Page 31 of Luka

As soon as the stranger walked out and closed the door behind him, Spencer let out a shaky breath. He’d been hoping the asshat wouldn’t hurt him because of Ross’s orders, but that had been a risky chance to take.

It had still been satisfying, even though Spencer had an overwhelming urge to clean up his mess. The room was already gross enough without food dripping from the mattress.

He pulled out the beacon and was relieved when he saw the little red light was still on. If only he could use it to communicate, but as far as he could see, there wasn’t a way.

When he heard footsteps, Spencer quickly shoved the device back into his pocket and pulled his hand free just as the door opened. His jaw hit the floor when he saw Tanner standing in the doorway.

His coworker closed the door behind him, looking Spencer over, before he quickly whispered, “What on earth have you gotten yourself into, Spencer?”

Spencer sputtered for a moment. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“I’m dating one of the guys out there,” Tanner said before he glanced over his shoulder at the door then looked back at Spencer. “I said I had to use the bathroom but only after I heard them talking about you. What the fuck?”

“You need to recalibrate your dating measures,” Spencer said. “You clearly have shitty taste in men.”

“Tell me about it,” Tanner groaned. “Unfortunately, breaking up with Herb hasn’t been that easy. Why do you think I sympathized with you when I saw those bruises on you?”

“Because you’re a decent human being,” Spencer said. “Or I thought you were, even though you’re catty as fuck at times.”

“Try being in a situation you’re desperate to get out of and see if you’re all sunshine and rainbows.” Tanner walked over to the window and tried to open it, but Spencer knew it wasn’t happening.

“It’s nailed shut.”

Tanner cursed. “Who can I call for you?”

Spencer had never been more grateful that he’d memorized Luka’s phone number. In this day and age, with the ability to simply store a contact in your phone, remembering a number was almost impossible.

But Spencer’s gut had told him that knowing Luka’s number might come in handy. He grabbed Tanner’s phone and dialed. Defeat nearly buckled his knees until he heard Luka’s deep voice answer.

“Who in the fuck is this?”

“Luka, it’s me.”

“Spencer?” Luka said something to someone before he came back on. “I’m almost to your location, sweetheart. Are you hurt?”

“No, but Ross is using a broker to get me to Lazarus.” Spencer swallowed, fighting back tears. He missed Luka so much that he would sell his soul to be in his mate’s arms. “Hurry. I’m not sure when the broker will be here.” Spencer slapped a hand over his mouth to stop the scream when he saw three mice scurry against the baseboard. “Get me out of this hellhole.”

Tanner whispered the address, and Spencer relayed it, just in case the beacon died or some other crazy shit happened to prevent Luka from getting to him.

“How are you calling me?”

“Tanner is here.”

“Your coworker?” Luka snarled.

“He’s actually helping me, so don’t kill him.” A tear slid down Spencer’s cheek. “I hate to admit this, but I’m scared, Luka.”

Tanner touched Spencer’s arm. “I have to get back out there before Herb becomes suspicious and starts looking for me.”

Spencer didn’t want to hang up. “Leave your phone with me.”

Tanner shook his head. “If they catch you, and figure out you have my phone, I’m dead.”

“I’m coming, baby,” Luka said. “I know you’re scared, Spence, but be brave for me. I love you.”

When Tanner grabbed the phone and hung up, Spencer wanted to punch his lights out. “You didn’t even give me a chance to tell him I loved him!”

“Keep your fucking voice down,” Tanner hissed. “I have to go, but I’ll keep an eye on things for you.”

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