Page 14 of Unhinged

I can’t see who it is in the car, but nothing about this is familiar.

I tell myself I’m imagining ghosts everywhere I go.

“Yes, I need a ride. Thank you.”

The man’s wrist rests against the steering wheel.

“Come in. It’s open,” he says.

He doesn’t have an Irish accent.

My stomach lurches.

“Well? Are you coming in?”

He leans over, and I swear I see something Russian tattooed on his hand.

“I-I forgot something,” I mumble, forcing a smile.

I turn, walking fast, and duck into the first dark alley I see.

Streetlights flicker overhead.

The pavement feels too quiet.

Everything feels wrong.

I try to shake myself to see if I’m asleep or awake, but I’m definitely awake.

My eyes burn too much.

My stomach churns with hunger. When was the last time I ate?

The car idles at the alley’s entrance.

What the actual fuck?

I reach into my coat, and my fingers close around a small blade.

I know even now that it’s too small, too useless, but maybe if I?—

A shadow moves behind me.

I spin, my heart stuttering.

A hand clamps over my mouth.

Beautiful, furious, unforgettable, stormy gray eyes meet mine.

A voice murmurs in my ear.

“Mine.”

* * *

Chapter5

MATVEI

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