Page 19 of His to Burn
I let my gaze follow that trail to the place where it ended and then looked in the opposite direction.
My heart beat a steady rhythm, but that steadiness told a lie. Earlier today, I was confident that I’d seen it all. And in truth, it wasn’tthe twisted, broken, partially eaten man that had me fighting for control.
No, what had my chest tight, my muscles tense, was the confirmation that this was only the beginning.
FIVE
Asia
I thoughtof myself as strong, but couldn’t deny the comfort Jackson’s presence gave me.
Which told me everything I needed to know.
Because this dangerous stranger was my only protection.
Protection I knew I needed as I studied the terror before me.
I felt his gaze on me and looked up. “Let’s go. You slow me down, you get in my way, you’re on your own,” he grated out in a barely audible whisper.
Did he mean it?
I studied him, searching for a hint that he was bluffing and finding nothing.
Worst of all?
I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not.
He started moving, and apparently my choice was made.
I was barely half a step behind him and that was still too far.
Distant screams filled my ears.
The acrid stench of blood hit me anew with every breath.
As terrifying as Jack was, I realized I wanted to be even closer.
But, instead of trying to crawl into his skin, I settled for gripping my pipe tighter.
My palms were slick with sweat, but the weight of the pipe comforted me as we moved down the hall.
Or it did until I saw the streaks of blood on the floor in shockingly neat lines.
I slowed, gaping at the scene.
What I saw hit me all at once.
Claw marks.
The remnants of someone fighting for their life with everything they had.
I finally looked away when I saw what I realized were bloody fingernails dotting the formerly pristine, stark-white floor.
My gaze collided with Jack’s, and despite everything, I felt a moment’s comfort.
But only a moment’s.
Another sound, this one closer than the screams that I could tell where far away, drew my attention.
