We pass a security station on our way to an exit. Much like high-security prisons, there are barriers and checkpoints to pass through to move from one area of the building. The guard on the desk snores as we pass; powdered sugar coats his top lip, and a box of donuts splays open in front of him.
We weave along different corridors that look the same and climb various staircases, sticking close to the walls and staying in the shadows.
“Shh.” Eli yanks me into his chest and puts his gloved hand over my mouth. His cock stirs in his pants as I press into him. “Don’t move.”
Around the next corner, two doctors talk and compare patient notes. Apparently, not everyone is under Aiden’s thumb. All it would take is a cough for them to find me, but I stay silent and hold my breath.
“Not far to go now,” Eli promises.
As soon as the doctors are gone, we continue on. After proceeding through various doors using cards, keys, and codes, the chilly night breeze stings my cheeks.
“Where are you taking me?” I ask.
“Would you rather return to your cell?” Aiden sneers. “If I tell the other patients who you really are, they’ll give you a warm Sunnycrest welcome.”
I bite my lip. No questions, understood.
Eli squeezes my arm in reassurance. I look up into his eyes, and he smiles, as if to promise everything is going to be all right.
I want to believe him, but I don’t.
“Get ready,” Aiden says.
Before I can reply, Eli breaks into a run, tugging me along with him. I sprint, praying that my shoulder won’t dislocate from Eli’s force. Two motorcycles wait for us, hidden in a cluster of bushes on the concrete perimeter.
Aiden jumps onto one.
“Climb on,” Aiden instructs, holding out a helmet.
I’m only wearing a flimsy white nightdress and socks. Without wearing proper riding gear, what will happen if I fall? Motorcycles are accidents waiting to happen.
My hesitation is clear.
“I won’t ask again, Little Ghost,” Aiden warns.
“Don’t you trust us?” Eli asks, dropping my arm.
“I don’t trust anyone,” I answer. How can I, after all they’ve shown me?
“Just get on the fucking bike,” Aiden commands, thrusting the helmet aggressively into my arms.
Reluctantly, I put it over my head and clamber on behind him.
There’s no going back.
“Hold on tight,” Aiden growls.
He takes off at speed. The rushing air makes it hard to snatch a breath. Wind tears at my hair, causing it to billow from underneath the helmet. On our left, Eli’s engine roars as he passes us, racing through the open asylum gates. I don’t question why no one stops us, assuming it’s because of a bribe.
I wrap my arms around Aiden’s waist, clinging on for dear life. My sweaty palms keep slipping on his leather jacket, so every twist of his hips makes my heart jolt, terrified I’ll be thrown off. I clamp my thighs tightly around him. If this journey doesn’t kill me, my dad will if he finds out where I am.
I open my mouth to scream but nothing comes out as Aiden skids around a tight corner, and the wheels wail in objection. Aiden cackles, enjoying making me squirm, and rides more recklessly.
“Soak in the night air, Little Ghost,” Aiden yells. “This is true freedom!”
Up ahead, a lone pair of taillights illuminate a strip of road, completely out of place on the otherwise deserted mountain stretch. Eli swerves to a stop, and Aiden follows.
“Hang on,” Aiden says.
