Page 129 of Off the Rails

From behind me, Blade gripped my arms, yanking me away from Nash. “I got her first, she’s mine.”

“Bullshit!” Nash hissed.

My jaw dropped, unable to find a single word as terror took over my entire body.

With an iron grip, Blade started to push me out of the ride’s maze-like entrance and back toward the cobblestone walkways.

She moved with purpose, like she’d already decided where she wanted me. And knowing her, she’d thought about it plenty. Blade was prepared for her prize.

In a sharp whisper, Blade leaned into my ear. “Gotta be faster next time.”

“Should’ve taken off when you heard our footsteps.” Nash added from behind us.

“Oh, and start covering your tracks, Trinket.” Blade laughed.

Fuck. I’d completely forgotten to do that.

They probably followed me directly here.

I couldn’t do that next time, not if I wanted a chance at $40k. Or if I wanted to avoid Cyrus’ wrath.

My throat tightened as Blade led us to a ride: Space Summit. From the outside, it was a towering dome with no end in sight. What lay inside was anyone’s guess.

I’d been hidden for a little while. But guessing by how high the moon was in the sky, not nearly long enough. My two captors would have no need to rush.

I was theirs until sunrise. And they were going to make use of their toy.

Despite my fear, still wary of their masks, there was no denying that deep in my chest a twinge of excitement carried me on.

72

BLADE

Trinket quivered with every step we took toward my lair. She always tried to act so brave, but when it came down to it, she was still a skittish little thing. In the darkened maintenance tunnels of Space Summit, she was shaking like a leaf.

I’ll give those legs a reason to really shake.

A chuckle slipped my lips as we headed deeper into the shadows. I knew the passageway like the back of my hand. Countless hours had gone into building my torture chamber, and now, I’d finally get to show it off to the one who mattered the most.

And Nash.

I could practically feel her seething over her loss, which only made the whole thing more fun. She had her own plans for our little guest, but they’d have to wait until another night.

You snooze, you lose.

“Would you stop it with the fucking cackling?” Nash grumbled.

Tess jumped as Nash’s voice echoed against the concrete walls. But I just smiled back at her with a shrug. “God forbid a girl have a bit of fun.”

“I fail to see what’s so fun about it.”

Finally, my little toy found her voice.

At that, a fresh wave of laughter bubbled from my chest. “Oh, you’ll see, Trinket.”

Finally reaching the end of the tunnel, I reached forward and parted the curtain of heavy chain that hung over the doorway. Tess eyed the doorway, swallowing hard, but ultimately stepped forward. I stepped aside, holding the curtain open for her before letting it smash shut on Nash.

It was fun to fuck with her. But even more entertaining was watching the horror in Tess’ eyes as they jumped around the room. Once, Space Summit had been the park’s biggest indoor coaster — tightly winding tracks that spiraled down through a maze of flashing stars, comets, and space ships.