Page 91 of Mine to Keep

My phone vibrated with a message from Angel.

I’m at the window, it’s locked. I can’t see in, there are black out curtains everywhere. You’re gonna have to go in. Be careful. I’ll bust in if I have to, otherwise unlock the window once you come in.

I texted back,OK.

One last tinker and the click of the lock disengaged. Slowly, I turned the knob. As soon as the door opened, I could hear water running. It sounded like a bath. I peered around the door and no one was there.

As quickly and quietly as I could, I raced to the window and let Angel in.

Bathroom?he mouthed, and I nodded.

“Almost full, Matt. Now, I’m going to undress you. Can’t very well clean you with clothes on, can I? Don’t fight me, please. You can be a willing participant or not, up to you.”

“There’s no fucking way I’m going to be willing.”

I smiled as soon as I heard Matt’s voice. He was angry and very much alive.

“Such a shame. You’ll change your tune soon enough, Matt. Once you see how much I love you.”

Just outside the bathroom, I could only see the full tub. James and Matt had to be to the left. I didn’t know if James had a weapon on him, but the element of surprise might just be enough for me to take him out.

My gun in one hand, I held up the other to Angel, who was behind me.

One. Two. Three.

I pushed the door open, and it slammed against the wall. James jumped, knife in hand.

“Put the fucking knife down. I will happily shoot the shit out of you.”

“Nick.” I heard Matt’s relief, but I wasn’t taking my eyes off James.

“You aren’t welcome here.” James squeezed the knife.

“Give me a fucking reason to shoot you, please!”

James looked from me to Matt to Angel and back to me again. His nostrils flared, and he was growling.

“It’s over, James. Cops are on their way. You want to leave here in cuffs or a body bag? I’m a nice guy, I’ll even let you choose.”

“You’re trespassing! I’m within my rights to kill you.”

Angel chuckled. “Man, you aren’t doing the killin’ today.”

James’s body was coiled; he was going to do it, and I wasn’t even a little upset about it.

“Make your move, James.” I grinned.

He crouched and lunged. I shot but hit his shoulder. He tackled me to the ground and rolled us so he was beneath me.

“Matt is mine!” he shouted.

“Nick, roll! I can’t get a good shot,” Angel was yelling.

“Matt is not yours. He’s mine, motherfucker!” I punched him in the face once, twice—the third time never came, though. A piercing pain shot through my stomach.

“Nick!” Matt screamed, a shot was fired, and James went limp.

I looked down at the hunting knife currently sticking out of my stomach and blood blooming through my white shirt.

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