Page 67 of Bones

Elsie:

I’m on my way to class.

Me:

Don’t care.

Need you to get home.

I waited a moment but got no response.

So, I messaged her again.

Me:

Elsie, no fucking around.

I need you to come home.

Me:

Elsie?

I tossed my phone down on the table as I grumbled, “Fuck.”

“No luck?”

“Fuck no.” I ran my hand over my face with frustration. “She’s either already in class, or she’s fucking ignoring me.”

“Torch just messaged and said she made it inside.”

“Fuck.”

“He’d have to be a real dumbass to pull something on that campus.” Big was trying to reassure me, but it wasn’t working—not even when he added, “And Stitch and Wrath are right on his tail. You don’t gotta worry. He won’t get the chance to get close to her.”

I wish that was the case.

Sadly, it wasn’t.

CHAPTER17

Elsie

Iknew Wyatt was worried about me coming to class, but I didn’t know how worried until I received his message about me coming back to the clubhouse. Under any other circumstances, I would’ve just done what he said and headed back, but I had to get my project assignment for the following week. And I had Torch and Alto watching my every move.

They even walked with me up the front steps of my building and watched as I headed inside. They were taking every precaution—not that they needed to. There were people everywhere, including campus security. I felt completely safe, which was why I replied to Wyatt that I was on my way to class and put my phone on silent. I shoved it into my back pocket and continued down the hall.

I was just about to step into class when I felt someone’s hand on my arm, and I was jerked back. Seconds later, I was in a small, enclosed place with very little light. I took a quick look around and saw that I was in a supply closet with a man wearing a black hoodie. I immediately started punching, kicking, and screaming at him but stopped when he snarled,“Stop, Elsie! It’s me.”

“Ben?” I gasped. “What the hell? What are you doing?”

“I came to warn you.” He eased his hoodie back, revealing his unshaven face and tired eyes. It looked like he hadn’t slept or bathed for days. “These men you live with aren’t who you think they are.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“They are dangerous. They’re criminals.” He grabbed my arm, tugging me closer as he warned, “You gotta get away from them.”

“Have you lost your mind?”

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