Page 27 of Corpse Roads

Jesus fuck, I’m an idiot. Hunter is telling me not to get attached. Little does he know, it’s already too late. She’s under my skin.

That can only mean one thing.

Trouble.

CHAPTER 6

HARLOW

NEW EYES - ECHOS

Keeping my hand tucked in Enzo’s paw-like grip, I’m given a huge paper bag full of medications and instructions. The nurse’s words wash over me, but Enzo nods, listening to it all and taking the bag for me.

I’m glad one of us is able to pay attention.

All I can focus on is my shallow breathing.

Out in the waiting area, I find a familiar face carved in frustrated lines as he peers down at his phone. Hunter’s dressed smartly in another suit, his hair slicked into a neat bun and beard freshly trimmed.

He looks up as we enter, his eyes narrowing on my hand still clutched tight in Enzo’s. Panicking, I try to let go. My cheeks are flaming, and I have no idea why.

These men are so confusing. Enzo tightens his grip, casting me a warning look that ends my futile attempts to escape his grasp.

“I really hate hospitals,” Hunter declares darkly. “Let’s get the hell out of here and never come back.”

Enzo nods. “The car is parked downstairs.”

I’m guided to an odd metal door in the wall. Hunter presses something and I gape in shock as the wall splits into two with a ding.

The slices of metal part to reveal a small room, built straight into the wall. It looks a lot like another cell to me. My eyes sink shut as I begin to panic all over again.

“Harlow? You good?”

I’m surprised to find Hunter peering down at me when my eyes peek open a fraction. There’s a flash of concern on his face before it’s wiped away.

“I’m not getting in there,” I force out.

“The elevator? It won’t hurt you.”

“I’m not getting in.”

His nostrils flare and he strides away, opening another door off to the side. It reveals a metal staircase leading down. We begin to descend the stairs in frigid silence.

When Hunter’s phone rings, he answers it with a barked greeting. I feel sorry for whoever is on the end of the line. He suddenly raises a hand for Enzo to halt behind him.

I crash straight into Enzo’s back, nearly losing my balance on the stairs. His strong, trunk-like arm wraps around my waist before I can fall, placing me back on my feet.

“Careful,” he quips with a smile.

Before I can thank him, Hunter curses colourfully.

“Fucking hell. You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“What is it?” Enzo immediately asks.

Listening to the urgent voice on the end of the phone, I find myself spiralling out of control. The simple curse word triggers something inside of me that I can’t suppress.

It’s another forgotten memory, wrapped in pain and misery. The darkness of the basement washes over me like a storm cloud, chilling me to the bone with the familiar scent of blood.

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