Page 26 of Kept

Ryder grins. “We were just having a little look around. But we seem to have found something much more interesting than a few statues.”

He straightens. “Anyway, I think we’ve got what we need. Enzo. Time to shoot, brother.”

Both Enzo and I freeze. “What?” we both ask at the same time.

Craning my head, I see Ryder shrug. “Like I said, we just wanted a little look, and we got one. So now we’re leaving.”

“Ryder,” Enzo growls. There’s a moment of silence as Ryder moves out of view, and Enzo’s weight moves off me. Shoving myself upright, I push my hair back and turn to them.

They’re already heading towards the elevator, without a backward look.

Crossing my arms, I call out, a hint of smugness in my voice. “There’s a code on that door.”

“Is there?” Ryder calls back airily. I watch with growing agitation as they fiddle around with the key code, and the doors slide open.

My mouth dries. They’re… leaving.

Just like that?

The doors begin to close. Enzo’s eyes burn into mine.

“Wait!” I cry out. I dart towards the door, banging my hip against the counter on my way. “Please!”

The doors close as the chain jerks my ankle, pulling me to a stop.

No.

That could have been my only chance.

I’m still staring at the closed doors when the little bell rings. And just like that, they’re sliding open again.

Ryder steps out, arms crossed, and eyes raised. Enzo follows behind him, a silent, threatening shadow as they both come to a stop in front of me.

Ryder grins. “Knew you’d miss us. Time to start talking, princess.”

I narrow my eyes at them, mildly irritated at their little game. But mostly… I’m just relieved they came back.

And that’s the only explanation I have for what falls out of my mouth.

“Take me with you.”

Ryder opens his mouth, but Enzo interrupts him. He steps forward, his hands curling into fists. “Your name.”

He doesn’t look like he’s messing around this time.

I swallow. “Zella.”

“Hmmm.” Ryder says consideringly while Enzo stares me down. “Interesting choice.”

“What does that mean?” I ask, moving my eyes to him.

He gestures nonchalantly towards my head. “The hair, of course. Rapunzel? In the tower?”

When I stare at him, uncomprehending, he frowns. “Exactly how long have you been in here?”

I take a breath. “Always. My whole life. I’m twenty-three.”

Well, soon, but close enough. It’s not like I know the exact date.

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