Page 22 of Psycho Killers

I try to push Calista to the back of my mind, but all of a sudden the door to my room opens and she rushes in... with Killian, Dominic, and Five behind her. Thank fuck Jo is quick on her feet and puts me back in place before they can see what was going on. She winks at me, licking her lips as she walks away, eyes on me the entire time.

"I'll be back in a few for vitals and another round of meds," she says, flashing me a subtle wink.

The second she leaves, I finally look at my friends, their eyes puffy and bloodshot from crying and getting high, dark circles and bruises around their eyes from lack of sleep and fighting.

They look like shit.

They look like shit, and it's all my fucking fault.

Cali comes running over to me first, throwing her body on top of mine, her familiar scent bringing me back to life a littlemore. But there's still that rage simmering within me that needs to be dealt with. Regardless, I hug her back, holding onto her tightly while my tears secretly fall into the back of her hair. I've missed her so fucking much.

"Ash, I'm so glad you're okay," she says, her voice cracking as she tries not to cry.

"Me too, Cali. Me too. I can't wait to come home with you guys." I smile, wiping my eyes while running my fingers through her hair.

"When can you leave this joint?" Dom asks, uncomfortable, looking around with a paleness to his face I rarely see.

"Doc said mostly likely tomorrow unless they gotta run more tests and shit. But fuck this shit, I'm ready to go," I huff, growing more and more anxious.

"Just listen to what they say, Ash. You were fucking dead there more than once, okay?" Dom snaps, obviously knowing something that I don't.

"Don't worry, man, I'm staying. I just can't wait to get home with you fuckers," I laugh, trying to bring a smile to his face. It doesn't work.

"We're just glad you're okay. We'll talk about what the fuck you were thinking when you're home and healed." Five snaps, smiling and trying to hide the hurt in his eyes.

It's not long before Jo knocks on the door to inform us that visiting hours are over since it was a special circumstance. I say goodbye to my friends, promising I'll see them soon, and promising Cali that I love her and I can't wait to be with her.

But the second they leave and Jo comes into my room, shutting the door and flipping off the lights behind her, I push the rational thoughts down deep, letting the troubling ones reign front and center. I know I'm making a big mistake, but it's a mistake worth making if it can save Calista's life.

TWELVE

SKELETONS

SILVER AND COLD: AFI

2 DAYS LATER

ASH

During my last two days in the hospital, I found myself involved with the nurse more than I ever expected—six times she sucked my dick, to be exact. Each encounter brought Calista to my mind. It wasn’t something I sought out; Jo would come in with medication, and I felt powerless to say no. Yet, looking back, I realize I should have.

Now, as I get dressed in clothes that Kill brought for me, I patiently wait for my discharge papers. I didn’t inform anyone about my release today; I want it to be a surprise. At the same time, I fear being overwhelmed as soon as I step through the fucking door.

I stand near the window, dressed in my usual all-black attire with crisp white and black Nike dunks, and a brand new black snapback covering the messy hair on top of my head. The door tomy room opens, but I don't look behind me; my eyes are glued to the thick clouds filling the sky.

"Ready to go, handsome?" Jo asks in a squeaky voice, making me turn around to see her gripping the back of a wheelchair to escort me down to the exit.

"More than you fucking know," I reply, a chuckle escaping me as I settle into the chair, enjoying the proximity as she pushes me towards the exit.

"You need a ride? I'm off. You're my last patient of the day," she says, her pierced brow arching playfully.

I nod my head, already fantasizing about fucking her until I drain the life from her body. "Yeah, I'll take that ride," I tell her, even more anxious to leave this fucking place.

We get down to the lower level parking garage, and she helps me out of the wheelchair, my legs wobbly, but I manage to walk on my own, following her to where she parked her car. My eyes fixate on her peachy ass, hugged perfectly by a teal pair of scrubs this time. But it doesn't matter what color they are; they'll be splattered in red by tonight.

I shake my head, trying to dispel the dark thoughts swirling in my mind as I reach her car. Jo unlocks the door, and I slide into the passenger seat, the scent of her floral perfume gagging me as I adjust myself. The engine hums to life, and as she pulls out of the parking garage, I feel a sense of liberation wash over me.

I'm fucking free.

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