Page 108 of Devious Madness

There’re so many men here. I don’t know who any of them are.

“Wait.” I lift my head as we get close to the open doors.

The cool early morning air breezes in, and nothing has felt so good in my life. The sun hasn’t broken the horizon just yet, but there’s a soft orange haze starting to spread across the sky.

“What’s wrong?” Rurik looks down at me.

“Where’s Mario?” I try to look around Rurik’s hulkingfigure, but it’s pretty much impossible. “I need to see him first.”

“Why?”

“Please, Rurik.”

He sighs hard enough that my hair blows away from my face.

“Fine.” He brings me to where my three captors are being detained against the metal wall of the container. Mario already sports a swollen eye and a cut lip.

“Let me down.” I tap Rurik’s arm.

“No.” He squeezes me tighter, letting me know he’s not giving in this time.

“Rurik,” I whisper.

“No, Mira. You’re weak and hurt. I’m not putting you down.”

“Fine.” I pat his chest. He’s in his caveman mode, and I’m too tired to fight him on it. “Turn a little at least so I can really see him.”

He grunts but does what I ask.

“Mario. Hey, Mario.” I snap my fingers until he turns his swollen eye up at me. His nose bleed hasn’t stopped; the front of his shirt is covered with it. “I told you so.”

He opens his mouth like he’s going to say something back, but Kaz sticks his foot into his ribs, and he shuts it.

“Thank you.” I touch Rurik’s face. “I’m really sleepy.”

“Go to sleep. You’re safe now.” He hugs me tightly as he carries me out of the container.

“Of course, I am. You’re here.”

The sun is in full force when I wake up. Blinding rays shine through the opening in the thick curtains framing the window.

I hold still after opening my eyes, waiting for the headache to make its appearance.

Nothing.

A soft beeping sound pulls my attention, and I look around the room.

It’s Rurik’s bedroom.

And he’s turned it into a hospital room. Monitors and IV stands are on the side of the bed. I lift my right arm and find an IV stuck into my hand.

“You’re up.” Rurik bounds from the chair he pulled up to my side of the bed.

“Rurik. What’s beeping?” I try to sit up to look, but his big paws push me back onto the pillows.

“The IV bag needs to be changed. The nurse is on her way up.” He leans over me, checking me over.

“I’m fine.” I try to brush his hands away as he grabs my face, but he’s determined.

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