Page 99 of The Dark Obsession

Rafael opens his door and gets out. He falls as he leaves the car.

Benjamin scrambles from the car and rushes to Rafael’s aid. “You okay?”

I try to move, but Adriel puts pressure on my shoulders to keep me still.

“Don’t move,” he whispers, not looking concerned about Rafael at all.

Rafael stays on his knees and groans something to Ben.

“No, man. No way,” Ben says, stepping backwards.

“Just do it,” Rafael shouts.

“I can’t,” Ben says louder now.

“Fucking do it!”

Ben shouts as he runs at Rafael and slams him backwards into the car.

I shout a string of swearwords and struggle against Adriel’s grip. “Let me go!”

Rafael grunts as Ben helps him up off the floor.

“His arm was dislocated,” Adriel mutters. His hands still pushes down on my shoulder even though I make no effort to move now. Waves of heat project from Adriel’s vibrating and bloody hand.

I close my eyes, and the world spins like a fairground ride. I choke back the vomit that rises in my chest, then open my eyes again.

Rafael leans over me now, his hand hovering near my neck.

“She’s all right, just a bit shaken,” Adriel says diplomatically and walks around the car.

Rafael side eyes Adriel with furrowed eyebrows.

“I’ll keep my eye out for any sign of Dale,” Ben says quietly.

Rafael nods in agreement as his fingers make gentle contact with my lower neck. “Does it hurt?” His green eyes widen.

I shake my head, ignoring the shooting sensation. “It’s fine. Let me out of the car.”

“I want you to stay in here and lay low. We’re going to find Dale.” Rafael ends his statement with a furious hiss.

“You’re having a laugh.” I stare at him incredulously.

“Get her out of the fucking car.” Benjamin’s voice pierces the quiet.

Rafael faces Benjamin, whose hand is gripping my wrist.

“He’s coming.” Benjamin’s voice breaks. Tugging frantically at my arm, Benjamin shoves past Rafael. His hands slide under my arms, and he lifts me slowly from the car. “Come on, Rose. You’ve gotta move faster.”

The whole world freezes. The car I spot in the distance moves at a snail’s pace. I can’t hear a thing, as if I’m trapped in my own mind.

Benjamin’s reddened eyes are fearful when he tries to tug me along.

I spy Rafael, who’s staring in disbelief at the car ahead, which is moving faster now. I try to take a step, but my legs won’t carry me. My knees give way, and I tumble.

Benjamin grabs me from behind and holds me up, trying to drag me along. He lifts my weight for a few steps, then stops, clutching his ribs. “I can’t, Rose. I can’t!”

“Rosa!” Rafael’s arm crushes me to his side and lifts most of my weight. “You need to run.”

---