnarly gash across his cheek. He charges at me with blade in hand. Thinking quick I take the chain and wrap it around his wrist that is holding the blade. I twist the chain and it causes the blade to fall from hishands. As the blade falls from his hand I catch it and without hesitation slit his throat.

Blood sprays across my face almost drenching it completely. I blink away his blood and focus on my next target.

He staggers backwards afraid. I revel in it. His fear feeds my darkness. It fuels my adrenaline.

With blood covering my face I smile at him darkly. He goes to run but I catch him with the chain before he can escape. With the barbed wire attached to his skin I tug him towards me. Then I take the blade and pierce it right through his eye. Screams of pain fill the air and it’s beautiful. Removing the blade, his eye attached to the tip, I flick it off and bring the blade deep down the middle of his forehead.

He falls to the floor with a loud thud. A pool of crimson surrounding his body.

My smile grows wider.

A chuckle escapes me as I glance between both dead bodies.

But it only takes the sound of one voice to wipe that smile off and fill me with dread instead.

“Get off of me! Get your fucking hands off of me!” A voice that just moments ago I only heard in my head shrieks for all to hear.

My head snaps towards the sound and through the haze of red I see her.

No.

All the breath leaves my lungs. My damn legs tremble beneath me. They fucking tremble.

Her face is pale as her eyes are widened with horror. Knuckles are bright red from the hold she has on the arms that keep her captive to his frame. She thrashes against him but stops when a knife is pressed to her side.

No.

As they come into view I can feel my entire being slowly breaking down. Her tear stained cheeks and lips bruised has my heart panicking. The smile of victory on his has my blood boiling.

Releasing a primal scream I run towards them with what energy I have left.

I’m close. I’m so fucking close to reaching them until a shot rings in the air and causes me to fall to my knees.

Her cry pierces my soul.

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