Page 121 of Mind Maze

“Interesting,” Seth says. “There’s a discrepancy.”

If these men think they can somehow figure out my brain, they’re sorely mistaken. There are parts buried deep inside, even from me. So close, yet barely out of reach.

“Let’s show you something more familiar to you,” Seth mumbles, mostly to himself. “Ah, this one works.”

The video now shows me and Caius at the event we attended for the president. I drink in all the details, making note of every person I can get my eyes on. When the picture lands on Caius, my stomach tightens and tears form. He’s glaring in that intense way that makes me crazy with need. The camera follows his line of sight.

He’s looking at me.

I’m being bombarded by guys who are clearly interested in me. In my heart, I know I don’t care about any of them. I’ve been enamored with Caius for some time now.

The way he stalks me with purpose and possessive need makes me smile.

My heart races in my chest as he approaches me.

I can almost smell him.

Feel him.

Taste him.

I get lost in the visual that merges with my memory of the event.

He’d proposed. Later, he made love to me. He meant it.

A soon-to-be husband wouldn’t leave his soon-to-be wife in the hands of monsters. Like a dark prince from a wicked fairy tale, he’ll come for me. He’ll shine a light into the shadows and lift every stone.

He. Will. Find. Me.

I can hear voices speaking and they seem pleased. I’m too lost in my momentary thoughts of Caius to be worried about what they’re saying.

They don’t exist to me.

I’m withhim.

Dark eyes. Sharp jawline. Decadent scent. Strong, capable fingers all over me.

“She’s ready,” Doc Junior says, cutting through my lovely haze. “Prep her for surgery.”

Surgery?

“No,” I mutter, voice dry and practically useless. “Please.”

They choose not to hear.

This is happening.

“Don’t worry,” Seth assures me, “I’ll make sure everything goes according to plan. You’re safe with me, Romy. Stem Lock is about to change your life.”

“You’re welcome,” Doc Junior states with a chuckle.

I recall what he’d said about the Stem Lock procedure. They’ll attach that miniature device to my brainstem and I’ll be magically healed.

I can’t forget.

No matter what this procedure does to my brain, I refuse to forget.

Caius

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