Page 109 of Mayhem

“Wait, you were a part of this?”

She leans over, finally coming into view. She gives me a sinister smile. “Who do you think gave them the idea? Make sure you give him the message.”

My heart pounds as the door opens.

“Oh, thank goodness. She just woke up. She said she’s in a lot of pain. Can you give her more medicine?” Celeste’s voice is sweet as sugar.

“Of course, ma’am.”

“Great.” She leans back over me as a cool sensation fills my veins, making me sleepy. “Remember what I said. We’ll be back for you,” she says as everything goes black.

Twenty

Chase

My body’sshaking with rage, but I need to contain it. I knew he had her in there, but I couldn’t storm in there like I wanted. As much as I wanted to lose my cool and get her out of there, I knew one misstep would cause both of our deaths.

Knowing my death was coming wouldn’t have stopped me, but knowing she would cease to exist did.

It demanded I keep a level head and follow through with the plan.

I know the four men I see in that building were only the ones Bruce let me see. Just like he knows that even though I walked in alone, killing me would also kill him and everyone else in this building.

I let his men lead me back through the halls of the old building to a room. I can hear a murmur of voices behind the door before it opens.

From my peripheral, I can see her.

Willow.

My heart beats faster as I bite the inside of my cheek to resist making a move too soon.

Keep it together.

It’s hard warring with yourself. I’ve never cared about anyone the way I care about her.

“Finally. Rocky makes his appearance. We’ve been having fun here waiting for you, haven’t we, darling?”

I hear Willow spit before speaking. “It’s been a blast.”

Her voice is a balm to my soul, but I can hear the underlying pain in her tone.

Hold on, baby,I try to convey to her without giving anything away.

I steel myself for what I have to do next.

“Got yourself a new toy, huh? Guess you’re into sloppy seconds, Bruce.” The words burn my throat as they come out, but I can’t stop them.

If he thinks she means anything to me, the danger level rises. I need them to be off guard for this to work.

“My toy? Not likely. She’s not really my type. I don’t like when they bite. You seem to like it, though. What do you think of my gift?”

I want to sneer at him. At the way he presents Willow as if she is a gift he’s offering me.

Mine.

I’m going to make him pay for this.

“This is what you asked me here for?” I do my best to keep my tone even. “You’re wasting my time.”

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