Despite everything, I chuckled. “For the record, I think I like it better now that we’re on the same team.”
He eyed me. “Did we just become best friends?”
“Asshole.” I shoved his shoulder, and he fell to the side laughing.
Before he could respond with another quip, my phone rang. We locked eyes as I dug it from my pocket.
“Ciel,” I answered, putting it on speakerphone.
“The signal!” He shouted, breathless. “The tracker signal is coming through! I found her!”
“We’re coming,” Ryu said, yanking me to my feet. “We’re stopping at the weapons closet to get suited up. Let’s go.”
My pulse thundered in my ears.
We’re coming, princess.
9
LEONA
No.
No, no, no.
There were hands all over my body. Jagged lines of pain lit my chest on fire. My body pressed into the cold, hard ground while the weight settled over me. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think. I was shaking. Ugly words whispered into my ears and traveled down my spine.
There was shouting.
Max thrashed.
Cold rushed over my bare skin. I tried to cover myself, but couldn’t.
Bury it, bury it.
Survive it.
They’re coming for me.They’ll be here soon.
The screams weren’t just mine. The fear and pain permeated the entire cargo hold. I closed my eyes and pictured the knife I’d seen laying on the floor of the room with our cell when they dragged me down here by my hair. It was hidden in the shadows, but it was there. Isaw it.
As soon as this was over, I’d get it.
As soon as this was over.
As soon as.
They threwus back into the cell. Max covered me with his suit jacket. I swam in it—it did little to cover my chest, even buttoned—but I wrapped it around my body all the same. I couldn’t feel anything anymore.
“I’m sorry?—”
I shook my head.
“Leona.”
“Don’t.”
“I can’t just pretend?—”
